Occupy protesters stage action at Ann Arbor-area Walmart Friday morning
This story has been updated with information from Pittsfield Township police
A group of Occupy Ann Arbor protesters headed to the Walmart in Pittsfield Township on Friday morning to stage a Black Friday event to urge people to boycott the national (and largely corporate-fueled) shopping day.
The group departed from Vet's Park in Ann Arbor shortly after 10 a.m., according to blogger Mark Maynard. He also was organizing an event that's to start at 2 p.m. Friday at the Water Tower in Ypsilanti.
Deputy Chief Gordy Schick, of the Pittsfield Township Department of Public Safety, said police were dispatched to the store after a report of a flash-mob style protest. He said the protesters were exiting the store when police arrived and, other than chanting loudly, were causing no problems.
Personnel from the store decided against taking any further action against the protestors, Schick said.
The Washtenaw County Black Friday protest was one of several planned in southeast Michigan today. The day after Thanksgiving — one of the biggest shopping days of the year — actually started on Thursday this year as more national stores opened earlier than ever before.
A story in the International Business Times says: "The occupy Black Friday protest, set to begin on Friday, is a part of a larger protest known as OccupyXmas that will carry on through Dec. 25."
On his blog, Maynard writes: "I encourage you to participate enthusiastically… and then maybe go and spend a few dollars with one of the local businesses that doesn’t have people sleeping out in front of it, hoping to save a few dollars on this year’s “must have” Tickle Me Elmo variant."
The Pittsfield Township protest was broadcast live on ustream.tv.
Watch the Walmart protest video.
If the Walmart protest sounds familiar, that's because a group conducted a similar event at the Ypsilanti Township store on Oct. 29 to urge the chain to recycle electronics.
Comments
Get over it
Mon, Nov 28, 2011 : 5:37 a.m.
Why are all the left wing driving Hondas and not wanting to support Walmart have you ever seen a Obama sticker on a Ford
Peter
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 2:54 p.m.
Oh hey, is this the current spot to spew right wing talking points that have no basis in reality, and then get upvoted 200 times? I want to get in on that action.
Usual Suspect
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 8:17 p.m.
OK, fine,we get it - you don't like Walmart and you don't want to shop there. Now just stay out of the way of people who do like it and do want to shop there.
timjbd
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 11:55 a.m.
The occupiers may have saved a few people from being tased or pepper sprayed. Naturally, those people would be entirely ungrateful.
Basic Bob
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 1:53 a.m.
I'm good with that, but the 99% are far from united on this issue. Or else who would be shopping there?
BhavanaJagat
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 6:39 p.m.
LIVING FOR LESS - CONSUME LESS : Whether we protest or not, there is a problem in the way of our living. We are trying to resolve problems by supplying cheap manufactured goods. The problem is not the price that we can afford to pay to find satisfaction in life. The issue is about how much we need to really consume to find satisfaction in life. We need to understand our priorities for consumption and making our lives simple, affordable, and cheerful by eliminating the craving or demand for products.
Barry
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 3:53 p.m.
All I really want for Christmas is gimcrack garbage that I don't really need and is manufactured overseas somewhere by someone who may or may not have health care and a decent wage. Maybe the person who manufactured my tennis shoes just put in a 19 hour shift. Thanks for my shoes! Saved 5$! I own three other pairs just like them sitting unused in the closet, but I need more. Frankly, I just want more stuff. And if I get more stuff for a cheaper price then I win. Not sure what I win, but I win because I have more stuff. I'm saving money. I'm living better.
David Briegel
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 2:30 a.m.
Maybe the booby prize! lol I'm with your sarcasm!!!
shepard145
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 3:47 p.m.
Once again, it would have been interesting if this "reporter" rose beyond narrator and actually "talked" to one of these "protestors" and asked them what they think they are protesting. Flipping through these comments, those who support the occupiers have assigned them near super intellectual and political powers, as always, ..except that in order to do so they must cobble together a coherent explanation for their existence since the occupiers have none. Which brings those of us who don't wish to explain the implications of their meeting place, Walmart. Even within the failing obama economy, Walmart is the largest company (and largest non government employer) in the world with an operation so efficient that they impact the nation's gross national product. The fact that far more then 50% of the products they sell are made in China should tell us we are doing something wrong. The fact that more then 2.3 million people show up to work in those uniforms every day tells us there's a lot of folks happy to have a job that puts food on the table. ..yet the occupiers continue to protest those who go to work every day, oblivious to the realities of economics and politics in their dead obama economy but seem most concerned about avoiding protesting it's source, their beloved but incompetent politically correct president. ...which leads me to my assignment to this bunch: FRAUD.
bill
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 4:13 a.m.
False statement #1 We have no coherent explanation for our existence.... False statement #2 It's Obama's economy..... False statement #3 We protest people who go to work everyday.... False statement #4 We are oblivious to the realities of economics... False statement #5 Obama is" Occupies" President..... False statement #6 We avoid protesting president Obama..... With all due respect you can't even get the basics right. Its like a little kid taking about algebra in the 1st grade... Cute but nothing more........ Ask a serious, thought out, specific question. Ask it with the basic respect that all people deserve and I'm sure you will have your question answered. Of course, if you want to rock out with more hate speech, please go right ahead.
David Briegel
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 2:29 a.m.
Why do you resort to silly, nonsensical analogies? Are you not capable of dealing with the reality of supporting the very Chinese Communism that you fear is taking over our very own nation? You really can't see the contradiction in YOUR positions?? The FRAUD is 55,000 sacrificed to stop the spread of Communism and YOU supporting Chinese Communism and their billionaire lackeys! Not one person objects to the "people who go to work every day". NOT ONE! THINK about how ridiculous YOUR position really is. Morally bankrupt!
Jim H
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 3:32 p.m.
E_beth, The employees of Walmart have jobs, they have self-respect, and they are working everyday to better themselves and their families. I will support these people anyday over the protesters. Are you implying that we should support the idea of non-working rich? What is rich? What is poor? I vote for those who try, over those who whine.
bill
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 4:19 a.m.
Jim I'm really confused. Did you wath the video to see what was protested? We protested the way Walmart treats it's employees and Walmart's (not the employees) affect on the local economy. If you scoll up the page you will see a copy of what was read/protested.
David Briegel
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 2:23 a.m.
And you are not only supporting them with your tax dollars but their billlionaire owners AND their Chinese Communist Masters. Aren't you just the proud American? You vote for those who manipulate you into being against your own self interest!
justcurious
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 3:15 p.m.
Oh look! Let's run over to Abercrombie & Fit ch and chant and protest!! Look at these salaries! And we can ogle the models at the front of the store at the same time!!! <a href="http://www.glassdoor.com/Salary/Abercrombie-and-Fitch-Salaries-E6756.htm" rel='nofollow'>http://www.glassdoor.com/Salary/Abercrombie-and-Fitch-Salaries-E6756.htm</a>
David Wizard
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 3:06 p.m.
Even in the criticism of the Occupiers in the comment section, the movement's puissance is evident. Our platform must be hitting home if the critics are resorting to ad hominem attacks and spittle-flecked rage rather than engaging on the issues and, God forbid, responding thoughtfully to what the other side is actually saying. For those who think the protests are toothless, please keep in mind that the goal of any protest movement is simply to generate awareness and publicity - change is effected slowly by generating a consensus among the majority, who then elect politicians who more closely represent the goals of the movement. So thank you for reading the article, watching the video, and commenting - whether your reaction was positive or negative, you have helped spread the message of the movement by continuing the discussion. The ONLY way to kill a movement is to ignore it, and I don't think the critics are capable of that "zen" attitude.
clownfish
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 10:10 p.m.
Or, USUAL, it could be that the corporate media is putting out a great spin job!
Usual Suspect
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 8:13 p.m.
If so many people don't know what your "message" is, it's not their fault, it's yours. The movement has had an incredible amount of fawning news coverage and recognition and support from extreme left politicians including Obama. After all those resources have been made available to you, if people still don't get your "message," the problem is the presentation, not the reception.
justcurious
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 3:17 p.m.
huh? Please translate all of that..."puissance", "spittle-flecked rage ".
clownfish
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 2:56 p.m.
