Wal-Mart To Hire Over 100,000 Vets And To Sell More U.S.Made Merchandise

Does this make you more likely to shop at Wal-Mart? Would you like to see more companies show more economic patriotism? If you haven't heard, Wal-Mart announced on Tuesday (January 15th) that it's rolling out a three-part plan to help further stimulate our economy by hiring more than 100,000 veterans over the next five years. Wal Mart also plans to spend $50 billion on American-made merchandise in the next 10 years.
Wal-Mart says they plan to help their part-time workers move into full-time positions. The move comes as the world's largest retailer and biggest private employer in the U.S. tries to boost its image amid frequent criticism for its low-paying jobs and products made overseas. The giant retailer says that the message they are trying to send is that companies don't have to wait for lawmakers in Washington to improve the economy. First Lady Michelle Obama, who spearheaded a White House drive to encourage businesses to hire veterans, called yesterday's announcement "historic," stating,

"Wal-Mart is setting a groundbreaking example for the private sector to follow."

There are critics, though, who say the changes are just a drop in the bucket, and question whether the initiatives will have a major impact on the U.S. economy. What do you think? Will this help further stimulate our economy?