Wal-Mart allegedly bribed Mexican officials to expand their Mexican market. Wow, can you imagine, BRIBERY in MEXICO? What a shock.
The entire country works off bribes. The media is playing this up and claims that Americans are all outraged about this. The reality is that the media wants to make this into something scandalous whether it is or not. [Yahoo News]
I’m not saying bribery is okay or that Wal-Mart shouldn’t be investigated but I wonder whether there are other forces at work here. This case is suspect given Wal-Mart’s high-profile push-back against unionization.
Wal-Mart is an easy target.
This would be a real win for the Obama administration if they are found to be involved in bribery. Wal-Mart has been in the crosshairs of the unions (especially the UFCW) for years because their workers are not unionized. Wal-Mart has taken a very vocal stand against unions.
The unions are thrilled about this case and hope it will build support for them. Their blogs have lighted up at the thought of it.
The Obama administration has an extreme pro-union stance. If this case has legs, the Obama administration can fine Wal-Mart into oblivion and weaken them to their core. The case might also provide a much-needed distraction from the politics of the Oval Office.
Holder’s DOJ is investigating to see if Wal-Mart violated the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA).
Originally, Mexico had no interest in pursuing an investigation but someone convinced them otherwise. Today, Mexico announced they were opening an investigation into Wal-Mart practices.
Wal-Mart, which has relied on international expansion to make up for weak growth in the US in recent years, also faces a Congressional investigation into the allegations.
If they are guilty then they have to pay the price but I am holding off on any judgment in the case because Wal-Mart has been the subject of severe criticism from unions who sometimes masquerade as grassroots organizations.
The unions have spent a good deal of money leveling ads against them and often use Wal-Marts foreign sourcing against them despite the fact that most successful U.S. companies, such as GM and GE, to name two, use foreign sources.
Hopefully, since Congress is investigating along with the DOJ, the truth will come out and this won’t turn into a witch hunt.
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