Wal-mart also uses local tax breaks/credits etc to build their stores and connecting infrastructure. They have a documented history of moving their stores when these credits expire, to another close community where they then get more credits/subsidies and more infrastructure built with tax payer dollars. 2003- Wal-Mart leads the pack in attracting subsidies, this year collecting $10 million in Denver; $500,000 in Dallas; $36.7 million in Scottsdale, Ariz., (as part of a shopping center that includes Lowe's); $9 million in Bartlesville, Okla.; and $17 million in Lewiston, Maine. Washington state reports that Wal-Mart workers are the single largest group of users in its low-income health care program. Wal-Mart directly affects the rising costs associated with Medicare, by pushing their employees into state medical programs for the working poor. I can think of no other company that has done more for communist China. So, if you support taxpayer supported medical care, communism in China and federal subsidies for corporations, then by all means defend Wal-mart!
David Briegel
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 2:33 a.m.
His sources are Reality! Just keep supporting that beloved Chinese Communism while deploring American "socialism"!
Diagenes
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 4:05 p.m.
If what you type is true, Walmart is playing by the rules that local, state, and federal legislatures passed, and regulators have clarified. Don't hate the player, hate the game. The difference between Occupy and the Tea Party is that Occupy wants to take from the 1% (what ever that is) and give it to whom they deem worthy, and increase regulation of the existing game. The Tea Party wants to let all people keep more of the money they earn, and get government OUT of the game of subsidizing business and regulating personal activities like buying health insurance, light bulbs and automobiles .
justcurious
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 3:04 p.m.
sources?
clownfish
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 2:47 p.m.
The owners of Wal-Mart are some of the wealthiest people in this country, and many of their employees get their medical care from the tax payers. What I see here is people supporting a company that does what these complainers usually complain about...Other People living off their tax dollars!!
Diagenes
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 2:39 p.m.
Walmart was the target because of its preceived "abuses" of the workers. It is non union so it has to be opposed. The Occupy people must have very little respect for the people who they say they are protesting for. Most of the people who work and shop at Walmart are middleclass. Occupy is attempting to harm a corporation that employs people, pays property taxes on its stores to local governments, contributes to local charities and provides goods and services to the residents of the area. If Occupy wants to be a force for positive change they should pool their resources, form a co-op and start their own general merchandise store to compete with Walmart. Then they could be unionized, offer high wages and generous health benefits. I am sure everyone who supports the Occupy agenda will contribute money base upon their ability, based upon their need. For now I will make a special trip to Walmart to buy something I may not need to support a company who has been very successfull at its core mission, which is return on investment for its shareholders.
bill
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 4:29 a.m.
False statement #1 We protest because something is non-union... False statement #2 We have very little respect for the people we are protesting for...... "return on investment for its shareholders." this a quote by you...... Really? If this is your bottom line then your part of the problem. Why don't I pick you up and we can take a ride to the home of a family that has lost it all and you can tell them about your, "returns to shareholders" principle... Listen to your heart........
Pablo
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 2:38 p.m.
Just maybe...were minimum-wage Wal-Mart not around locally-based merchants might better survive on their own. Of course, the last time I checked, this is a relatively free country, and the Wal-Mart shoppers are allowed such shopping. I've often wondered how they justify their shopping habits. My out-of-state hometown had a Wal-Mart go in, which, of course, helped with the demise of local stores. This household has NEVER patronized Wal-Mart, out of personal convictions.
David Briegel
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 2:36 a.m.
I have friends in your home state and I deplore their shopping at Walmart. Thank you for not supporting the very Chinese Communist system our generation fought against!! Unfortunately Nikita Kruschev was prescient!
Carole
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 2:16 p.m.
I would boycott Walmart for general principles. Buy local and support our citizens here in the USA and especially in Michigan. If it is a tad more expensive, so be it--I'll either pay the price or go without.
David Briegel
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 2:39 a.m.
Supporting your own self interest and the American Way is not really a luxury!
justcurious
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 3:07 p.m.
"If it is a tad more expensive, so be it--I'll either pay the price or go without." Nice to have the luxury to say and do that.
Hot Sam
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 2:04 p.m.
I find it ironic that these folks want to protest companies that they feel make too much money, are too big to fail, seem to be out of control, and achieve success they do not deem fair, while ignoring the entity that dwarfs the rest...
bill
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 4:31 a.m.
False statement: We want to protest Walmart because they make too much money.
Hot Sam
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 3:39 a.m.
Unfortunately "central planning" is not just in China... If our government would go back to proper rules and tariffs, and quit the nanny state nonsense, I would be happy...
David Briegel
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 2:41 a.m.
You mean the overwhelming and dreaded "central planning" of the Chinese Communist system that is beloved by Walmart and the Fortune 500?
Jim Pryce
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 12:58 p.m.
If they put in as much effort to find a job, there would be no reason to protest.
Billy Bob Schwartz
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 11:52 p.m.
Do you read, or do you only comment? Over and over and over it has been said here that the people who were protesting all had jobs. What part of "all had jobs" makes it so complicated that you can say, "If they put in as much effort to find a job, there would be no reason to protest"? Do you read? Do you listen? Simple-minded cracks that may have made sense in the 1950s do not fit the current Great Recession conditions. Go out and find a job that pays enough to keep your family secure. Let me know when you find it. It ain't there. Besides, I don't think the protest is about not finding a job. Try reading some straight information on the movement before taking your cheap shot. You are embarrassing yourself.
bill
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 4:33 a.m.
Question. Have you wathced the news in the last 8 years. FY.I All of us who protested are employed.
motorcycleminer
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 11:45 a.m.
I'm surprised they could actually see to find their way to wal-mart considering the location of their heads...
GoblueBeatOSU
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 12:53 p.m.
Good one!!!
Lac Court Orilles
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 11:37 a.m.
I am surprised that Governor Snyder and Senator Randy Richardville weren't there personally to pepper spray these protesters for embarrassing a business that is there doing it's very best support the People's Republic of China.
David Briegel
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 2:42 a.m.
Excellent Post!
Tom Todd
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 11:33 a.m.
Let's all(middle &lower middle class/poor)Continue to fight each other over class war fare and insist we all loose more pay and benefits while the rich receive more and it no longer trickles down on top of us. Banks got bailed out. Halliburton got super rich.we are underwater on our houses,college tuition is out of reach,roads are crumbling,crime is rising. and we insist the standard of living falls for us?
Billy Bob Schwartz
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 3:06 a.m.
Joke all you want. Situations like this do sometimes lead to real revolutions. Not that I buy the concept, but who knows: Marx said that the ownership of the means of production and distribution of goods and services would become concentrated in fewer and fewer hands, until the working class would rise up in revolution and overthrow them. I think the people of this country need to get serious about dealing with this separation between the rich and the rest of us. And guess what, folks...I'm pretty sure that few if any of you who are writing here are in that top 1 percent that people are so angry at. Please: take this stuff seriously and think! These are real issues. Read up on the expansion of the distance between the richest people and the rest of the people. It will no go away on its own. The rich own our government. I don't support revolution, but I fear it will eventually come at this rate. We need fairness in our economy. I don't see any.
David Briegel
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 2:46 a.m.
And your boys had the same luxury from 2000 - 2006. What's your point. You liked that Bridge to Nowhere and the noble Tom Delay and Billy Tauzin? Except you don't even realize that Obama didn't take office till '09! Just simple little facts that are usually missing or in error! And those 60 votes included the DINO's Nelson, Lieberman and all your beloved "blue dogs"! Might as well have been Jim Demint!!
Diagenes
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 2:50 p.m.
Blame Obama he started the class warfare rhetoric, because he cannot run on his record of solving all the problems you site. Before you pass the buck to the GOP remember the Dems had the Whitehouse, the House of Rep. from 2007 - 2011 and 60 votes in the Senate from 2009 - 2011. AKA complete filibuster proof control.
bill
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 7:23 a.m.
