One way to think of Wal-Mart is as a vast pipeline that gives non-U.S. companies direct access to the American market.

Chile Earthquake Relief; We have committed an initial $1 million in cash and in-kind contributions. ... Walmart Provides Opportunities for Women Around the World; ... Walmart helps prevent "Food Deserts";

Former Wal-Mart CIO Randy Mott and his ex-colleagues are a who's who of corporate IT leadership ... The man whom former Wal-Mart CIO Randy Mott calls his mentor, Bob Martin (Wal-Mart's CIO from 1984

Thomson's jobs have moved to China, where cheap labor manufactures what the American consumer desires -- from clothing to electronics -- and can buy at "everyday low prices" at the local Wal-Mart.

Prof. GARY GEREFFI, Duke University: Wal-Mart is probably the broadest and most powerful company in U.S. business history.

If you’re Wal-Mart and your credit card processing pipeline stops for 30 minutes during prime time, yes, the world does end. Someone might very well be fired.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. has taken plenty of heat over its wages and health benefits, but many employees say they’ve got an even bigger gripe with the world’s largest retailer: their time sheets.

Wal-Mart may market Flex Fuel ... The pipeline is shutdown until such time as repairs can be made, thereby limiting supplies to west coast refineries, and driving record prices even higher.

Really, Wal-Mart's not evil, they're just driven by an insatiable urge for more money no matter the toll on people or the thick pipeline of US dollars going into China for lead tainted junk toys.

As for Wal-Mart, if they have the infrastructure in place and the will to do this, then more power to them. Don't get me wrong, I hate Wal-mart as much as the next person.