Mr. Terry Link has an interesting view on the new Wal-Mart's opening in town in his letter ("Big business bad for area, environment," SN 7/23). It really is too bad being interesting isn't tantamount to being right.

The fact is, area politicians and residents alike are right to be happy Wal-Mart has come to MSU's vicinity.

The fact is, Wal-Mart generally has the lowest prices. Why? Because they're the best at what they do. The chain is successful because it is efficient, unique and well-run.

Arguing we should support a crippled local retailer with a Swiss-cheese supply chain (that would be K-Mart) just because they are local is preposterous.

Customers shop at stores because they receive value - goods and services - for value - their hard-earned money - at a fair rate of exchange. I agree, we must ensure value is created ethically, but that is another issue.

K-Mart just doesn't cut it in the area of value for value.

And while we're on the topic of excusing things, I will not excuse your skepticism. You say you would like to see the wages and benefits for the 260 jobs the store has created. Well, sir, I would like to see the wages and benefits that grassy expanse was paying folks before Wal-Mart came to town and turned it into something useful.

The fact is, time will be the judge of the validity of Wal-Mart's merit in the area. No one is forcing people to shop there. If Wal-Mart brings nothing of value to the local economy and the area's residents, it will be hard pressed to keep that store open for long.

So yes, throw your hard-earned money to "local" retailers for overpriced goods and poor service. Only the ability to succeed, i.e. to create value in exchange for value, justifies a business' existence.

Wal-Mart does that. K-Mart and many other so-called local companies often do not.

So yes, Mr. Link. Whoopee that Wal-Mart has come to the area. Whoopee, indeed.

It's nice to finally see an able discount retailer in the area - no offense to Target. Bravo, encore and whoopee from the top of the new Wal-Mart store - a place I will be shopping come fall.

Brian Winters
advertising junior