In addition to rising energy costs, we have mega companies driving down 
median income levels.   Never put much stock into Walmart bashing until I saw 
WAL-MART: THE HIGH COST OF LOW PRICE, on Discovery channel.   
http://www.walmartmovie.com/about.php    Pretty amazing stats on how low 
costs are impacting our economy from State Aid, average household income 
levels for thier workers, and profit margins for manufacturers.  

Has not convinced me to stop shopping at Walmart, but I have changed my 
buying habits towards other suppliers in many items.

Now on the opposite side of the coin, just entered a "Wellness" program 
through Cigna that cut my families monthly medical premium by 60%.   Too 
early to tell if the "wellness" programs will be used later to raise rates.  At this 
point seems geared toward Preventative medical information and practices.
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