Yes. Matter of fact all of the people you saw in the video have jobs or are students at local university. Among us are lawyers, grandmothers, students, carpenters, social workers, IT professionals, ect. We, like yourselves, take time to participate in things important to us. As I read the posts here I cant help but be saddened by the anger toward the people that protested today. Sincerely.... Is it threatening in some way? When I listen. I mean really listen to what was protested. The message is clear. We believe you the Walmart employees are treated poorly. I believe the anger and hate must come from some other place. I know that a long time ago, for me at least, it came from within. It had little to do with the external. Please if you are concerned that Walmart was misrepresented I encourage you to check the facts for yourself. Please don't forget to consider your sources, just as we did. I would also encourage you to check the facts about Occupy as well. If you don't like it... Ok.. I would never ask anyone to compromise there beliefs, but please think about what you say to another person or group of people standing up for what they believe to be right. Especially when what they are standing for is you.......
Arborcomment
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 2:58 p.m.
Thank you Bill.
bill
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 4:42 a.m.
God I never did think I was very creative. Your right. At that moment there was a lack of creativity as well as a lot of sleepiness. It was my attempt to respond with my heart to a bunch of hateful comments. I should have known better. Also it really is lame to read the same thing again and agian. Besides I'm lovin the tailored response thing! I do think that a lot of posts are getting removed because they really are hateful/angry rants. Most of the posts on here lack any "facts" agianst what we protested A lot of opinion yes, facts no..
Billy Bob Schwartz
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 2:56 a.m.
Cinnabar...Things have changed. Entry jobs? So you work your parttime Walmart job for how long, and then you are entitled to move up to a nonexistent "better" job, and where is that job? Get with the modern American situation. That was then; this is now. You don't work at Walmart and then use that to get a better job in a trashed economy where the wealthy can move up, but regular formerly middle class folks are stuck where they are. Working at Walmart half time for 12 bucks an hour. Well, no, because that's the claimed pay for FULLtime workers, of which you aren't one. DON'T YOU GET IT????
Arborcomment
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 8:57 p.m.
Let's try this again moderator. You have deleted a comment below that pointed out that "Bill" has exactly cut and pasted the same scribe TEN times through various threads and replies. This goes against your own guidelines on "furthering the conversation". Why don't you follow those guidelines instead of deleting those that point it out. Using cut and paste does not further discussion, makes following comments and replies more difficult, and frankly shows a lack of creativity by the originator.
cinnabar7071
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 12:54 p.m.
The fact is nobody is forced to work at Walmart. The fact is Walmart is not a career job, it is a entry level job where you prove yourself then move up or on to another job. The fact that you dont understand this is disturbing.
Tammy
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 5:05 a.m.
We want our banks and corporations to actually "make it" without the support of tax dollars. If Wal-mart and other corporations do not pay employees to be above the poverty level then the government supplements with food stamps and medicaid costing tax payers billions...so we live poor..I can not tell you when I have bought anything that was not second hand...and the CEO's of these corporations make in hours what these people make in a year...where is the equality...or you don't care if the schools are bought by corporations...which is what is happening right now...wake up people it is all connected and corporations are abusing you
David Briegel
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 4:52 a.m.
And maybe A2.com could do an in depth analysis of the labor and environmental and currency practices that the Communist Chinese system utilize to "compete" with America?
David Briegel
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 4:47 a.m.
Maybe A2.com could do an in depth article connecting some dots?
David Briegel
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 4:46 a.m.
Do you really advocate Truth, Justice and the Chinese Communist Way?
David Briegel
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 4:45 a.m.
Only to be confronted with with the labor practices of the Communist Chinese system?
David Briegel
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 4:43 a.m.
I truly don't understand why it is not permissable to discuss the sacrifice of our finest to stop the spread of communism?
nicole
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 3:38 a.m.
Do these people have jobs? So much free time to run around causing useless trouble.
bill
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 4:13 a.m.
Yes. Matter of fact all of the people you saw in the video have jobs or are students at local university. Among us are lawyers, grandmothers, students, carpenters, social workers, IT professionals, ect. We, like yourselves, take time to participate in things important to us. As I read the posts here I cant help but be saddened by the anger toward the people that protested today. Sincerely.... Is it threatening in some way? When I listen. I mean really listen to what was protested. The message is clear. We believe you the Walmart employees are treated poorly. I believe the anger and hate must come from some other place. I know that a long time ago, for me at least, it came from within. It had little to do with the external. Please if you are concerned that Walmart was misrepresented I encourage you to check the facts for yourself. Please don't forget to consider your sources, just as we did. I would also encourage you to check the facts about Occupy as well. If you don't like it... Ok.. I would never ask anyone to compromise there beliefs, but please think about what you say to another person or group of people standing up for what they believe to be right. Especially when what they are standing for is you.......
Jesi
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 4:01 a.m.
With 4 jobless Americans for every job available, I can see why there is so much "Free time".
bak
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 2:58 a.m.
If you think this protest was lame on video you should have seen it in person. Were there no bridges to protest at this week. Truth is Target, Kmart, etc. have there share of issues to and no one bothers them. Why they are union. Unions make lots of money from their members. How about 50.00 plus dollars taken out every pay period for union dues and fee's they must be upset they can't get a union into Walmart. Many people who work at Walmart have worked at unionized places and felt that the money they had no choice to contribute to was a waste. Would these protesters rather have all these fine employee's at Walmart not working and collecting unemployment. These are obviously people with to much time on their hands.
bill
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 7:36 a.m.
Yes. Matter of fact all of the people you saw in the video have jobs or are students at local university. Among us are lawyers, grandmothers, students, carpenters, social workers, IT professionals, ect. We, like yourselves, take time to participate in things important to us. As I read the posts here I cant help but be saddened by the anger toward the people that protested today. Sincerely.... Is it threatening in some way? When I listen. I mean really listen to what was protested. The message is clear. We believe you the Walmart employees are treated poorly. I believe the anger and hate must come from some other place. I know that a long time ago, for me at least, it came from within. It had little to do with the external. Please if you are concerned that Walmart was misrepresented I encourage you to check the facts for yourself. Please don't forget to consider your sources, just as we did. I would also encourage you to check the facts about Occupy as well. If you don't like it... Ok.. I would never ask anyone to compromise there beliefs, but please think about what you say to another person or group of people standing up for what they believe to be right. Especially when what they are standing for is you.......
Jesi
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 2:20 a.m.
The Occupy movement generally wants to take away the profit margins that are insanely large from corporate CEOs who haven't really worked for anything they own. We don't want hand outs, we want equal pay for equal work. The statistics they stated were researched before they were brought to the public. In order to actually qualify for the health plan and 401K, you must be a full-time member. I've often heard of many corporations (The Taco Bell I used to work at is one) who would schedule people for 39 hours and 45 minutes a work week, so they can call them "Part-time" so they don't have to pay out the same pay/benefits. (The Taco Bell I used to work at would often "bump" work hours to the next paycheck because the employee had worked more than 40 hours that week. This happened to me when I worked there on a number of occasions.) It is simply ignorant to think that there aren't people who get promoted for doing unspeakable things to ensure a company profit margin higher than ever before. It is foolish to think that everybody on every level is getting paid the same amount, but it is surely far from fair that the laborers who have to do the most work (backroom stock, floor stock, inventory personnel) are getting paid less than the CEOs who sit behind big desks and make big decisions on how to make more money for themselves. We aren't following a leader. We are waking up and realizing that it is NOT okay for the corporations to run America. We are no longer a democracy, but instead run by the corporations who stick money into the White House's back pockets through campaign contributions. We are sick of seeing the government favor the rich and ignore the working class. We are sick of being stepped on by big businesses, sick of watching our local businesses fall when they cannot compete with box-stores like Wal-Mart. We are distraught at the number of unemployed americans and the number of available jobs (1 job for every 4 unemployed americans.) We are th
Mike
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 1:32 a.m.
