zeke
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Post by zeke on Nov 27, 2020 11:24:38 GMT -8
Wal-Mart used to tell their new hires how to get gov't assisted health insurance, instead of offering health benefits. That lack of offering benefits led to many people not shopping there, me included.
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Post by autumnmist on Nov 27, 2020 12:35:20 GMT -8
Why the hate for Walmart? For me, the objection has always been its treatment of its workers. I decided years ago I wouldn't patronize WalMart. In my area though, there are so many alternatives, one of the advantages I suppose of living in a heavily populated and retailed metropolitan area. But in all fairness to bluefish , if it's the primary resource and there are no other options locally, I can fully understand and support the need to find a local supplier. When we used to visit relatives in the area where my father grew up, one of the most obvious differences between the environment in my area was the scarcity of stores.
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Post by autumnmist on Nov 27, 2020 12:39:04 GMT -8
I firmly believe that in America today, poverty is a choice. I'm not going to challenge or argue that here, other than to ask if you've ever been in a situation of poverty and tried to claw your way out. If you're ever in the Detroit area, I'd be glad to show you poverty in the flesh, in some of the areas of Detroit, or even Pontiac. Beyond that, this is a discussion for TPA.
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zeke
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Post by zeke on Nov 27, 2020 16:08:31 GMT -8
Folks, this is not TPA, so please be a little more understanding and tolerant of others' opinions. Mods can either move this to TPA, or start removing parts of posts.
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Post by johntpenca on Nov 27, 2020 17:34:35 GMT -8
Previous post deleted by me, not the mods.
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jazzmom
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Post by jazzmom on Nov 28, 2020 10:48:30 GMT -8
Anyone that applies for a Wal-Mart associate position and needs that job to be their main source of income and insurance is simply making bad life choices IMHO. I firmly believe that in America today, poverty is a choice. Not everyone can make 6 figures and work in a nice air-conditioned office, but anyone that thinks they are limited to what Wal-Mart is offering is just being willfully ignorant. WOW. And that's me being as tolerant as I can possibly be.
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Post by bluefish on Nov 28, 2020 13:04:39 GMT -8
Well, I think we should have a transgender, handicapped, whale as President and I'm totally unapologetic about it. But I'd rather hear wolves howl than most popular music.
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Post by Lamebeaver on Nov 28, 2020 19:04:00 GMT -8
Anyone that applies for a Wal-Mart associate position and needs that job to be their main source of income and insurance is simply making bad life choices IMHO. I firmly believe that in America today, poverty is a choice. If it comes to going on welfare, or attempting to make an honest living and being able to feed your family, I would applaud the person who chose the latter. Your snobbish elitism and lack of empathy speak volumes about your true character. And to the moderators, this has NOTHING to do with politics.
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Post by Lamebeaver on Nov 28, 2020 19:11:01 GMT -8
Back to the OP,
Walmart has had backpacking gear for years. I still have a Ozark Trail tent, which I've used and abused, and loaned to others, for years. 3.5lb lbs, cost $15. Room for one normal sized person and their pack (sleeping diagonally). They called it a two person tents, but those must have been midgets.
The stove looks interesting, I'll check it out next time I'm in one of their stores....which may be several months from now. The rest of the stuff is not that impressive IMHO.
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Post by bobcat on Nov 28, 2020 21:55:10 GMT -8
BP magazine did a gear head article, years ago, about a gear test where they spent $200 at Walmart to get boots, pack, tent, stove, sleeping bag, ccf pad, and so on. Then they went on a several-nights backpacking trip. If I recall, the judgement was too heavy and not durable, but ok for starters and thank goodness it didn’t rain a lot, or words to that effect. Walmart’s been selling cheap imported camping stuff for decades, this current thing seems to me to be marketing hype in the pandemic-induced run on gear for new hikers.
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Post by bluefish on Nov 29, 2020 0:51:16 GMT -8
Wally world also sells bikes and some high end ones at that. I've always laughed at times in campgrounds on the coast when storms blew in and the dumpsters would be filled with Wal-Mart bought gear. I don't think they'll ever change their business model of affordable=disposable=buy it again, Sam. Dick's Sporting Goods could outfit a backpack venture at about mid-grade. High end for clothing. Thank God when I started out I bought used gear that was bomb proof but heavy. It served me well and DIDN'T fail. I don't think Wal-Mart will significantly cut into sales at REI, but it may get a small share of the new outdoor explosion market. the ones , unfortunately who are not following rules and LNT practices. I did some trips in the Sierra wearing a Russian great Coat I found in a thrift shop in Bishop, ala John Muir. Stuff some food in the pockets and a cup, a tarp worn as a sling. It actually wasn't bad, especially as I had a big floppy wool hat when the temps dropped at night. To me, the simplicity and wonder of a new ventures was the appeal, not buying cheap copies of what has become stereotypical backpacking experience. I'm glad I started pre you tube. Pre Wal-Mart.
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trinity
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Post by trinity on Nov 29, 2020 3:54:21 GMT -8
And to the moderators, this has NOTHING to do with politics. No, it is an attack on a person's character, which is much worse. Let's bring it down, folks.
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Post by bluefish on Nov 29, 2020 4:24:46 GMT -8
And to the moderators, this has NOTHING to do with politics. No, it is an attack on a person's character, which is much worse. Let's bring it down, folks. My political correctness, or at least whatever label you get for calling out snobbery with racial overtones, was what made the newbie leave. Chastise and ban me. Go ahead, it's OK. I'll join Ohm in infamy. I'm not asking to be removed, but I strongly object to opinionated bombs being dropped without any recourse for rejoinder. Many of us spend a fair amount of time sharing here, it's far more than just a shallow plug in for info and out. The snark Rebecca got for a simple innocent question made me see red. I know of two Wal Marts that use people in wheelchairs as greeters. Some are vets. I guess you got to start clawing your way up the ladder somewhere.
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trinity
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Post by trinity on Nov 29, 2020 5:44:30 GMT -8
I strongly object to opinionated bombs being dropped without any recourse for rejoinder. You can respond to a person's post without insulting them. See autumnmist 's post above.
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zeke
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Post by zeke on Nov 29, 2020 7:14:24 GMT -8
Opposing opinions can be freely expressed, and it can be pointed out that some opinions show a lack of empathy for others, all without resorting to the type of posts that were deleted entirely.
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