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John Adams Blog

The blog of The Antient and Honourable John Adams Society, Minnesota's Conservative Debating Society www.johnadamssociety.org

Tuesday, December 14, 2004

John Adams Society Debate - 12/15/2004

David A. Thompson - Chairman
Jeffrey A. Sloan - Secretary
Marianne S. Beck - Chief Whip
Kenneth Ferguson - Chancellor

Consumption is the sole end and purpose of all production; and the interest of the producer ought to be attended to, only so far as it may be necessary for promoting that of the consumer. - Adam Smith

FOR GENERATIONS, Americans were often at the mercy of the local general store, and the general stores were often at the mercy of the wholesalers. What choice did Americans have other than to pay top dollar for everyday items such as toilet paper and toothpaste? Today, however, large retailers such as Wal*Mart have brought competition and cheap prices to the American consumer. These cheap prices translate into higher standards of living for all Americans.

Although Wal*Mart may temporarily disrupt local culture and job bases, the efficiency it brings creates new jobs and brings new goods to middle-class America. For example, the explosion of cozy coffee shops around America and the affordability of luxuries such as cell phones are largely attributable to the additional disposable income Americans save from shopping at places like Wal*Mart.

ON THE OTHER HAND, Wal*Mart represents the drudgery of commercialism. Although Wal*Mart may offer some initial monetary savings, it offsets such savings with the corruption of America by imposing its will across the country, and destroying the small town culture that symbolizes American tradition and democracy. Further, Wal*Mart has become the conduit of destruction of American jobs by stocking its stores with the cheapest goods on the planet, which are mostly produced in third world nations by near slave labor. In the end, Wal*Mart is nothing more then the retail outlet of Communist China. How can America hope to survive as a nation, as a culture, and as a democracy when the economy is dominated by Wal*Mart?

THE CHAIRMAN, who prefers boutiques to Wal*Mart, has called for a debate to settle the question:

RESOLVED: WAL*MART IS GOOD FOR AMERICA

The Debate will be held on Wednesday, December 15, 2004 at the University Club, 420 Summit Avenue, in Saint Paul. The Chancellor will preside over drinks beginning at seven o'clock p.m. The debate will begin at half past seven. While there is no dress code for attendance, gentlemen who wish to speak must wear a tie; ladies should adhere to a similar sartorial standard. For those gentlemen who arrive tieless yet wish to speak, fret not: the Purveyor of Ties will keep on hand at least one of his quite remarkable ties for just such an eventuality. Questions about debate caucus procedures or about the John Adams Society itself may be directed to the Chairman at 952-937-7630 or the Secretary at (952) 937-7630.

www.johnadamssociety.org