The state of things

No I haven't fallen off the face of the planet since March began, I've just been busy. Contemplating this, contemplating that, general contemplation. I realized yesterday that I should share these contemplations with you, friends, instead of just with the other voices in my head.

The other day I was contemplating Wal-Mart. It was before all this damn snow hit and I took a walk through my neighborhood, which inevitably means passing the Wal-Mart since it is a block from my house.

It was just after 10 am on a weekday and the parking lot was full of cars. It seems like Jell-o, there is always time for Wal-Mart. Ok, that comparison didn't work so well. Anyway. I really hate Wal-Mart. I always feel a little ill at the wanton consumption when I walk by. But I am a hypocrite. I shop at Wal-Mart. Not often, but when your income technically puts you below the poverty line sometimes you can't resit the cheapness of craptastic Wal-Mart.

New underwear, pet food, furniture, dishes...it doesn't matter what it is, it is ALWAYS cheaper at Wal-Mart. And I can definitely see how it would be hard for people who are in dire straits financially to buy something that is more expensive just because it is more sustainable. I can't even do it sometimes.

On the other hand, I think many people use Wal-Mart as a way to have more than they would be able to afford otherwise. I have been trying to ask myself lately: do you really need new ____ (insert luxery item here) when the one you have works perfectly fine? Or do you really need one of them at all?

How do we (should we) define "need"?