I missed this eye-opening editorial last week that argues Wal-Mart is undermining national security by using its heavy lobbying and campaign contribution clout to oppose port security measures.

Adding injury to injury, there’s a reason Wal-Mart, w/ $11 billion in profits in 2005, is fighting port security. It wants to protect the uninhibited flow of merchandise that it imports from overseas manufacturers. Bottom line: Wal-Mart is upending U.S. security so it can upend U.S. manufacturers. Wal-Mart is the #1 U.S. importer. (20 years ago, the company imported about 6 percent of its merchandise from overseas…today more than 2/3 of its products are imported from China alone.)

The editorial, written by AFL-CIO leader John Sweeney, gives examples of how Wal-Mart, the country’s third largest corporate campaign contributor to federal elections in the last presidential cycle at $2.7 million, prioritized an anti-port security agenda.

According to the editorial, Wal-Mart has:

1) Opposed the introduction of anti-terrorist “smart containers” and electronic seals for cargo containers coming into U.S. ports. The retail industry called them “feel good (security) measures.”
2) Opposed independent and regular inspections of supply-chain security practices around the world.
3) Opposed tougher rules requiring Wal-Mart to let Customs know what it’s shipping in and where it comes from. &
4) Opposed new container-handling fees to pay for improved port security