Would You Kill For a Bargain?
Black Friday, the day after America's Thanksgiving, is so named because it's the "biggest shopping day of the year." The average retail business makes 10% of its holiday sales on that one day.
But on this Black Friday, 28 November 2008, it was a day of death for two shoppers and a clerk.
A Wal-Mart worker in Long Island, New York was killed when a crowd of shoppers rushed in as he was opening the front door. The crowd rushed so hard that part of the door's metal frame was "crushed like an accordion," according to a story from the Associated Press. A woman in the eighth month of her pregnancy was hit by the crowd and transported to the hospital.
A witness said shoppers stepped over the man lying on the floor. Those who tried to help got crushed themselves.
In a second fatal shopping spree, two men in Palm Desert, California shot and killed each other in a Toys "R" Us. Several shoppers and employees fled the store, with one four-year-old boy clinging to his mother's leg, telling her he didn't want to die.
The double fatal shooting may have been motivated by gang rivalry, not a toy. As one person asked, who brings loaded weapons into a toy store?
The Wal-Mart story is at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27955316 and the Toys "R" Us article is at http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27957714.
Comments
Killing for Bargains... that's what capitalism is all about, isn't it?
Posted by: RedRyan | November 29, 2008 12:42 PM
How could this happen? What is wrong with people?
Posted by: Andrew the Druid | November 30, 2008 02:35 PM
It is so hard to believe this is real. Such tragedy. Can people really be so tunnel minded to see only what they want to buy and not see the man lying right underneath their feet?
Posted by: TawTew the Naturally Perfumed | December 1, 2008 11:58 PM
I'd step over the man but I'd apologize.
Posted by: Nora Borer | December 2, 2008 05:23 AM
There is no excuse for this. The world needs Jesus now more than ever. Jesus taught love not hate and greed. When you die you will face God. Nothing from this world will go with you except your deeds. To enter Heaven you must be born again and receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior. John 3:16
Posted by: Christian Andy | December 4, 2008 06:06 PM
This is very disturbing.
Posted by: Fred | December 6, 2008 10:09 AM
How's it going guys?
I have a question thats been in my head for a long time and your post reminded me of it. Would you have sex for a bargain?
And how much? How much of a discount would you need? Hey, 20% off a brand new Ford if you'll do it with the dealer! Or how about 25% off your vacation in Disney World if you'll pleasure Minnie Mouse? I would mention getting concert tickets to see Miley Ray Cyrus, but I don't think she's old enough yet....
Posted by: Wheeler Dealer | December 31, 2008 09:56 PM
I really liked this post. Can I copy it to my site? Thank you in advance.
(Answer: Yes, you may. But we would like the answer to one question: What do you like about it? Or are you a non-answering bot?)
Posted by: Jessicaemalo | May 10, 2009 01:38 PM