Questioning My Ethics

Not to get political or anything, but I truly believe that Wal-Mart is evil. I do not like anything that they stand for...while I am all for capitalism...my belief system is more closely tied to the small family business of which I am/have been intimately involved in two. And the fact that they have been caught on film celebrating the closure of small businesses in the towns they set-up shop in really chaps my hide. However, I have found myself in the aforementioned evil empire three times this week and to be completely honest, I feel dirty. I cannot get the smell (you know what I am talking about) out of my nose or off my hands, despite major scrubbing upon returning home. Which leaves me with a question on my hands and a serious weight on my shoulders...where does one draw the line between stretching your dollar and standing firmly with your beliefs. I don't judge other people who shop there, honestly I get it, stuff is cheaper there. And the ONLY things I do buy there come from the craft/sewing section. I really try not to even look at the prices of anything else, because I do not want to be comparing prices in my head when I am at the local organic market that I fully support with my food and toiletry purchases. Like today, I needed some pinking shears and a rotary mat to cut fabric on...I have seen these other places and they are upwards of $30.00 or more for the same size mat I purchased today for $12.00. So, do I stand on the side of my own personal capitalism and make my dollars stretch even further then they have had to in the last few years or do I stand on the side of my beliefs and go without until I can afford to purchase it at another store, which quite frankly could be just as bad, but without the crazy negative publicity. Unfortunately, this week I have to admit to going with my own personal capitalism, immediate gratification and my pocketbook...but I think I need a shower.