The rally was started off by Michael Funke, who affirmed that the WalMart north of Bend was "not a done deal". He pointed out the victories that had been achieved in Hood River and other places. He pointed out the fact that WalMart no longer takes questions directly from the community because of the problems it encountered in Gresham. He asked; "How often is it you get to fight a big corporation in your own back yard?"
The next speaker was John Schubert, who said that he had tried for many years to create a model community. He said he did not want to see Bend sucked dry and abandoned as he had seen happen in other communities where WalMart had conducted business. He pointed out the diverse group of people in Bend who are opposed to WalMart.
Jim Bressor spoke next. He had been in charge of the local Coast-to-Coast store in Bend and said that he had been driven out of business by the WalMart to the South. He had seen many of his friends driven out of business because of the practices of WalMart in other parts of the United States.
Micheal Bayard spoke next. He lives close to the area of the proposed WalMart. He said he had limited experience with WalMart, but that "a little is too much". He said that he has made several calls to WalMart, but has received no response.
Thea Larson spoke next. She said that WalMart is the major promoter of slave labor in developing countries. What we buy is based on slave labor. We can do better. We have to care enough to say no.
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Keep it up in Central Oregon! Great report! Thanks for making our own media. This is what indymedia is all about!