Inglewood’s Voters Reject Wal-Mart Bid

Re “Voters in Inglewood Turn Away Wal-Mart,” April 7: In the movie “Grand Canyon,” Kevin Klein, as an upper-class yuppie, has every white man’s nightmare -- taking a wrong turn in Inglewood after a basketball game and ending up in the hellish “bowels” of the neighborhood. The scene was both demeaning and patronizing to a people who have always taken pride in their community. Now, with the courageous vote to keep out Wal-Mart -- a heartless, out-of-control company that comes into towns like an invading army and destroys long-standing local enterprise, workers’ rights and unions in its path -- we can look at Inglewood as the city that showed the rest of us that people do have power over the disease of unchecked corporate greed.

If ever there was a David and Goliath story it is Inglewood, and we should all sing its praise. Now, if only the rest of us can show the same courage....

Tom Greene

Los Angeles

Behold the shepherds, the Rev. Jesse Jackson and Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Los Angeles), who have led their sheep to the land of fewer job opportunities combined with higher prices for food and essentials. When the loss of sales tax revenues is added to the equation, the citizens of Inglewood have missed a trifecta. It’s a triple loss for a city that needs a win more than most. What a shame!

Bob Welsh

San Pedro

Congratulations to Inglewood for voting down the Wal-Mart supercenter. I am sure it was a difficult decision for those hoping for lower prices and job opportunities, and I am proud of Inglewood for seeing the wider picture. There are workers all over the world at whose expense we have the privilege of lower prices. There are also existing community small businesses and grocery stores that could go out of business with a Wal-Mart nearby. Shoppers are becoming thinking customers as they understand that a living wage, health benefits and career advancement for our local and global sisters and brothers are as important as saving a few dollars for us personally.

Ann Appley

Pasadena

Saving 50 cents on tube socks is one thing. Saving local control on land use is another. I do not shop at Wal-Mart, as I do not agree with its labor practices. Wal-Mart’s attempt to sidestep local government just makes it that much easier.

John Maloney

Anaheim