" And what I am trying to say to them that through our ads and through our discussions is if you don’t want us in your community, that’s your choice, but don’t say it’s because of wages. "
- Lee Scott

This statement emphasizes the importance of transparency and honesty when discussing community issues involving businesses like Walmart. Essentially, Lee Scott is advocating for people to be clear about their reasons for not wanting a company to operate within their community, instead of attributing it to concerns over wages.

Underlying this quote is a call for accountability and direct communication in public discourse. By encouraging open dialogue and genuine expression of opinions, Scott aims to foster an environment where communities can voice legitimate concerns without resorting to vague or misleading reasons like wage issues when they might have other reservations. This approach promotes healthier community relations and better mutual understanding between businesses and their local environments.

Lee Scott is the former CEO of Walmart who made this statement during a speech addressing stakeholders about the company's efforts to engage with communities around wages and employment practices. Known for his leadership role in advancing corporate social responsibility initiatives at Walmart, Scott has been influential in shaping discussions on workplace policies and community relations within retail industries.