If anyone doubted that the United States is in the midst of a cultural war, he or she might want to look at Patt Morrison's Dec. 23 column, "Shopping at Wal-Mart Like Nightmarish Trip Overseas." Stating that she "was terrified someone would recognize me," Morrison bravely risked a shopping trip to the world's No. 1 retailer.
Appalled that most of the merchandise available was made overseas, the author bemoaned the rise of "Wal-Mart's world," a world rich with affordable, practical merchandise. Here, in the real world, we need paper towels, underwear and shoes. Here, in the real world, we are not blessed with the deep pockets of the bicoastal elites. Of course, the clothing at Nordstrom is also made overseas, making me wonder where the elite finds its clothes these days. The author alerts us that she "didn't talk to the shoppers." Don't worry, Ms. Morrison, they probably don't have much to say to the likes of you. Let 'em eat cake.