These people make no sense at all. None of them hire union painters to apint their houses, probably shop price for everything they buy, and then want to pay more to shop at Walmart? Corporations are what feeds them, literally. Corporations make their clothing. I don't get it. Even in comunist China where everyone is "equal" meaning equally poor; they have rich people; they call them politicians. If they call them anything else they go to prison. I'll keep our system where you work hard for an opportunity; not eveyone makes it big but it's usually not because they haven't been given an opportunity.
Lindsay Stone
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 12:43 a.m.
A "full-time" Wal-Mart employee/ must work / 1646 years/ in order to accumulate/ what the Wal-Mart CEO/ receives for one year. Wal-Mart's refusal to pay American's living wage costs Taxpayers over 1 billion dollars to Support its Employees 1 Wal-Mart store with 200 employees costs federal taxpayers over 400 thousand dollars per year. Wal-Mart's health care plan fails to cover nearly 700,000 employees. Thousands of employees and their children across the nation are on Federal and State health insurance plans. Women who work for Wal-Mart make up more than two-thirds of its hourly employees, but hold only one-third of managerial positions. Only 15 percent of Wal-Mart store managers are women. Wal-Mart has played a major role in the outsourcing of American jobs overseas. Wal-Mart now imports over 50 percent of its merchandise from overseas. Wal-Mart has used its tremendous power in the marketplace to bully American firms into moving their production facilities overseas and are required to keep prices low at all costs, even if it requires forcing employees to work in sweatshop conditions. Women who make pants in El Salvador earn 15 cents for each pair; Wal-Mart sells these pants for about $16. Women in Central America who make clothes for Wal-Mart live in shacks lacking running water or plumbing. Women in China live nine to twelve to a room in government-provided dormitories. A new Wal-Mart destroys jobs by putting local merchants out of business, in return Wal-Mart creates fewer jobs with lower pay and mostly part-time. We the 99% encourage you to as a shopper to be aware, of where your money is going, to support local business which tend to offer better working conditions, and chance for advancement. To the employees of Wal-Mart, please know you are not to blame, know that you have a voice, you have the power to take a stand, and know that we are the 99% and stand behind you.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 2:08 a.m.
@clara: 12.16/hr x 40 hrs/wk x 50 wks/yr = $24,320/year Per DHHS guidelines, $22,350 per year or lower is "poverty" for a family of four. So yes, someone at WalMart who makes $12.16/hr is technically not "in poverty". I think it fair to say that they are poverty stricken, nevertheless. As for sources, most of what is Lindsay's post can be found in a book entitled "Deer Hunting for Jesus". Check it out. You might learn something. Now, might you tell us your source about the wage of the average WalMart hourly employee? Good Night and Good Luck
Michael Gnam
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 6:45 a.m.
What is the correct quota for women managers? Employees in foreign countries would have an even lower STD of living without their job.
RTFM
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 2:08 a.m.
I would invite you to provide the source of the facts listed in your comments. Otherwise, they seem to be casually constructed. The great think about competition is that you and everyone else can go into business to right these wrongs of Wal-mart by competeting in the market place. However, if you do go into business I would advise not to call your store Stone-Mart. Please check out the site Walmartwatch dot com for stories and community awareness on Wal-Mart.
clara
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 1:55 a.m.
I didn't realize $12.16 per hour was below poverty
justcurious
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 1:07 a.m.
Where are your sources?
Lindsay Stone
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 12:42 a.m.
For those questioning what we want, we were promoting shopping at local business. Here was our script for today if you have any questions. Attention Wal-Mart shoppers: We are here/ to acknowledge/ that low prices,/ come with a high cost,/ both locally and globally: 750 thousand women/ work as "sales associates"/ in Wal-Mart stores. These women /are paid wages/ well below the poverty level Half of those women /qualify for federal assistance. *Wal-Mart drives down wages/ in urban areas,/ with an annual lost/earnings of at least $4.47 billion dollars/ for retail workers.
Billy Bob Schwartz
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 2:45 a.m.
12 bucks an hour half time is pretty poor, if you ask me. That's about 6 bucks an hour. Live on that!
clara
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 3:49 a.m.
When is over $12.00 an hour below the poverty level?
Bear
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 12:13 a.m.
It's not about making the corporations fail. That's ridiculous! It's about raising awareness and working to force corporations to take responsibility for the state of this economy. While corporations are enjoying massive tax cuts in the futile hope of creating jobs, (which doesn't equate) many people don't have homes anymore, are losing their jobs and many seniors have to choose between food or medicine. The working poor and lower income seniors are being squeezed and assistance programs are being cut. The lower half of income earners are told they have to tighten their belts while the upper portion of income earners are seeing record profits and not giving up one bite of steak or caviar. "We all have to tighten our belts" is the mantra being repeated, but people see that the only one's asked to 'tighten their belts' are the one's who can least afford it. The actions of corporations, including Walmart, have caused this mess. Without pressure, public pressure, economic pressure, nothing will change. The media tried to ignore the Occupy movement; they couldn't because it spread by word of mouth and electronic means from person to person. Then they tried to deride & demean it; that's not working so well either. But a few weak minds, conditioned on how to think & act, are rising to the propagandist's call and mindlessly repeating their mawkish calls(the usual suspects on this venue). But there are still some who try, patiently, to explain the obvious to the oblivious....
justcurious
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 1:05 a.m.
Sorry Bear. It's not working and it's not effective. The real villain is the World Bank. Closer to home it's the Federal Reserve - great name. All the misery trickles down from there.
Denise Heberle
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 12:45 a.m.
Y'all go ahead and laugh and mock - but in your hearts, be afraid. be very afraid. your house of cards is going to tumble.
Forest City
Fri, Nov 25, 2011 : 10:50 p.m.
These occupy people seem harmless and are easy to ridicule. However, imagine if they gain political power, what damage they would do as a result of their economic ignorance. Instead of berating people not to shop at Walmart and ranting about how everything is harming the environment, they could take action consistent with their beliefs. Mostly, they would hurt poor people that shop at Walmart and would suffer most from higher energy prices.
Bear
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 12:15 a.m.
geez, take a look at what you are saying! Who do you think has been harmed by the status quo? The wealthy? never mind, go back to your comic book.
clara
Fri, Nov 25, 2011 : 10:24 p.m.
Pretty interesting link. Puts a lot of holes in the big mouth in the video and to many of the above posters. "he average wage for regular, full-time hourly associates in Michigan is $12.16 per hour . . . Additionally, eligible associates receive an annual incentive based on the company performance. . . Associates that contribute to the 401(k) Plan will receive a dollar for dollar match from Walmart of up to 6 percent of pay." Sounds pretty good from where I sit. and "Walmart spent $4,360,404,234.00 for merchandise and services with 1,173 suppliers in the state of Michigan. As a result of Walmart's relationship with these suppliers, Walmart supports 61,707 supplier jobs in the state of Michigan." and "In 2010, Walmart stores, Sam's Club locations and the Walmart Foundation gave more than $20.6 million in cash and in-kind donations to local organizations in the communities they serve in the state of Michigan. Through additional funds donated by customers, and Walmart and Sam's Club associates throughout the state, the retailer's contributions in Michigan totaled more than $22.7 million. "
Hot Sam
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 1:33 p.m.
"""Bear so now you're comparing Walmart to Quaddafi?""" When your that desperate to make a pointless point...
cinnabar7071
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 1:14 p.m.
Bear so now you're comparing Walmart to Quaddafi?
Bear
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 12:19 a.m.
If Quaddafi gave that much money and employed people in Michigan, would you call HIM great? Just asking. If you think with your wallet and not your conscience than you are a part of the problem.
justcurious
Fri, Nov 25, 2011 : 11:38 p.m.
Roadman - They are "great" to the people who need jobs. Would you suggest they all leave? Would you employ all of those people?
Roadman
Fri, Nov 25, 2011 : 11:13 p.m.
GM, AT&T, and Ford Motor Company likely have done some impressive charitable contributions and helped the econmy as well, but that does not make them great.
justcurious
Fri, Nov 25, 2011 : 9:48 p.m.
Oh, and by the way... <a href="http://walmartstores.com/pressroom/statebystate/state.aspx?st=mi" rel='nofollow'>http://walmartstores.com/pressroom/statebystate/state.aspx?st=mi</a>
Billy Bob Schwartz
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 2:41 a.m.
