While traveling last week, I visited a strip mall that had both a Target and a Whole Foods, and it was absolutely magical!
Let me set the scene. Imagine driving through miles of roundabouts, private roads and parking lots. Not a pesky snow goose, fox or deer to be seen. Finally, skies are free from noise and distraction, and I could walk (well, drive) miles without seeing these disgusting beasts. Such a welcome change from the daily chaos of Rehoboth Beach!
Then I arrived at Whole Foods, and it was everything I’d been missing. Did you know they have 11 types of pre-packaged kalamata olives? Fresh Market only has nine – that’s 22% more kalamata olive formats! Our lives would be 22% better with a local Whole Foods. This is simple math and cannot be argued.
As I checked out at Target, I saw my total and had that warm feeling one can only get knowing they’ve contributed to corporate profits with maximum efficiency. And $0.06 per dollar spent at a big-box store goes to the local economy! Yes, estimates say up to $0.68 per dollar spent would stay in the local economy had I shopped at a small business instead, but think of the impact to shareholders if we were to divert spending from these conglomerates!
Detractors of Atlantic Fields, including so-called experts in urban and environmental planning, claim life will get demonstrably worse for everyone nearby; traffic will hit summer peaks year-round (and who knows what level in the summers); parents, teachers and children will have a harder time accessing schools; evacuation routes will be clogged; pollutants and runoff will irrevocably damage our water table; habitats will shrink for local wildlife; money will be extracted from our local economy; and any remnants of agrarian charm or culture will be lost to endless strip malls.
To them I say, no price is too high to pay! Need we remind them of the 22% increase in kalamata olive packaging options?
This holiday season, let’s all remember the true meaning of the season – increasing corporate profits with ruthless efficiency!
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