My blood rarely boils at things I read, most of the time I just brush it off and go back to my laid back personality. But then there are times that it strikes me hard; I’m sure you all have heard about Wal-mart giving some money and supporting GLBT inclusion within their company. No matter what one may think of Wal-mart, I think inclusion is always a good thing, whether you are gay, Muslim or disabled. So initially hearing of the responses that some people felt about Wal-Mart’s decision didn’t irk me as much.

wm.JPGUntil I read Pam Spaulding post on a lady who quit Wal-mart because of the new policy. First, I have no problem with the lady who quit, but rather with the (possible and assumed) financial follow through of the woman and those who rile against Wal-mart. Based on my own experience until the last few years, it was standard procedure that as an employee you were automatically enrolled in buying the stores stock once your benefits kicked in. Therefore it is more than possible that this woman may have given up her job for another, but hasn’t cashed in her stock from the store. And how many commenter/complainers have bought Wal-mart stock and yet still moan and complain about their policies?

If people are going to celebrate someone who has principle then they should also follow through themselves, in as many ways as possible. To denigrate a company for doing what a majority of businesses already do, yet continue to gain money from an investment in that same company seems to me to be very hypocritical.

If I want to live by a certain principle, whether it is only shopping at ‘christian’, ‘locally owned’ or ‘glbt’ business, or if it means my principles call me to stop doing business with a company, then I should follow through in all ways I work with that business. I guess it comes down to this, if you have a certain principle you wish to follow through on, then follow it through as far as you can or your principles lack power. One of the best things about this country is our ability to find alternative ways to get what we need.

Rant over, I’m calm and collected now.