What’s American Anymore?

I grew up a Midwest boy, just outside St. Louis, Missouri to be exact. So, the sale of Anheuser Busch hits close to home—not because I drink their beer but because that was an original American company, built on the back of an immigrant who dared to dream THE Dream.

Indeed, besides the Arch, the brewery is a proud symbol of all things St. Louis—all things American. That’s why the announcement of the $52 Billion dollar sale of the suds supplier to a Belgian company hit so hard—another piece of Americana has gone to the highest bidder. It’s not the first, nor will it be the last, but come on, can’t we keep a couple of these things that define us? Craftsmen tools are made in six other nations, Coke is worldwide and even the Maytag Repairman is trying to figure out his place. Globalization. New markets. Better returns on investments. The sale of our country will fall under those headings and more and yes, I get it. If I’m a shareholder I want the good news of a great windfall. But, that doesn’t mean that I can’t mourn the passing of a legend, a King.

Soon, the Clydesdales will be dancing through the snow with yet another Christmas commercial and I’ll no longer wax nostalgic, I’ll just see dollar signs or, I don’t know—waffles. Belgian waffles do come from the same place don’t they? I guess that’s just something I’ll have to learn. If I have to choose a night school or a Learning Access course I think I’ll take one on geography—Lord knows I need to know where companies are located—you know, the ones that are buying my country.

July 14, 2008

Today on Ankarlo Mornings: Ankarlo talks to author Dick Morris about the New Yorker cover that has Obama in a turban and his wife, Michelle with a machine gun. Morris also comments on Obama and how the current government is Fleecing us. Also, InBev is buying Anheuser-Busch. Ankarlo asks what is left that is American? Phoenix is also the kidnapping capital of the U.S. Why? Because most of the crimes involve human and drug smuggling. CBS 5’s Morgan Loew has been working this story and he joins Ankarlo.