Hillary Clinton and Wal-Mart
My previous posting, about the cozy relationship between modern-day Democratic Party liberalism and corporate interests, is borne out by an AP news story that was released today. The article documents Hillary Clinton's close relationship with Wal-Mart over the years, which included a six-year stint on the board of directors. According to the article, "Clinton had kind words for Wal-Mart as recently as 2004, when she told an audience at the convention of the National Retail Federation that her time on the board 'was a great experience in every respect.'
In addition, the article points out:
In addition, the article points out:
Throughout the 1980s, both Bill and Hillary Clinton nurtured relationships with Walton, a conservative Republican and by far Arkansas' most influential businessman.The close ties that the Clintons have exhibited with Wal-mart are par for the course, although it is interesting that they were particularly close with a company that embodies many of the worst corporate abuses.
Among other things, Hillary Clinton sought Walton's help in 1983 for Bill Clinton's so-called Blue Ribbon Commission on Education, a major effort to improve Arkansas' troubled public schools. The overhaul became a centerpiece of Clinton's governorship.
And Wal-Mart's Made in America campaign, which for years touted the company's sales of American products in its stores, was launched after Bill Clinton persuaded Walton to help save 200 jobs at an Arkansas shirt manufacturing plant. The Made in America campaign has virtually vanished in recent years, as the company's manufacturing has gradually moved overseas  another point of criticism by many anti-Wal-Mart activists.
The Clintons also benefited financially from Wal-Mart. Hillary Clinton was paid $18,000 each year she served on the board, plus $1,500 for each meeting she attended. By 1993 she had accumulated at least $100,000 in Wal-Mart stock, according to Bill Clinton's federal financial disclosure that year. The Clintons also flew for free on Wal-Mart corporate planes 14 times in 1990 and 1991 in preparation for Bill Clinton's 1992 presidential bid.
Post a Comment