Walmart sells many varieties of fine rifles and shotguns, often with scopes included at reasonable prices.
Firearms are not sold at local Walmarts, however. I have come to the conclusion that political scientists need to rework the way we understand the ideological spectrum.
Every ideology and voting preference can effectively be categorized on the basis of intensity of feeling either for or against Walmart.
For example, I can honestly say that I am a Walmart true believer. Not only do I buy much of my ammunition there, but I zealously believe that Sam Walton is an example of what is so great about America.
How many people know that Sam Walton’s son, John Walton, was a medic in Vietnam who was awarded the Silver Star? He received the medal for his coolness under fire — and medical skills that saved several members of a special operations unit that was about to be overrun on the Laotian frontier.
I have a few acquaintances who will immediately let it be known that they would never shop at Walmart.
My hometown of Chicago has long been vehemently opposed to even having a Walmart within its city limits. Shopping at Walmart seems to be held in such low regard by Chicago politicians that there must be a belief that the stores are inherently dangerous or evil — like guns!
In fact, Walmart used to sell rifles and shotguns at most of its stores. The Chicago establishment’s animosity toward Walmart stems from the lack of union workers and Walmart’s tendency to become so popular with shoppers that other stores are unable to compete.
Nevertheless, I can’t help but wonder whether Walmart guns and ammo have something to do with it.
Several years ago, Walmart stopped carrying firearms at many of its stores. Most of the Walmart stores in King County have nothing more lethal than a BB gun.
That may change, according to Jeremy Smith, the store manager of Federal Way’s Walmart Supercenter near I-5 and Highway 18.
I asked Jeremy why so many Walmart stores no longer carried guns. It seems to have a lot to do with the fact that the profit margin for firearms is very slim. Jeremy disclosed to me that he has put in a request to Walmart headquarters that guns be available for sale in the store. He explained that he has heard about the two new ranges anticipated for Federal Way, and sees an opportunity opening up. This shows that economic miracles can happen by taking small steps and sticking to your guns.
Wherever you go in the United States, you can almost feel the real America by visiting a Walmart. Maybe an occasional Nordstrom shopper could patch you up in a firefight. But how many would have what it takes to shoot back?
