Walton Foundation challenged on support of ALEC politics

The leaders, including the Rev. Jesse Jackson, Dr. Jeremiah Wright, and Danny Glover, write that they are appalled that despite Walmart’s and the Walton Family’s attempts to create an image of supporting civil rights and community and civic participation, both the retail giant and the foundation have given more than $1 million to politicians with close ties to ALEC and its agenda.

“We are disturbed that, despite your company’s claim to support Civil Rights, you are funding an organization that has helped propel serious attacks on our communities,” says the letter.

Civil rights leaders write that they are angered by the Walton Family Foundation’s support of ALEC’s agenda including “stand your ground” laws. They are also troubled by the fact that a Walmart executive co-chaired the ALEC task force that endorsed the law.

The letter states, “As the largest seller of guns and ammunition in the country, Walmart and your family may be blinded to the impact of guns and pro-gun laws on our nation and in our communities. The impact is very real.”

Leaders also address their concern about ALEC’s role in promoting voter suppression laws. The letter notes that supporters of voter suppression laws claim that they want to reduce voter fraud such as individuals voting illegally or voting twice. However, the letter points out that such fraud almost never occurs and never in amounts large enough to affect the results of elections.

The letter further states that “Voter suppression laws prevent large numbers of eligible voters from casting a ballot, and could disenfranchise as many as 5 million people. And, it is clear that these laws have the effect of disproportionately disenfranchising the low-income voters, people of color, and the elderly. This runs counter to the Walton Family Foundation’s stated goal to increase opportunity and improve the lives of others.”

Photo: Rev. Jesse Jackson