Wal-Mart Wars
Now I know most of you have heard the latest rumor — that Wal-Mart is thinking of moving into the Senior Center Thrift Store’s location at the top of Land’s Hill. Now you know and I know this is gonna split Camano Island right down the gullet.
Some folks’ll say we already GOT cheap imported goods at the Thrift Store — why bring in a middle man? And some will say Wal-Mart will kill a way of life we’ve come to treasure here on the island. You know, commuting to Smokey Point for our supplies. If nothing else, a good excuse to dodge the chores…..
The artists are already up in arms. As you know, artists are the Vanguard of Change, the Canary in the StripMall, the little light in the refrigerator. They let you see what’s coming before it clobbers you. Now this is all well and good, but I think there’s been a misunderstanding. It’s Wal-MART — not Wall-ART. They’re not selling cut-rate made-in-China original art to hang on the wall. The artists STILL got that market. We got to get the news to them before they start picketing or rioting.
Now you’re gonna see a new Civil War. The South End against the North End. The old timers against the newcomers. The discount shoppers vs. the boutique buyers. The expresso drinkers vs. the drip drinkers. It’ll be a bloodbath before it’s settled. There’s something ABOUT a Wal-Mart that sets off civil strife. Down at the South End we got pretty near all we need at Elger Bay Grocery. Costs a little more but sometimes you got to look a little deeper for the hidden costs of cheaper goods. That Wal-Mart might sell you a hammer half price, but if it’s getting used on the neighbor, you need to factor in the ambulance bill.
We all like to pay less. Except maybe the Latte Lovers. But down at our depressed region we learned it’s probably easier if you just learn to BUY less. I know, it isn’t the American Way, but maybe it would help lessen the social discord.
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