Part-time at Walmart is below the poverty level. You look it up. I will wait to see if you can find it. Please realize that the listing of full-time pay levels is meaningless to parttimers. Also, the people working there would prefer to work some, but you ask them if they would prefer to have full time work there and not have to be on welfare. I bet on that one myself.
justcurious
Fri, Nov 25, 2011 : 11:35 p.m.
Billy Bob, if the workers are part time that means more people get to work some. Some of the places where Walmart is there are NO jobs for people who have little education except the Walmart Store. You find me the true statistics on Walmart in Michigan from YOUR source. Go ask the people who have a job if they will give it up for NO job at all.
Billy Bob Schwartz
Fri, Nov 25, 2011 : 10:53 p.m.
I love your source for how wonderful Walmart is: The Walmart Corporate Press Page. Does this all include the lack of full-time jobs so as to not require benefits usual for full-timers? Does this include the need for employees to apply for government aid in terms of medical help and other aid? Maybe you should read other than the company propaganda.
justcurious
Fri, Nov 25, 2011 : 10:06 p.m.
Target??? <a href="http://www.glassdoor.com/Salary/Target-Detroit-Salaries-EI_IE194.0,6_IL.7,14_IM236.htm" rel='nofollow'>http://www.glassdoor.com/Salary/Target-Detroit-Salaries-EI_IE194.0,6_IL.7,14_IM236.htm</a>
justcurious
Fri, Nov 25, 2011 : 9:45 p.m.
I wonder where their clothes and shoes came from and who made them and how much they were paid to do it. Their habit of repeating everything their "leader" says is annoying at best. They need to watch some old movies of real demonstrations from the 60's.
Mike
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 1:36 a.m.
Why aren't they buying them from people in this country who make them by hand? Because they can't afford them! A pair of shoes made for the wages "occupy (insert city here)" think that everyone should be paid would cost $500.00. They are not reality based, just a bunch of pawns being used for political gains.
justcurious
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 1 a.m.
Well Bear, if they are so committed then perhaps they should quit buying their clothes and shoes and start making them out of leaves. Buying clothes is supporting all of those companies. They forgot their real target...or perhaps the locals don't know who the real target is. And to me their leader is the man who starts the chant...of course...like a band leader, no like a cheerleader.
Bear
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 12:26 a.m.
Uhm, clothes & shoes? Made in China, Thailand, Taiwan, Malaysia & other places less regulated where they can easily exploit the workers with long hours and little pay. A lot of people that I know buy much of their clothing in resale shops, thereby recycling clothes that might otherwise be thrown away. I don't think you know much about how the demonstrations of the 60's formed & grew, but it was much in the same manner. Except there were militant factions bombing and killing. My how soon you forget, justcurious. I grew up in detroit during the riots. The violence basically destroyed Detroit. So, one should go naked if one is to protest the fact that practically all things produced are produced by corporations? Do you see how stupid that idea is? BTW, what leader? Pay attention, apparently you are missing the boat on this whole thing.
SalineSara
Fri, Nov 25, 2011 : 9:47 p.m.
They are Faux Hippies!
SalineSara
Fri, Nov 25, 2011 : 9:41 p.m.
Thank you Walmart for bringing affordables prices for goods to America. Imagine if we had to purchase our groceries from Whole Foods or the over priced Saturday Food Markets. Thank you Walmart!
Bear
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 12:29 a.m.
And also is one of the customers of China who poisoned your children with lead. You'd probably buy soylent green from them and thank them for making it affordable. Some people just don't get it. Can we say 'tunnel vision' - It's what you have when you are just another workhorse, pulling the wagon with blinders on so you don't get distracted by anything other than what the dray driver wants you to see. Critical thinking in this country is on the wane.
Billy Bob Schwartz
Fri, Nov 25, 2011 : 10:46 p.m.
Unfortunately, Walmart does this nice thing for you on the backs of its employees. Well, also on the backs of the taxpayers.
free
Fri, Nov 25, 2011 : 9:25 p.m.
I really wish I could have been there, but I had to occupy my job today.
braggslaw
Fri, Nov 25, 2011 : 9:15 p.m.
Laughable and pointless If you do not like walmart shop elsewhere
bill
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 7:32 a.m.
Yes. Matter of fact all of the people you saw in the video have jobs or are students at local university. Among us are lawyers, grandmothers, students, carpenters, social workers, IT professionals, ect. We, like yourselves, take time to participate in things important to us. As I read the posts here I cant help but be saddened by the anger toward the people that protested today. Sincerely.... Is it threatening in some way? When I listen. I mean really listen to what was protested. The message is clear. We believe you the Walmart employees are treated poorly. I believe the anger and hate must come from some other place. I know that a long time ago, for me at least, it came from within. It had little to do with the external. Please if you are concerned that Walmart was misrepresented I encourage you to check the facts for yourself. Please don't forget to consider your sources, just as we did. I would also encourage you to check the facts about Occupy as well. If you don't like it... Ok.. I would never ask anyone to compromise there beliefs, but please think about what you say to another person or group of people standing up for what they believe to be right. Especially when what they are standing for is you.......
Bear
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 12:41 a.m.
duh. I don't think they were shopping there. BTW, if you've ever played Walmart Bingo, you know the type of consumer they cherish, the mindless one's. Check this out and maybe you'll get close to a clue. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1rTSazpCJs&feature=related" rel='nofollow'>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1rTSazpCJs&feature=related</a>
Steve Bean
Fri, Nov 25, 2011 : 8:41 p.m.
"urge people to boycott the national (and largely corporate-fueled) shopping day." Paula, what is your source for this being the purpose of the event? There is no such mention in the video of the event. "He said the protestors were exiting the store when police arrived and, other than chanting loudly, were causing no problems." This seems to indicate that the deputy chief considers "chanting loudly" to be a problem. What's the significance of reporting his opinion about "problems" rather than the legality of behaviors? Did you ask the deputy chief to be more specific about the legality of the action?
Bear
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 12:43 a.m.
I guess then, 'free' that exercising your 1st amendment rights is a crime?
Roadman
Fri, Nov 25, 2011 : 11:16 p.m.
Steve! Great to hear the fomer mayoral candidate impart his wisdom on annarbor.com. Good to see you have your First Amendment sensors activated. LOL.
Arborcomment
Fri, Nov 25, 2011 : 9:27 p.m.
Steve, the slant on the east coast is that the O crowd are in front of chains that are listed on the stock exchange. I'm waiting to see the videos of their attempts to get between Macy's and Black Friday shoppers. Could be entertaining.
free
Fri, Nov 25, 2011 : 9:26 p.m.
Creating a disturbance is a crime.
Les Gov
Fri, Nov 25, 2011 : 8:13 p.m.
These people are so bored with life they have nothing else to do but provide some comedy for the people shopping at Walmart. Speaking of which, I'm off to that Walmart to get supplies for this weekend. I hope these people come back because I like a good joke when I'm shopping.
bill
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 7:31 a.m.
Yes. Matter of fact all of the people you saw in the video have jobs or are students at local university. Among us are lawyers, grandmothers, students, carpenters, social workers, IT professionals, ect. We, like yourselves, take time to participate in things important to us. As I read the posts here I cant help but be saddened by the anger toward the people that protested today. Sincerely.... Is it threatening in some way? When I listen. I mean really listen to what was protested. The message is clear. We believe you the Walmart employees are treated poorly. I believe the anger and hate must come from some other place. I know that a long time ago, for me at least, it came from within. It had little to do with the external. Please if you are concerned that Walmart was misrepresented I encourage you to check the facts for yourself. Please don't forget to consider your sources, just as we did. I would also encourage you to check the facts about Occupy as well. If you don't like it... Ok.. I would never ask anyone to compromise there beliefs, but please think about what you say to another person or group of people standing up for what they believe to be right. Especially when what they are standing for is you.......
bill
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 7:27 a.m.
