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Democratic Socialists Challenge Wal-Mart CEO to Debate Advertising Theme


The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) has challenged Wal-Mart CEO
Lee Scott to defend the content of its multi-million dollar PR blitz in
a public debate. In a January 13th letter to CEO Scott DSA National
Director Frank Llewellyn writes, "Your assertion that 'Wal-Mart is
working for all Americans' is not born out by the facts. The truth is
that your business practices are bad for America and most Americans…. We
challenge you to defend and debate your message--Wal-Mart is working for
all Americans--your facts against our facts in front of any impartial
audience, or for any impartial institution willing to host such a
debate."

Wal-Mart announced a new national advertising campaign responding to its
critics on January 13th. DSA has been a leading critic of Wal-Mart
charging that Wal-Mart uses its economic power to drive down wages in
the communities and industries in which it operates. DSA maintains a
special section on its web site, http://www.dsausa.org, devoted to Wal-Mart.
Many of its members have published material critical of Wal-Mart and
worked in local campaigns in opposition to the opening of new Wal-Mart
stores. "It is simply amazing the CEO Scott describes a Wal-Mart job as
a good job. American's know that a good job provides real benefits and a
middle class living standard. If Wal-Mart continues to expand without
changing its culture and business practices there is a real danger that
there won't be any good jobs left in the retail sector," said DSA
Natonal Director Llewellyn in announcing the challenge. "Wal-Mart should
welcome this opportunity to debate its critics without advertising
gimmicks in front of an impartial audience," he continued