Now that I've stopped retching at the prospect of a Wal-Mart superstore on the edge of the Wilderness Battlefield in Virginia, where 24,000 Americans died, I can honestly say I'm not surprised.

They're at it again, promising increased property tax revenues, jobs and "everyday low prices." Of course, the tiny-brained are cheering them on, not caring the jobs will be at the expense of current jobs and tax money at the expense of shuttered commercial property down the road. Greed rears its ugly snout.

Street Economics 101 -- whenever a businessman begins with, "In this economy," watch your back.

Even in the best years, a common response to a request for a raise is, "In this economy, you're lucky to have a job." Don't even think of asking for your 25th wedding anniversary off.

The worst example I've experienced was when was the owner of a small chain I worked for informed his lowest-paid employees that "the pressures of global competition precluded a raise this year." He had a couple of outlets outside Maine, but none in London or Paris.

I'm sure he saw it as good business, a way to maximize profit. After all, the trained monkeys were lucky to have a job.

But, back to building a big box on hallowed ground -- or at least next to it, I'm wondering how Israel would react should Wal-Mart announce plans for a superstore on the Temple Mount?

Tony Nazar

Wilton