Yes. Matter of fact all of the people you saw in the video have jobs or are students at local university. Among us are lawyers, grandmothers, students, carpenters, social workers, IT professionals, ect. We, like yourselves, take time to participate in things important to us. As I read the posts here I cant help but be saddened by the anger toward the people that protested today. Sincerely.... Is it threatening in some way? When I listen. I mean really listen to what was protested. The message is clear. We believe you the Walmart employees are treated poorly. I believe the anger and hate must come from some other place. I know that a long time ago, for me at least, it came from within. It had little to do with the external. Please if you are concerned that Walmart was misrepresented I encourage you to check the facts for yourself. Please don't forget to consider your sources, just as we did. I would also encourage you to check the facts about Occupy as well. If you don't like it... Ok.. I would never ask anyone to compromise there beliefs, but please think about what you say to another person or group of people standing up for what they believe to be right. Especially when what they are standing for is you.......
Bear
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 12:44 a.m.
Not bored; FED UP! Here's your joke - <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1rTSazpCJs&feature=related" rel='nofollow'>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1rTSazpCJs&feature=related</a>
E_beth
Fri, Nov 25, 2011 : 7:54 p.m.
People are making comments without even watching the video. From the video: Walmart workers are paid wages below the poverty level. That means Walmart workers end up qualifying for federal assistance and food stamps. Most of Walmart's workers don't receive any health insurance, so that ends up getting passed along to taxpayers too because the workers need health care through state and federal funded healthcare programs. I guess the naysayers here support the idea that there should be a working poor. I guess they also like seeing their tax dollars subsidize the basic human needs of Walmart's employees because Walmart refuses to pay them enough to meet these needs out of their own earnings. No thanks. I'll pass on supporting a company like that. I'll support local, small business or just save my money instead.
Jake C
Mon, Nov 28, 2011 : 12:46 a.m.
@Hot Sam: Two issues with what you posted: 1: "The GOVERNMENT puts that gun to our heads because we allow them to be bought off". Our current election system gives us the choice between a Democrat who received $X in campaign contributions from special interest groups, and a Republican who received $Y in campaign contributions from special interest groups. When's the last time you (or any of us) voted for a third party that received no special interest campaign contributions? 2: "If this whole occupy thing was on Pennsylvania Avenue, they may have a point" They are. But it takes two to tango. Considering Congress has a 9% approval rating, most people in America realize that our elected officials kinda suck. But not many people have been complaining about the corporations & special interest groups that pour unlimited amounts of money into influencing the outcomes of elections and behind-the-scenes legislation & executive orders. Why complain only about one group, and not the other?
timjbd
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 11:51 a.m.
The only comment worth reading. Thanks Beth.
Hot Sam
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 1:30 p.m.
"""No Sara, but Walmart puts a gun to the head of the American people to pay the benefits for their underpaid workforce. """ No Dave, the GOVERNMENT puts that gun to our heads, because WE allow them to be bought off... Everywhere from benefits, to R&D, to public art, the cost is being shifted to the middle class... If this whole occupy thing was on Pennsylvania Avenue, they may have a point...
Halter
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 1:51 a.m.
Bear....same old rhetoric all the Occupy folks are using...Stick to your script and say the same thing over and over, even if very few of the 99% others support your cause and insult anyone that doesn't agree with you. The reason the Occupy movement isn't going anywhere is because most american's DONT agree with you. This isn't a silent majority thing....thing is plain old people don't agree with you. Look at the percentage of comments on these annarbor.com topics -- they are pretty representational....The few Occupy folks who keep at their rhetoric support it, while a good 90 percent of the posts DO NOT....
Bear
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 12:53 a.m.
macabre, sara & blow, you guys crack me up with your failure to grasp what is happening in your own country, in front of your eyes. Let's see, either work for walmart or live in the street? Hmmmmm.... Nope, that probably never crossed your mind. Protest in the hope they lose their job? Hmmmmm..... I guess you haven't a clue what is being disputed in the first place. Being unemployed means you're a bum? Hmmmmm...... I guess a lot of displaced workers would take extreme umbrage to your clueless generalization. Besides I know a lot of those involved in Occupy who are working & going to school and have sacrificed all of their remaining free time for a cause they believe in. I don't see you doing anything but complaining and casting aspersions on people who have more motivation in their little finger than you have in your entire body. I think much more of their opinion than I do of yours. The only thing I'm trying to do here is give those who would mindlessly support your opinion another option and something to think of. You just keep your blinders on and looking straight ahead.
Macabre Sunset
Fri, Nov 25, 2011 : 10:41 p.m.
Nothing makes an unemployed bum angrier than someone working hard for a living. So this makes sense.
David Briegel
Fri, Nov 25, 2011 : 9:51 p.m.
No Sara, but Walmart puts a gun to the head of the American people to pay the benefits for their underpaid workforce. And you decry "the dole"!
SalineSara
Fri, Nov 25, 2011 : 9:42 p.m.
Nobody puts a gun at anybody's head to work there.
grye
Fri, Nov 25, 2011 : 9:15 p.m.
Nobody makes the employees work at WalMart. If they want better pay and benefits, then go work somewhere else. If a different skill set is needed, then go get it. If the jobs are located someplace else in the country, then move. No one has their feet nailed to the ground. To sit around and complain about WalMart is will not solve anyone's personal issues. Need to pull yourself up by the bootstraps, grab the bull the horns, and fix your own problems.
joe.blow
Fri, Nov 25, 2011 : 8:41 p.m.
So, the OAA movement thought it would be fun to show up at a place were the working poor are, so that they could protest in the hope that they'd lose there job? That's sadistic man.
Halter
Fri, Nov 25, 2011 : 7:51 p.m.
It just indicates that the Occupy movement has zero credibility nor any plan at this point. They don't even know what they philosophically stand for anymore, nor does anybody trying to figure them out...which is why they aren't gaining any supporters... I'd say time to take a break for a few months -- get some of your leaders together nationally and try to figure out what you even stand for at this point, if anything, and then regroup in the spring, if anything even exists by that point anymore....
bill
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 7:31 a.m.
Yes. Matter of fact all of the people you saw in the video have jobs or are students at local university. Among us are lawyers, grandmothers, students, carpenters, social workers, IT professionals, ect. We, like yourselves, take time to participate in things important to us. As I read the posts here I cant help but be saddened by the anger toward the people that protested today. Sincerely.... Is it threatening in some way? When I listen. I mean really listen to what was protested. The message is clear. We believe you the Walmart employees are treated poorly. I believe the anger and hate must come from some other place. I know that a long time ago, for me at least, it came from within. It had little to do with the external. Please if you are concerned that Walmart was misrepresented I encourage you to check the facts for yourself. Please don't forget to consider your sources, just as we did. I would also encourage you to check the facts about Occupy as well. If you don't like it... Ok.. I would never ask anyone to compromise there beliefs, but please think about what you say to another person or group of people standing up for what they believe to be right. Especially when what they are standing for is you.......
Bear
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 12:57 a.m.
leaders get bought and co-opted or killed. The corporations fear a movement where there is no leader. It confuses small minds with no imagination.
Bear
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 12:56 a.m.
keep dreaming and go back to your regularly scheduled programming.
InsideTheHall
Fri, Nov 25, 2011 : 7:15 p.m.
Half a dozen wackos nothing more nothing less. Why did you not report that Maynard received a bloody nose in the parking lot delivered by the one of the Sons of America group?
bill
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 7:30 a.m.
Yes. Matter of fact all of the people you saw in the video have jobs or are students at local university. Among us are lawyers, grandmothers, students, carpenters, social workers, IT professionals, ect. We, like yourselves, take time to participate in things important to us. As I read the posts here I cant help but be saddened by the anger toward the people that protested today. Sincerely.... Is it threatening in some way? When I listen. I mean really listen to what was protested. The message is clear. We believe you the Walmart employees are treated poorly. I believe the anger and hate must come from some other place. I know that a long time ago, for me at least, it came from within. It had little to do with the external. Please if you are concerned that Walmart was misrepresented I encourage you to check the facts for yourself. Please don't forget to consider your sources, just as we did. I would also encourage you to check the facts about Occupy as well. If you don't like it... Ok.. I would never ask anyone to compromise there beliefs, but please think about what you say to another person or group of people standing up for what they believe to be right. Especially when what they are standing for is you.......
