Abstract

MANNA FROM HELL

The article focuses on the charitable giving and political influence of the Walton family, the heirs of Wal-Mart Stores founder Sam Walton. The retail company is facing various employee rights lawsuits. Public relations at Wal-Mart is facing a crisis. The U.S. National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy released a report titled "The Waltons and Wal-Mart: Self-Interested Philanthropy," regarding the relationship between the Wal-Mart and Walton philanthropy and the company's image problems. Wal-Mart and the Waltons have increased the funds they give to the Republican Party. The article points out that philanthropy provides an alternative to taxation. Wal-Mart plays a role in lobbying against estate tax and for tax giveaways to the rich. Wal-Mart supports education privatization.