State-Mart

Honorable Governor and members of the General Assembly.
It is time we deal with what has been a thorn in the side of not only the government of the great state of Maryland, but to its constituency as well.
The recent Supreme Court ruling in Kelo vs. New London has given us all the powers necessary in order to put an end to our state’s most grievous of human rights violators.
I am, of course, referring to the blight that is Wal-Mart.
I do not choose the word ‘blight’ lightly.
The taxpayers of this state have suffered far too long under the tyranny of Wal-Mart’s excesses. The meager share this evil corporation adds to the public trust will in the end be its final undoing.
It is high time these bourgeoisie capitalists paid for their disrespect.
As the esteemed Mr. Marx understood, communism can not be created on the backs of the poor. And we must understand that our way to freedom rests on the shoulders of the producers as well. We must appreciate the power of Capitalism to build a base of wealth. And likewise comprehend our responsibility to use that wealth for the betterment of our citizenry.
So here, comrades, is what I propose.
As it is now understood, the state’s powers of eminent domain and the Fifth Amendment’s Taking Clause allow a state to seize the property from a property owner in order to use that property in what the state deems a more profitable manner.
With these expanded powers, this state government may at long last have the ability to fulfill the obligations it has towards its people and their needs.
I propose that the state of Maryland and the local governments which are effected take action. That we simply repossess what was rightfully ours in the first place. That we as the ruling body of the state of Maryland take over ownership of every Wal-Mart within our borders.
The advantages to the citizens of our distinguished state of such a move would seem to leave us little choice.
As you will see, it is a no lose gambit for us.
As the new owners we would still receive the tax dollars already intended for us. But with Wal-Mart’s profit now averaging nearly 3.5%, how much more money could we then send to upgrade our schools, healthcare, and roads.
Present Wal-Mart employees, who scrape by on sub-standard wages would now be state employees entitled to all the inherent benefits. Benefits which would surely include health care.
Unionization, of course, would be a first priority. Increasing the standard of living for the employees and availing them of due process in any grievances they may suffer.
This unionization would, over time, lead to increased prices and through the laws of proportion thus again increase cash revenue to the state.
Our future control over the loose cannon that was the monopoly known as Wal-Mart would allow the legislature of Maryland vast opportunities. The opportunity to bring the manufacturing of products sold there back to the people of our state. The undisputed power to enforce the selling of whichever pharmaceuticals we would deem appropriate. An unbridled control over hiring practices, finally leveling the playing field for minorities and women.
As you see, comrades, the only wrong move in this instance would be no to move at all. To leave control of Wal-Mart to the fascists now in power there would be a gross negligence of our duties to the public. An utter disregarding of the responsibilities our positions require.
In closing, I simply ask that Maryland no longer follow other lesser states into the oblivion that is Capitalism, but let it lead the American proletariat to a greater and brighter future. A future where State-Mart is merely one brick in the foundation that is social justice.