Fantastic, Justin. Out of the mouths of kids come remarkably wise things. I would love to see you and your daughter at the Good Growth DeKalb rally today!!

OK, there's a voice in my head screaming "don't go there. Don't waste your time." But I went out for another high octane coffee and just can't help myself.

1. Why is your friend Tripp concerned about Wal-Mart jobs going towards county residents over Decatur residents? Instead of classism or racism, perhaps this is "localism." Are we so isolated and xenophobic that we should think a job for the municipality is of greater value to our lives, individually or together, than it is for the county? If it puts money in someone's pocket, why I should I care where they live?
2. Contrary to what you told your daughter, unfortunately, people do hate Wal-Mart. Hate is a strong word, but look at the bickering on this and other local sites. It's sad that they are wasting their energy, but that is their problem.
3. When you talk about not being able to connect to employees of larger stores as is assumed at "mom and pops," consider that this is your choice. Do you honestly go out of your way to get to know employees of so-called "local" stores (e.g. have them over for dinner)? If you do, that's great. But if you don't treat employees of Target or Kroger or Wal-Mart the same way, why? If I just want to get in and out of the big boxers quickly and cheaply, that's my choice and it would seem unreasonable for me to blame someone else for my choice. If you want a hug, try giving one first. If they don't reciprocate, go visit grandma or go to church.

Peace.

Why is walmart, and only walmart, expected to be the lord and savior of all other floundering businesses within a 2 mile radius?

Isn't the walmart near Avondale Estates at least 1.5 to 2 miles from the main drag shown in the picture, and separated by residential neighborhoods?

Expecting that walmart to provide a boost to the main drag is absurd. As best as I can tell, businesses near the Tucker and Chamblee Walmarts stand and fall on their own, not because of walmart. In general I don't even like shopping there much (not enough cashiers, and they're too slow), but the Walmartphobic arguments strike me as ridiculous.