What’s American Anymore?
July 14, 2008
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.
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Ok, I don’t think people see the big picture here… The real reason this sale took place was because Anheuser-Busch was loosing money, lots of it. If you read the Wall Street Journal, AZ Republic, or any other newspaper you will see that this is a great move. Yes, it’s no longer “American owned” but technically it is… In the Wall Street it says everything is going to stay the same except ownership, they’re just going to cut the dead weight. The Brewery will remain in St. Louis and the workers are supposedly going to stay as well…
This is my take.
I grew up a midwest boy too, It kills me that they sold another American Company to a foreign Company. I’ll bet August Busch rolled over in his grave at least three times when this was announced.