Bear
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 12:55 a.m.
of course not! We have half a dozen wackos complaining on this thread and whining about people involved in making a difference..
David Briegel
Fri, Nov 25, 2011 : 9:32 p.m.
They don't wish to offend their radical tea drinking base!
Louhi
Fri, Nov 25, 2011 : 7:05 p.m.
Wall Street, Wallmart.....Its just another brick in the Wall
jcj
Fri, Nov 25, 2011 : 7:03 p.m.
The IQ of a rock! Close down Walmart, K-Mart, Mini mart, and see how many more are living in tents! As if your little drama will have any effect. Probably could have gotten the whole "group" in a VW beetle!
Billy Bob Schwartz
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 2:26 a.m.
JCJ... Please read up on the actions of Walmart in respect to their employees. Google some independent and reliable sources. Their policies are designed to keep people from getting full-time employment so that they don't have to pay for any benefits. Many individuals have said that one of the first things they were told when they started working there was how to apply for government support (welfare). Montgomery Wards was only a Sears style department store. Remember J.L Hudson's? Gone. These aren't the same as Walmart. They hired full-time people and behaved in the style of concerned and supportive employees. Federals, too, and Gilmore's in Kalamazoo, etc. etc. etc. Walmart keeps prices low on the backs of their workers, in my opinion. Please give reading about it an honest effort. Walmart. There used to be local stores. Now there are Walmart.
bill
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 7:30 a.m.
Yes. Matter of fact all of the people you saw in the video have jobs or are students at local university. Among us are lawyers, grandmothers, students, carpenters, social workers, IT professionals, ect. We, like yourselves, take time to participate in things important to us. As I read the posts here I cant help but be saddened by the anger toward the people that protested today. Sincerely.... Is it threatening in some way? When I listen. I mean really listen to what was protested. The message is clear. We believe you the Walmart employees are treated poorly. I believe the anger and hate must come from some other place. I know that a long time ago, for me at least, it came from within. It had little to do with the external. Please if you are concerned that Walmart was misrepresented I encourage you to check the facts for yourself. Please don't forget to consider your sources, just as we did. I would also encourage you to check the facts about Occupy as well. If you don't like it... Ok.. I would never ask anyone to compromise there beliefs, but please think about what you say to another person or group of people standing up for what they believe to be right. Especially when what they are standing for is you.......
jcj
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 2:18 a.m.
Bear "Before Walmart, K-Mart and convenience stores you have more vibrant neighborhoods where the shop owners knew all their customers and they supported the neighborhoods and employed people and it made for a vibrant economy." Why blame the stores? If what used to be was what people wanted then we would still have it! What used to be was not always better! And I gotta a hunch I have been around longer than you. We have had Kmart formerly Kresge, Arlans, Montgomery Wards even Walmart around for years and I think we have had a few years with a " vibrant economy." in-spite of them. We had lots of mom and pop businesses around in the 30's how vibrant was that economy?
Bear
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 1:04 a.m.
jcj, you sound like one of those who support Homeland Security & the patriot act because you act from fear rather than reason. You put out hatred instead of love. I hope I am wrong, but what you put out sounds like that. Before Walmart, K-Mart and convenience stores you have more vibrant neighborhoods where the shop owners knew all their customers and they supported the neighborhoods and employed people and it made for a vibrant economy. Maybe you are too young to remember that or just have a selective memory. There is always something to take the place of these vultures. Nothing happens in a vacuum. You just don't like America.
Michigan Man
Fri, Nov 25, 2011 : 11:59 p.m.
Briegel = Dragging down the successful, rich and wealthy Ann Arborites to a pissnat level helps no one, not even you.
David Briegel
Fri, Nov 25, 2011 : 9:31 p.m.
Close them down and see legit LOCAL business flourish!
Jackietreehorn
Fri, Nov 25, 2011 : 9:24 p.m.
Only if one of the group member's parents (or grandparents) owns a VW Beetle
Jacob Bodnar
Fri, Nov 25, 2011 : 6:53 p.m.
Do they realize that these "corporate-fueled" corporations wouldn't have these crazy black Friday sales if people didn't show up? Black Friday is fueled by consumers - because consumers love it.
Billy Bob Schwartz
Fri, Nov 25, 2011 : 8:16 p.m.
The fabrication of Great Sales Days by the corporations is just one more sign of the need to have protesters out there trying to wake up the somnolent public. Read a bit of background on this black Friday thing. You will quickly see that the savings (with the exception of some electronics, etc.) are not worth getting up in the midmorning for, much less staying up overnight. If you buy for Christmas, watch for later sales or get onling and really save. People are pretty similar to sheep someetimes, and these sales really show that. All I can say is: Ba-a-a-a-a-a-a-h! Humbug!
RTFM
Fri, Nov 25, 2011 : 6:52 p.m.
Welcome home OAA! On behalf of the family of the Pittsfield Wal-Mart we sincerely missed your presence. Now let's get back to Price Rollbacks.
Sharpmind
Fri, Nov 25, 2011 : 6:42 p.m.
Notice that the protest started at 10 AM. Seems like they scheduled time to allow "shopping" before the protest.
bill
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 7:29 a.m.
Yes. Matter of fact all of the people you saw in the video have jobs or are students at local university. Among us are lawyers, grandmothers, students, carpenters, social workers, IT professionals, ect. We, like yourselves, take time to participate in things important to us. As I read the posts here I cant help but be saddened by the anger toward the people that protested today. Sincerely.... Is it threatening in some way? When I listen. I mean really listen to what was protested. The message is clear. We believe you the Walmart employees are treated poorly. I believe the anger and hate must come from some other place. I know that a long time ago, for me at least, it came from within. It had little to do with the external. Please if you are concerned that Walmart was misrepresented I encourage you to check the facts for yourself. Please don't forget to consider your sources, just as we did. I would also encourage you to check the facts about Occupy as well. If you don't like it... Ok.. I would never ask anyone to compromise there beliefs, but please think about what you say to another person or group of people standing up for what they believe to be right. Especially when what they are standing for is you.......
Bear
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 1:05 a.m.
that's just dumb if you truly believe that.
grye
Fri, Nov 25, 2011 : 6:41 p.m.
After watching some of the video (couldn't stomach the entire thing), I felt as though I was watching a bunch of sheep that blindly followed their leader. That video was bout the dumbest thing I have ever seen. If you are unhappy with the current situation, get a job, run for office, submit change through the system. You will never change anything ranting about corporations as you meander through the ladies clothing section at a local WalMart.
grye
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 5:04 p.m.
I've been out there in past years to purchase specific items at very low prices. But I have to admit it has gotten out of hand. I would gladly pay a little more and avoid the madness.
Bear
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 1:07 a.m.
Gee, I was thinking the same thing about the mindless throngs that shop on black friday. Stumbling, fighting, macing, trampling, robbing, throngs, blindly following their corporate masters in fighting over crumbs from the table of the wealthy. pitiful.
grye
Fri, Nov 25, 2011 : 10:29 p.m.
I can only believe it was probably David with another unhappy comment.
toothless wonder
Fri, Nov 25, 2011 : 6:39 p.m.
YES! YES! Americans are powerless against the right-wing hologram that surrounds us. ANY who stand up are to be ridiculed!! Everything is futile. Make fun of it!
Bear
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 1:09 a.m.
amen, you've said it sayitplain.
say it plain
Fri, Nov 25, 2011 : 6:50 p.m.
It's awful, isn't it?! They've done their homework, the 'hologram-makers' as you call them ;-) They know how to marginalize all who won't accept it (which of course includes perpetuating the idea that if only these unwashed nasty masses would *do their* homework, as it were, they could participate in the "goodness" I guess they'd call it somehow that is our blessed system lol). I couldn't pull off the protests in this fashion myself, but I totally respect those who are trying to shake us out of the daze we've let ourselves fall into as a culture...
grye
Fri, Nov 25, 2011 : 6:30 p.m.
