Wal-Mart Critics Launch New Movie You Can See at No Charge
Recently, the documentary "Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price"
was released in about25 theaters nationwide.
But the director, Robert Greenwald, is hoping that the movie
will be shown for free in thousands of homes and churches
throughout November. The film was made on a budget of under $2
million, which is tiny compared to that of most movies.
Wal-Mart Recruits a War Room
Wal-Mart is worried that the unflattering film may become a cult
hit along the lines of Michael Moore's film about General
Motors, "Roger & Me." In response to this and other public
relations problems, Wal-Mart has recruited former presidential
advisers to set up a rapid-response public relations team.
A Counterattack
Wal-Mart has already produced a short video claiming Greenwald's
contains factual errors. Greenwald noted that their objections
were based not on the film, but on a preview posted online.
Wal-Mart has also begun to promote a second film, "Why Wal-Mart
Works & Why That Makes Some People Crazy."
Stock Price Dropping
Wal-Mart's stock price has fallen 27 percent in the past five
years, which may reflect investors' worries about the company's
image. Two to8 percent of Wal-Mart customers have ceased
shopping at the chain as a result of "negative press they have
heard."
Cheating Workers and Destroying Towns"Wal-Mart: The High Cost of
Low Price" accuses Wal-Mart managers of cheating workers out of
overtime pay and encouraging them to seek state-sponsored health
care when they cannot afford the company's insurance. The film
also examines the effects on independent businesses when a
Wal-Mart opens nearby.
New York Times November 1, 2005 Registration Required
Dr. Mercola's Comment:Although I admire the organizational
structure that has allowed Wal-Mart to achieve what they have, I
strongly disagree with many of their practices and never shop in
their stores. (I much prefer their competitor Costco, which is
one of my absolute favorite stores.)
If you're at all on the fence about Wal-Mart and their business
practices -- some of which border on the frightening -- you'll
want to see the documentary, Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low
Price.
I also urge you to read the entirety of the New York Times
article summarized above, as it gives an eye-opening glimpse of
"Action Alley," Wal-Mart's war room inside its Bentonville,
Ark., headquarters, where it monitors consumer reactions and
media news about the company.
I look forward to viewing the documentary and have ordered it at
their site. However,many of you can now, or will soon be able
to, see it for free at a location near you.