Oh this was so wonderful to read. Thank you. I stopped shopping at Wal-Mart a while back because I hate the way they treat employees. I decided to spend more at a local store that pays employees a better wage. A few years ago I quit working at a major university for the same reason — they offered a full-time job that paid just above poverty level. If parents of the students only knew what some of the faculty were making! (A Master’s degree or higher is generally required.) And the idea of “choice” is a joke. When you are in a small city (like a university town) your choices are very limited. It’s either one low-paying job or another. Sure — you can move — away from your kids? I agree with the idea of the union (never thought I’d say that). But I think it’s the only way many voices will ever be heard. Anyway, great read.