I don’t see any local businesses putting in turnstiles in order to make sure our neighbors are forced to pass a cashier before leaving the store because if our neighbors leave through the entrance, they could be stealing.

I don’t see any local businesses asking to see receipts before leaving the store as if some items in the cart are stolen.

I don’t see any local businesses hiring staff to watch people shop for cosmetics in order to make sure people know they’re being watched.

I don’t see any local businesses locking items on their shelves and demanding we acquire the help of staff in order to unlock the item and then requiring us to pay for the item before we may place the item in our shopping cart.

I don’t see any local businesses providing the same shopping experience to their good patrons as they do crooks, thieves and scoundrels.

I see that the owners of local businesses know me, trust me and don’t believe I’m a criminal.

I see that the owners of Walmart don’t know me, think I am untrustworthy and believe I am stealing.

I see more reasons to shop at stores that are owned by local entrepreneurs who are a part of our community, know this community, and trust this community, than I see reasons to shop at a store that has decided to think the worst of this community.

Do you?

Peter Ortego

Lewis