Wal-Mart wars.

Jay Nordlinger calls Wal-Mart "gloriously, unabashedly, star-spangedly American" ("The New Colossus," April 19). But American virtues like truth, honor, and fair play do not come to mind when thinking of Wal-Mart. I was president of a five-and-dime chain that at one time had hundreds of stores throughout the country. Then Wal-Mart came onto the scene and put its competition out of business by any means possible. They have been sued in several states for selling goods below cost until their competitors went under. This is what happened to us.

I don't feel that being the biggest, regardless of how it's done, should be held up as an example of American greatness. Through predatory pricing and unfair competition, Wal-Mart has wiped out many stores and many dreams.

Alan Veives

Chicago, Ill.

Several years ago, a developer announced intentions to build a new shopping complex on a prime intersection right in the heart of our city's most affluent area. Excitement was high as speculation swirled regarding the anchor tenant. Could it be Nordstrom? Saks Fifth Avenue, maybe? Then the announcement came--the anchor tenant would be . . . Wal-Mart! You can imagine the reaction. News of impending Armageddon might have been better received. Suddenly, all manner of complaints emerged, from too much traffic congestion to increased crime.

I am happy to report that reason somehow prevailed and the shopping center was built, Wal-Mart and all. Every time I patronize the store now I have to chuckle: The critics were right about one thing--there has been an increase in traffic congestion. You can hardly find a space in the parking lot, what with all the Mercedes-Benzes, BMWs, and Lexuses clogging it up!

Thomas Smith

Charlotte, N.C.

I moved from Houston to the country a little over five years ago. Wal-Mart was beginning to make inroads in the Houston market at that time but was not the dominant retailer. What I have found living in a rural area is that Wal-Mart makes it possible for me to have a higher standard of living. The stores provide quality merchandise at very good prices, sometimes extraordinary prices. When Wal-Mart decides it is time to get rid of slow-selling merchandise, you can find yourself buying good slacks for $5 and shoes for $4. If it were their intent to engage in predatory pricing so they could drive out the competition and raise prices, they still have not gotten around to it.

If Democrats really want to lose votes, let them try taking away Wal-Mart from rural America.

Merv Benson

Washington, Texas

Two things: 1) There is a standard small-town joke: "I want to be buried in the Wal-Mart parking lot, so my wife will visit my grave three times a week," and 2) When we visited Manhattan, one thing that my wife couldn't figure out was, "Where do the people shop?" I pointed out that there were stores all up and down the streets, but she was adamant: "No, where do the real people shop for real stuff?"

Dave Taggart

Calhoun, Ga.