This article on CBSNews.com describes a recent study that contends that the typical Wal-Mart store does more harm for the surrounding community than good.

In other words, even though it may provide some locals with employment, the pay is so low and the workers receive no health benefits that many have to go on rely on public assistance. As the article notes, “Estimates are the result is a tab to California taxpayers of $82-million a year for health care, food stamps, and other social services.”

Wal-Mart has faced this type of criticism before. Most people already know that Wal-mart is the poster child for urban sprawl, unfair and exploitative labor practices, how “mega-corporations” invade a typical small town and drive virtually all local stores out of business because they simply can’t compete with Wal-Mart in terms of price.

The voters of city of Inglewood, CA recently voted against granting Wal-Mart special exemptions from ordinary zoning and commercial laws and in recent years, several other towns have actively fought to keep Wal-Mart out of their communities.

For all these reasons, earlier this year, my wife and I placed Wal-Mart on our infmaous “List.” This is a list of corporations that we’re boycotting for various actions that we feel are unfair, unjust, and/or discriminatory. In addition to Wal-Mart, The List includes:

• Cracker Barrel Restaurants: having a policy that specifically prohibits gays/lesbians from working for them and allegations of sexual harassment and racial discrimination
• Exxon/Mobil: they still have not paid a dime for the oil spill in Valdez, Alaska in 1989
• Denny’s Restaurants: there’s still evidence that their restaurants continue to discriminate against non-White customers