What would Sam Walton Do?

A recent NY Times story pointed out that Wal-Mart has been leading the charge for new ballot initiatives to get alcohol sales back into dry counties and towns throughout the South. Apparently they have not been successful yet, as their own corporate headquarters are located in a dry county!

Ironically, while prohibiting the use of alcohol at company sponsored events, according to Beverage Election Specialists, Wal-Mart has contributed up to $200,000 in local campaigns!

Proponents argue that these towns would see an increase in tax revenue from the addition of alcohol sales. By making this argument, they try to deflate the arguments from many church groups that by making alcohol more easy to attain in their towns, they will see an increase in domestic violence, car accidents and increased incidents of under age drinking.

Regardless of where you stand on this issue, with Wal-Mart contributing thousands of dollars yet hypocritically banning alcohol at their own functions, one is lead to ask themselves: What would Sam Walton do?