Politics makes strange bedfellows

                   -Charles Dudley Warner

This quote from Mr. Warner, an American essayist and novelist, was part of his My Summer in a Garden, penned in 1870.

Apparently the political landscape in the 19th century was very similar to what we have to contend with today. 

I have generally utilized the "Support Those Who Support You" philosophy as a comfortable fallback position when making purchasing decisions for whatever city I am serving at the time.

As many of you know, I am a simple animal and this credo served me well due to its inherent simplicity and lack of confusion. The boundaries of support were very clear, it was easy to stay within the lines and life was relatively simple.

Utilizing this philosophy I was consistently, and I use the term loosely, able to make profitable purchasing decisions while allowing myself the satisfaction of a good night sleep due to my inherent responsibility and political morality.

As our industry landscape evolves, these clear and concise boundaries are being rewritten and often eradicated completely rendering my purchasing philosophy less effective and completely inapplicable.

Doing business locally at all levels of commerce makes good sense whether it involves home grown produce, range fed beef or vodka.

Purchasing vodka that is owned by an international conglomerate that belongs to a trade association whose political agenda consists of changing liquor laws in individual states to suit its members perceived needs from a locally owned business could be a completely different issue.

What relevance does a letter written in support of our current political landscape mean if it seems to directly contradict what is happening in other states?

Is it prudent to assume what corporate policy might be and leverage purchasing decisions based on that speculation?

My conclusion is this; Statements are made, letters are written and the only truism we can count on is what's happening now.

Political speculation at the expense of our operations and our cities general funds should not be part of our days.

Many political agendas are crystal clear, some are more opaque.

Make your opinions known to your suppliers and wholesalers concerning their political affiliations! Ask questions about political agendas and alliances!

Exhaust these possibilities prior to choosing to vote with your dollars in a foolish manner.

We are fortunate that the primary measuring stick for municipal liquor is profit. This luxury allows us the pursuit of a quantifiable goal that is not nearly as nebulous as the political realm!

Politics and purchasing don't mix when purely speculative in nature. Your residents deserve more.

Lettuce is like conversation: It must be fresh and crisp, so sparkling that you scarcely notice the bitter in it.

                                           - Charles Dudley Warner

Gary Buysse

Rogers Liquor

Beverage Alcohol Training