To the editor:

What is Wal-Mart thinking?

Wal-Mart televises commercials almost daily telling us that they are good neighbors. Is this true? Wal-Mart and/or its developers currently have seven active lawsuits against the city of Lawrence. Is this the action of a good neighbor? Does Wal-Mart realize they are indirectly suing their very own customers — the citizens of Lawrence? The city is not a business that can pay for the defense of lawsuits out of corporate profits. The city is a public entity that must tax all of us to generate funds.

Most of the residents of Lawrence are proud of the national recognition the city consistently receives as one of the best communities in the United States. I believe Lawrence is a great community, not by accident. Rather, it is the result of the dedication and hard work on the part of past and present community leaders.

The current challenge with Wal-Mart is another test which will determine the quality of Lawrence in the future. Will Lawrence continue to be a nationally recognized community, or will it become just an ordinary urban area? I truly believe that the money currently being spent to defend the lawsuits is a wise investment for the future of Lawrence. A successful outcome will continue the tradition of excellence in shaping the city’s future. Hats off to the city commissioners for having the courage to stand up against a huge international corporation.

At what point will Wal-Mart demonstrate that it is a good neighbor by its actions, rather than its current strategy of intimidation of the very people it would like to have as customers?

Steve Menke,

Lawrence