Democracy can sometimes be imperfect. The intersection of money and politics is one of those relationships that often leads to problems – political problems, public relations problems, and sometimes (as in the case of Jack Abramoff) even criminal problems. Special interest groups and the money pumped into political campaigns serve to shape legislative policy more than constituent concerns, safety concerns or any other concerns for that matter. I’m afraid this has become the practical reality of our democracy.
Have you ever wondered why Missouri has no meaningful open container law?
Simple, the answer is A.B.
Have you ever wondered why Missouri turns down millions of federal dollars for highway construction each year so that passengers can drink out of open beer cans when driving around the state?
Simple, the answer is A.B.
Have you ever wondered why the tenor of political debate has reached an all-time low in St. Charles County?
Simple, the answer is A.B.
This, dear readers, is a story about the unbridled arrogance of A.B.
Once upon a time (last April), State Senator Bill Alter (R) was elected in a squeaker of a special election by the slim margin of 68 votes. Senator Alter came up with an idea – wouldn’t it be great to give the school children in the district a civics lesson. He proposed the “It Ought to Be a Law” essay contest for fifth graders. It’s actually an admirable program allowing children to learn more about the legislative process by suggesting ideas they’d like to see signed into law. Senator Alter said he would propose the winner’s idea during the upcoming legislative session.
Eleven year old Kristen Bogert suggested a relatively common-sense concept: grocery and convenience stores should be prohibited from selling refrigerated beer. She thinks there may be a correlation between readily available refrigerated alcohol and drunk driving. In accordance with his essay contest, Senator Alter filed S.B. 763, which is currently languishing before the Pensions, Veterans’ Affairs and General Laws Committee, where it will likely die at the hands of politicians bought and paid for by A.B.
Kristen thought this idea may discourage drunk drivers. She said that she couldn’t understand why people need to buy individual cans or bottles of beer out of ice bins by the checkout at local convenience stores and gas stations. She thinks there will be less drunk driving and fewer accidents. She might be right, but we’ll never know thanks to A.B.
Kristen has riled an angry giant with her innocent idea – A.B. (more formally known as Anheuser-Busch Cos., Inc.) Anheuser Busch has gone on the offensive against this eleven-year old. It has criticized this legislation for a number of reasons including: refrigerated beer is a convenience for adults and drunken-driving fatalities in Missouri have declined over the past four years. Thankfully, a few courageous politicians have introduced stiffer penalties for drunk drivers, which is probably why the number of fatalities has declined, but A.B. has never been big on truth or details. Rumors suggest that A.B. will punish Senator Alter as well, since he brought forth this idea. Senator Alter will be up for election again this November, and I suspect his opponent will be well-financed, courtesy of A.B.
The St. Louis Post Dispatch Editorial Board (firmly in the pocket of A.B.) decided to weigh in on the issue and let readers know that “this is remarkably dumb idea.” Basically the Post suggests that we can’t really save the drunk drivers from themselves and Kristen probably should stay home with her nanny.
Well folks, I wholeheartedly disagree. I think that Kristen should be commended for such an insightful idea. Whether you agree with the content of the proposed legislation or not, I hope that we can all agree on the fact that 11-year olds are learning more about our legislative branch. I challenge Senator Alter to really see this legislation through the process – let’s give her idea a hearing and meaningful debate. Let’s not give into A.B. this time. I fear we know exactly how the legislative process will work: S. B. 763 will die in committee at the hands of politicians bought and paid for with “beer” money. Can’t we let Kristen learn that first-hand as opposed to subjecting her to mean and spiteful attacks in the press?
That brings us to our local A.B. (estranged Anheuser-Busch heir Adolphus Busch IV). Adolphus and his cronies are largely responsible for the unfortunate level of political discourse in St. Charles County. The one place that Adolphus cannot buy his desired outcome is the court system, where he continually loses his battles against the elected officials in St. Peters. His puppet regime in O’Fallon has made a mockery of government, and his attempt to recall elected officials in St. Charles is pathetic. Adolphus was at the microphone as recently as two weeks ago threatening the St. Peters Board of Aldermen (who aren’t even up for election until 2007). He warned them: “change is coming.” Well, I for one am looking forward to some changes. It’s about time that we, the regular people, show some courage and stand up to A.B.
Apparently, Anheuser-Busch is now taking lessons from Adolphus and his cronies. Adolphus picks on politicians. Anheuser-Busch prefers to pick on eleven-year olds. Good luck Kristen. I’m sorry that you are learning the ugliest lesson of politics at the hands of A.B. Don’t lose hope though; good women and men, just like you, can make a difference.
