I was at gamestop trying to get a copy of SSX Blur and I waited about 12 minutes (and I didn’t start counting right away . . . it took a while before I noticed how long this was taking) while someone else was getting a bunch of used games and they all had to be “washed” and he had to get their “info” and the whole time this was happening two other people were waiting for service. Meanwhile, some dufus was standing behind the counter talking to what seemed like a friend while putting together a display. He couldn’t pull himself away to help me out. And I was there the day before (the Tuesday it was released but no one had it) and the display guy tried to get me to reserve a copy for $5 so I know he could have helped me. I didn’t reserve a copy (on principle . . . I don’t want to be tied to one retailer) but since he was helpful I decided to go back (after first checking Target where they had no clue). Anyway, next time I’ll just pretend the release date is a week later . . . unless it’s for Wii 2 in which case I’ll camp again.

It makes me appreciate the thing I have and am able to do. It also gives me regrets. I mean I have all these choice I can make to make my life better, to make my families life better. I have a choice to change it. But some how find a lame excuse to NOT do it. But I see people with these problems that really keep them from doing those type of things. Then I find myself without excuse! My heart always goes out to people with these type of problems. I am only glad I was not there I would have cried! !

Walmart is a shining example of what makes America great. Again I am troubled by your pro-commie leanings.

Average Salary:
walmart: $9.50 per hour
costco: $16.00 per hour

Health coverage:
walmart: 46% either unemployeed or on medicaid
costco: all employees covered. company pays 92% of insurance costs

Turnover:
walmart: 50%
costco: 20%
(fun fact: walmart therefore needs to hire 600,000 per year just to stay the same size. To be fair, i imagine some percentage of turnover is due to 80-year-old-greeter deaths…)

Theft:
costco: 85% lower than industry average
walmart: not reported. (They do, however, lock the doors during night-time restocking and cleaning. no one can get in or leave.)

You only touched on the *real* evil, though: check cashing stores and “payday loan” stores. They truly prey on the poor. Here’s why:

1) They rely on people that *can’t* get their checks cashed through other means (bank, grocery store, etc.). I imagine migrant workers are the biggest victim. That’s how they get away with such high rates: it’s not just a convenience tax, it’s a “where else are you gonna go, punk?” tax.

2) Regular, 1+ year loans can only go as high as about 25%. Payday loans can go much higher, like 60%. Some payday loan places can go as high as 100%-400%. Sure, it’s against the law… but again, if you’re a migrant worker, are you gonna call the cops?

3) Banks wont put branches in economically depressed areas (too big of a risk, they say). However, you see tons of payday loan centers…. which are owned by big-name banks! Evil!