Deze van Knop de Voor U

That is the FreeTranslation.com translation of "This Bud's For You" in Dutch, a language spoken by Belgians. I'm sure somebody smarter in the near future will give us the true translation because, Anheuser-Busch was purchased by the Belgian company InBev. Maybe you have had a Stella Artois or a Bass?

Oh the outrage.

Bud drinkers scream that their quintessential American beer should not be foreign owned. But, being foreign owned is increasingly becoming the American thing to do.

Take a look at Miller, Bud's biggest American competitor. They are now owned by a company from South Africa.

Chrysler, makers of both Dodge and Jeep vehicles, were bought by German Daimler, the maker of Mercedes Benz. Due to poor performance, the majority ownership of Chrysler was sold back to Americans, but Daimler still hold a major stake in the company.

Even the United States Federal Government is increasingly becoming owned by foreign interests. About 25 percent of the National Debt is owed to foreign countries.

Is it even necessary to mention all the American companies that use foreign labor? Try this list.

Americans are experts in selective outrage. We are passionate people but, you must hit just the right spot to spark this phenomenon. Miller Beer under foreign rule? Not bad. Bud? Listen to the screams. Chrysler working with the Germans? Big deal. Wonder what would happen if GM merged with Toyota? Probably chaos. The United States Federal Government in debt? Well I don't think anybody really cares what they do.

Anheuser-Busch sold for about $52 billion. That is a lot. The company has been the in the same family for generations and companies worth that much are often best served by changing ownerships. Also, lately their market share has decreased. So it makes sense to make this move.

I love American beer. But, my preference lies with the micros and other smaller scale brewers. That is the true American entrepreneurial spirit. They also are much more fun.

Bottom Line? If you are scorned by Anheuser-Busch, experience a little with the section of beer you tend to walk past.

Rabbit