Wal-Mart Stores Inc. is providing a classic study in the question of what a company owes to its employees vs. what it owes to its community.

An organization called Walmart Watch, which keeps its teeth clamped onto the retailer’s pants cuff like a scrappy dog, made several points as it marked the recent opening of an art museum by the descendants of company founder Sam Walton:

“Today, the Walton Family Foundation is opening a $1.4 billion art museum in Bentonville, Ark. But just last month, the company that made them their billions slashed health care for hundreds of thousands of families. … According to Forbes Magazine, four of the 11 wealthiest people in America are Waltons. … Combined, the Waltons’ net worth is $93 billion.”

It’s a modern example of a long-running American phenomenon. A corporation competes so hard and pinches payroll so determinedly that it winds up atop a mountain of cash. Then it turns benevolent and makes a lasting mark on society with worthy additions bearing its name.

Doubtless, a fine museum in Bentonville is a boost to the community – although a fair number of residents will never venture inside. But is that museum worth more than responsible treatment of Wal-Mart employees would be?

The health-care “slash” referred to by Walmart Watch was partly described by The New York Times like this: “Citing rising costs, Wal-Mart, the nation’s largest private employer, told its employees … that all future part-time employees who work less than 24 hours a week on average will no longer qualify for any of the company’s health insurance plans. In addition, any new employees who average 24 hours to 33 hours a week will no longer be able to include a spouse as part of their health care plan, although children can still be covered.”

A lot of scrambling families get pain; a few culture mavens get pleasure. Can America afford that these days? 