It absolutely amazing the level of ignorance in this group. They want to protest Black Friday because it generates income for corporations. Many retail sales companies will not be profitable until the end of the Christmas/holiday purchasing season. Do they want corporations to fail? What will we become if all corporations fail? A large group of single owner proprietorships? And will they then complain about proprietorships that make too much money? Our economy is grounded on corporations and small businesses and their profitability. Without businesses making money, we might as well be a socialist or communist state where the government dictates who will make how much money and what products will be made. But then again maybe that is exactly what this group wants. I strongly suggest they go to a communist country and enjoy the government's fruits of the citizens labor.
Peter
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 2:52 p.m.
joe.blow, he doesn't have to explain why. grye made the claims, he needs to provide evidence. If I said you liked to run over puppies, I'd have to prove it, you wouldn't have to disprove it.
joe.blow
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 2:59 p.m.
Terry, nice rebuttal. You just say no like a child with no explanation. Just like the occupy movement, anger, but no reason.
Terry Calhoun
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 2:16 p.m.
Not gonna say you're "ignorant," but you do get remarkable amount wrong in a few words ;-0 ... just a few here: #1 wrong: No, they do not protest Black Friday "because it makes money for corporations." #2 wrong: No, they do not "want corporations to fail". #3 wrong: Conflating corporations and small businesses when you know the protestors are not demonstrating against small businesses. #4 wrong: "Without businesses making money we might as well be ... communist?" Have you read anything lately about businesses in communist China? They make money. #5 wrong: Nope, that's not what this group wants. #6: Same old "if you don't like it here, go there" routine. Boring and irrelevant, not to mention based on outdated and incorrect assumption.
bill
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 7:28 a.m.
Yes. Matter of fact all of the people you saw in the video have jobs or are students at local university. Among us are lawyers, grandmothers, students, carpenters, social workers, IT professionals, ect. We, like yourselves, take time to participate in things important to us. As I read the posts here I cant help but be saddened by the anger toward the people that protested today. Sincerely.... Is it threatening in some way? When I listen. I mean really listen to what was protested. The message is clear. We believe you the Walmart employees are treated poorly. I believe the anger and hate must come from some other place. I know that a long time ago, for me at least, it came from within. It had little to do with the external. Please if you are concerned that Walmart was misrepresented I encourage you to check the facts for yourself. Please don't forget to consider your sources, just as we did. I would also encourage you to check the facts about Occupy as well. If you don't like it... Ok.. I would never ask anyone to compromise there beliefs, but please think about what you say to another person or group of people standing up for what they believe to be right. Especially when what they are standing for is you.......
grye
Fri, Nov 25, 2011 : 10:27 p.m.
How simple minded some are. Someone does better than you. You are then jeaolous and think you deserve what the other person has. You don't believe they deserve it despite how hard they may have worked for it. You complain about corporations making money but without them, many people would not have jobs. Unhappy with how the corporation treats you? Quit and form your own corporation and then treat people how you think they should be treated. Your jealousy it hard to disguise.
David Briegel
Fri, Nov 25, 2011 : 9:11 p.m.
Kinda like the sheeple who want the USA and our current Pres to fail! You know, your buddies!!! Money is speech and corporations are just people. What's the problem??
ChrisW
Fri, Nov 25, 2011 : 6:21 p.m.
Funniest part of the UStream video is the commercial for the 80" Sharp LCD in the middle of the protest.
golfer
Fri, Nov 25, 2011 : 6:15 p.m.
welcome back to let protest everything. this group started out a wallstreet protest. now expanding. good reason to shut it off. if you had one cause. fight for that cause. now you are doing others. sorry but you lost me. have fun enjoy the outdoors.
Billy Bob Schwartz
Sun, Nov 27, 2011 : 2:07 a.m.
I don't really understand where all this anger and, well, hatred comes from. These people have convictions, and they are acting on them in the way they choose. This is America, yes? You remember it? Land of the free and home of the brave? It takes bravery to stand up and support what you believe in. In addition, the FIrst Amendment guarantees the whole thing. Neat, isn't it? You can assemble and you can speak your mind, even if you speak together with other people who agree with you. Also, the protest seems basically to be dealing with the unfairness of our economic system, including its domination by those who have most of the money and use it to their own unfair advantage. You don't have to agree with this, but it seems to me that a fair person would listen, and would allow their protests without being arrogant and nasty toward them. I was raised to respect people who have strong convictions and work toward promoting them. I respect these people for standing up. I see little reason to tell them that their chosen target is inconsistent with what happens in New York City.
golfer
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 7:03 p.m.
bear i guess i do not know what wall treet is. i think i should learn. maybe from the group that started out against wallstreet. then went to walmart. sorry but i really think this stuff is just plain junk!. protest to protest. start with one then go on to others. i will try to learn about wallstreet. maybe from the older papers where they started. watch out maybe they will take on dte, at&t and how about going to lansing. hope you go out and join them or sitting home?
bill
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 7:28 a.m.
Yes. Matter of fact all of the people you saw in the video have jobs or are students at local university. Among us are lawyers, grandmothers, students, carpenters, social workers, IT professionals, ect. We, like yourselves, take time to participate in things important to us. As I read the posts here I cant help but be saddened by the anger toward the people that protested today. Sincerely.... Is it threatening in some way? When I listen. I mean really listen to what was protested. The message is clear. We believe you the Walmart employees are treated poorly. I believe the anger and hate must come from some other place. I know that a long time ago, for me at least, it came from within. It had little to do with the external. Please if you are concerned that Walmart was misrepresented I encourage you to check the facts for yourself. Please don't forget to consider your sources, just as we did. I would also encourage you to check the facts about Occupy as well. If you don't like it... Ok.. I would never ask anyone to compromise there beliefs, but please think about what you say to another person or group of people standing up for what they believe to be right. Especially when what they are standing for is you.......
Bear
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 1:13 a.m.
No expansion whatsoever. If you ever paid attention you would know that it's part of the problem. What doesn't Wall Street have their mitts in? Do you even know what Wall Street is? How can you make this statement about 'now expanding'. I don't think you have the slightest clue how we got into this economic mess in the first place. You just woke up one day and looked around, bewildered, saying "What just happened?" Seems you were 'lost' a long time ago, Mort.
Morris Thorpe
Fri, Nov 25, 2011 : 6:07 p.m.
Tip for protesters: I watched that video but bailed after a little while. Having one guy recite a whole speech line by line and then having the others repeat it...well, it's way too long. Oh, and it's creepy hearing the others parrot line after line in a zombie-like tone. Oh, and enough with the Occupy this and that. I do not and will not shop at Walmart but I have a feeling that these dudes are having as much impact as protesters in front of abortion clinics.
Lindsay Stone
Sat, Nov 26, 2011 : 1:14 a.m.
I was one of the ones involved today and let me assure you that several people there, helped write the script that was read. Also the reason the human mic is used is for two things. 1. to amplify voices 2. to help make each point stick harder oh wait there is three 3. it's not uncommon to have others who feel the same to then feel more comfortable joining in and making their voices heard as well
Morris Thorpe
Fri, Nov 25, 2011 : 9:25 p.m.
Billy, those folks are sheep too. Sheep come in all colors and shapes. Don't assume that just because someone disagrees with one group they automatically agree with the other.
Billy Bob Schwartz
Fri, Nov 25, 2011 : 8:09 p.m.
MT...It sounds to me like you are describing the Faux News people and their teatype lemmings. Isn't it interesting? I guess sheep are in the mind of the beholder.
golfer
Fri, Nov 25, 2011 : 7:18 p.m.
i agree they have no impact what so ever. i hope they protest all winter. like when it gets real cold out.
Dante Marcos
Fri, Nov 25, 2011 : 5:58 p.m.
Some of us are actually alive.
M
Fri, Nov 25, 2011 : 5:58 p.m.
Aren't all businesses "Corporate-fueled"?
Roadman
Fri, Nov 25, 2011 : 11:10 p.m.
Some businesses are sole proprietorships, partnerships, or limited liabilty companies.