Democracy for Vancouver

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1. Dear xxxx,

   Mandatory political indoctrination, Democrat-bashing, voter intimidation. Yes, it’s business as usual at Wal-Mart.

   This summer, Wal-Mart has organized mandatory meetings across the country, all with one purpose: to intimidate rank-and-file employees into voting Republican. The company’s workers have been forced to attend ideologically-charged, Wal-Mart-sponsored rants against Democrats, Barack Obama, and landmark legislation that would allow workers to vote for or against representation.

   We have received several calls from workers, their stories are very similar and similarly unsettling. As one worker put it, “they were telling me how to vote.” Another Wal-Mart worker, Beth from Alabama, was told by Wal-Mart management that if she “voted for John McCain, then everything would be okay.”

   We believe that ideological indoctrination and political scare tactics are completely inappropriate for the workplace. Yet again, Wal-Mart’s management has crossed the line, possibly breaking the law in the process. In light of these developments, we are calling for an immediate FEC investigation into Wal-Mart’s political bullying at work, but we need your help to make a real impact.

   Please tell the FEC to investigate Wal-Mart’s mandatory political meetings today.

   Outright political intimidation may seem too risqué for a global corporation. Not for Wal-Mart. Stories like the above are actually an emerging part of Bentonville’s corporate culture.

   Take 2006, when Wal-Mart organized a “voter education program” for employees. The company placed Terry Nelson at the helm: formerly George W. Bush’s political director, and later fired for making racist ads about a Democratic politician. Unsurprisingly, Wal-Mart’s “education” program amounted to a thin veneer over strident attacks against Democratic candidates nation wide.

   Why has Wal-Mart made such an effort to control its workers’ voting habits? For one, The company is terrified that Democratic gains will ensure passage of the Employee Free Choice Act. For Wal-Mart, an organized workforce could spell higher wages and better benefits—two things the company has fought tirelessly to avoid.

   In the end, Wal-Mart’s motives are a moot point. The company has crossed the line, again, and it’s time to hold them accountable. You can help us end Wal-Mart’s sleazy political schemes by taking a moment to write the FEC today.

   Please write the FEC and demand an investigation into Wal-Mart’s mandatory employee meetings

   Thanks for joining us in support of justice in the workplace, for Wal-Mart workers everywhere,

   The Team
   WakeUpWalMart.com

   [Reply]

   Rosy posted a reply on August 6th, 2008 at 8:22 am:

   Brian Baird recently accepted $2,500 from Wal-Mart.
   I’d say this negates all of his pro-labor positions. Rosy

   [Reply]

   bushtool posted a reply on August 6th, 2008 at 8:37 am:

   As Cheryl said so eloquently this morning on KPOJ-Wolfson, Brian indicates on his CVTV candidate statement that he misses being a psychologist. Ms. Crist wants to help him in that regard.

   [Reply]

   1. Above comment written by bushtool on August 5th, 2008 at 2:57 pm (replies, if any, are attributed separately above).

2. Walmart has done no such thing.I have no doubt that nothing will come of any investigation and furthermore i don’t believe that anyone has reported such goings on in the meetings.if indeed anyone has reported such things then they are liars ,crazy or just plain stoned.

   [Reply]

   bushtool posted a reply on August 22nd, 2008 at 1:58 pm:

   The NY Times is calling for an investigation but also indicates that Walmart can easily afford the eventual fines. So Walmart helps choose the next president and instead of bribing the candidate, they pay the monies directly to the Treasury via the FEC. Works for them I am sure.

   [Reply]

   2. Above comment written by Denis on August 22nd, 2008 at 10:26 am (replies, if any, are attributed separately above).