The Denison, Texas Walmart

I've been with the local VFW for almost two years now. During this two years, the Post Commander has approached the local Walmart for a contribution. He's approached them several times, without any luck. He's submitted the paperwork at least twice, if not three times. For some reason, the paperwork seems to become conveniently "lost". Today, I read about where a Walmart in Arizona just opened and gave out several grants to serveral different charities, including the local VFW.

From a friend of mine: "Like to tell everyone what a good neighbor Walmart is. There is a new Walmart super center opening here in Flagstaff. They have the built a very environmentally friendly store. keeping with the spirit of Flagstaff living. They Have also chosen to give 10 local charities grand opening donations. The San Francisco Peeks post 1709 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars was honored with a donation of $1500. We will use this money in our relief fund to help local veterans and their families. Thank you Walmart" - Joe C.

We've been after the Walmart in Denison Texas to contribute to the local VFW to no avail. I'm beginning to think that the Denison, Texas Walmart Manager is anti-military & anti-veteran!! Not only that, but the Denison Walmart is one of the dirtiest and most poorly maintained Walmarts I've been into. To top it off, their "customer service" is non-existent. The employees there, on the whole, seem to have the attitude that if they DO help you, they are doing you a favor That is, IF a customer can even FIND an employee to render assistance. I continue to shop there because it is close. However, I have started shopping at Krogers or Albertsons when I see a decent sale. (Normally, their prices are significantly higher than Walmart's)The Walmart in Durant, OK is far better, but OK charges sales tax on EVERYTHING, including food and Durant adds in their little bit of extra sales tax to make it impractical to make the drive.

What I fail to understand is why the local VFW's requests have been ignored. The Denison Walmart is ALWAYS busy. It's not like their losing business like most of downtown Denison has. I've even cornered the one of the Assistant Managers and voiced my displeasure with them. So, my question remains, is the Denison, Texas Walmart manager anti-military and anti-veteran? Or is he just anti-VFW? Just in case anybody is of the inclination to give the manager a call and inquire as to WHY he's ignoring our repeated requests, you may contact the store directly:

Walmart Supercenter

401 N Us Highway 75

Denison, TX 75020

(903) 465-9744

Black Friday

I realize that many other bloggers have already covered this, but I really wanted to develop an opinion of the Walmart Stampede besides the one I initially developed. It's tragic that people have dropped to the depths of animals, all in order to get a "bargain". To kill one person and injure several others shows me what we are becoming; insensitive, narcississtic animals!!! (At least many of us) Black Friday IS a good day to catch some sales and great prices on Christmas gifts or just "stuff". But, at what cost are we willing to sacrifice for these sales?? People stand in line for hours, if not overnight?!?!?! HUH ?? Sorry, but I've never stood in line for longer than an hour for anything, INCLUDING my twenty years in the military. I won't even go to a restaurant if t has more than a half an hour wait, unless it is a TRULY SPECIAL occasion. Get up at 0400 (or earlier) just to go out and snag something incredibly marked down, of which there may be few in the store?? Nahhh, I'm sorry. I don't like the crowds that much. I especially detest racing into a store to find that one special "bargain". I'll spend the extra $ to get what I want WHEN I want.

However, this brings up other thoughts on how we, as "civilized" human beings (and many of us proclaim to be Christians) and how we treat others any more. It seems to me that we have become a self-indulgent, self pleasing (read: Hedonistic) society. Others are no longer a concern unless it's a convenient contribution that makes ourselves "look good". I see it daily. In the way people drive, the way they act towards each other, and just general attitudes. The "Golden Rule" seems to have been long forgotten. This mentality crosses ALL racial, ethnic & class lines. I'm saddened by the fact that we no longer treat each other as human beings and equals. WE have political divides, we have ethnic divides, we have religious divides, and we have other things that keep us divided. One group thinks they're better than another, for whatever reason. And, I think these are the reasons that one man was killed, a pregnant woman hospitalized, and a couple of more injured. For Pete's sake, take that extra 10 seconds to HELP someone in need !!!

Finally, recession, you say ?? The national media reports that sales on Black Friday were up some 3%. I don't know about nationally, but my local Sears store sold roughly some $260K last year on Black Friday. This year, that very same Sears store sold somewhere in excess of $300K. That's up some 20+% .......Things that don't add up..........