Has anyone out there had any trouble with tires bought at Wal-Mart?

I have a 1987 Camaro with 47,000 actual miles on it.  We drive it only about
500 miles a year, if that.   On Sept 9, 2006, we purchased two Douglas tires
for it from Wal-Mart.

Last week I heard a sort of rubbing sound from the left-rear wheel.  I got a
flashlight  and checked the tire, looking for a nail or something in the
thread.  Much to my surprise, the rubber has split is several places and the
wire belting is visible under the thread.

Yesterday, I went to the store and explained the situation to the manager
there.  She pulled-up the sale from her computer and told me that there was
nothing they would do about it, because I had NOT PURCHASED ADDITIONAL ROAD
HAZARD INSURANCE.  I explained that there was no road hazard involved, that
the tire was simply coming apart.  She told me that the Douglas tire was
made by Goodyear, and that I would have to see a Goodyear dealer.  I told
here that I thought Wal-Mart was a dealer, but guess I was wrong.

Lesson learned?  I used to like Wal-Mart.

Graybeard