In a recent letter to the editor (Opinion, Oct. 15 & 16), Tom Forbes made a number of claims that struck me as problematic, if not wholly wrong. Particularly disturbing was the portrait he painted of freedom and democracy.So now, in addition to grave robbing ghouls, child killers, and advocates of ignorance, we can add child sweat shop proprietors, strip club impressarios, child pornographers, and crack dealers to the names Wal-Mart has been called by the loony left-wing moonbats. Whaddya think Birgita? Pretty civil factual, and logical, eh? It is beneath my contempt to even address these absurd notions.
Forbes reduces freedom to economic freedom, particularly as enabled by freedom from regulation. While this rhetoric may sound good, it rings hollow. Forbes fails to consider the kind and quality of economic freedom enjoyed by many Wal-Mart employees.
While corporate shareholders may enjoy great liberties, workers like those at Wal-Mart who are not paid a living wage often lack capacity to compete, be healthy, or otherwise pursue happiness. The abstract individual imagined in his letter erases the real inequalities endured by some so that others may be (more) free.
Forbes also ignores the countless municipal, state, and federal regulations in place to safeguard individuals and communities.
Finally, Forbes seems content to allow consumerism to replace the democratic process. I doubt Forbes would be comfortable repealing child labor laws or would embrace a proposal to open a strip club, kiddie porn outlet or crack house on the logic that consumers can decide.
Instead, I would hope he would favor debate, dissent and regulation by an informed electorate.
Richard King
Pullman
Professor King seems to have an interest in sports. Therefore, he is no doubt aware of the term "bulletin board material."
I consider every attack from these blow-hard, sanctimonious "intellectuals" as a badge of honor.
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