http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5353901/

Here is an interesting article about a problem we with working cars and the ability to move freely about probably never think about.

I guess we can look at this as yet another problem to the Wal-Martization of America.

Remember when the local shopkeeper was an honest profession? When people at the grocery store could be working as a career?

I know I see it in old-time movies, and it looks really nice. People knowing your name as you walk in, helping you out, helping out your neighbors.

I took my nephews (6 & 9) into the local Piggly Wiggly recently. We drove past the Pick & Save, and they asked me why we were going to the Pig instead.

"Because this is a Union store." I replied.

"What does that mean?" they asked.

"It means that they treat their employees better."

We saddled up to the deli counter (I needed some 'home made' salad for a picnic we were going to - I don't think I fooled anyone) and, along with my modest order, they were given a cookie each by the lady serving us.

At check out, they were each given a token for the vending machines with the little toys in them on the way out. Every employee we passed smiled and said hello.

They played with the rubber balls from the vending machine all night and into the next day.

"They really are nice here!" my 6-year old nephew made sure I knew as we left.

Since the Wal-Mart Supercenter went up in Oshkosh, we have lost 2 Union Supermarkets.

And another slice of our sense of community.