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Why I'm Done With Anheuser-Busch

Retailers in Whiteclay, Nebraska, fuel alcoholism among native Americans

By Neal Colgrass,  Newser Staff

Posted May 6, 2012 5:22 PM CDT

(Newser) – This Bud's for you, native Americans—and that's why Nicholas Kristof is done with Anheuser-Busch. The sight of American Indians walking from the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation to nearby Whiteclay, Nebraska, for a beer or ten, was all Kristof needed: "It’s as if Mexico legally sold methamphetamine and crack cocaine to Americans in Tijuana and Ciudad Juárez," he writes in the New York Times.

“It’s hopeless; the tribe can’t stop the alcohol,” an American Indian told Kristof while slumped against a wall—and then asked him for $5. While retailers in Whiteclay sell Pabst, Coors, and Miller beers too, they mostly sell products by Anheuser-Busch. The maker of Budweiser and Michelob wouldn't respond to Kristof, but there is a lawsuit in progress to stop the local beer sales. "For now, Pine Ridge’s alcohol problem is matched only by Anheuser-Busch’s greed problem," writes Kristof. "That’s why I’ll pass on a Bud, and I hope you’ll join me." Click for the full article.

This June 7, 2003 file photo shows a man drinking a beer standing with other Native Americans on the streets of Whiteclay, Neb.
This June 7, 2003 file photo shows a man drinking a beer standing with other Native Americans on the streets of Whiteclay, Neb.   (AP Photo/William Lauer, File)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 85 comments
DraftyBeer
May 7, 2012 10:24 PM CDT
I guess there isn't much else to do living on a revservation out in the middle of nowhere....The Gubment needs a bigger rug and broom.....It is probably best to stay away from "Round Eyes"....with forked tongue...and there's really nothing out there to burn and loot....no pizza guy to rob or shoot....boring life out there....
submarinesoup
May 7, 2012 2:23 PM CDT
Why I'm Done With Nicholas Kristof When I read an article like this, completely devoid of a newsworthy message or any logical call to action, I get pissed. Kristof never even bothers to explain why we should blame A-B other than the fact that the offending retailer carries it and his opinion that the company is "greedy." How about boycotting the retailer that actually sells to alcoholics, dumbass? A-B has no reason to even know this is happening. Do you really think they can police the ethics of each and every one of their distributors, let alone the retail stores where the product ends up? Start thinking critically, Nick. And if you're this desperate for something to write about, maybe journalism isn't for you.
Naked_Emperor
May 7, 2012 1:39 PM CDT
Hey guys, guess what.  Indians are just fine at taking responsibilty for our own actions. We don't need any white people named kristof telling us what we should or should not do. Can't he tell whitey what to do, or is that just not as entertaining?
 

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