An example of why people have lost faith in government may be found in a Missouri proposal concerning beer coolers.
The cooler bill has nothing to do with good government; instead, it has everything to do with promoting the product of a campaign donor.
The measure by state Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Glendale, would allow breweries to lease coolers to grocery stores and other establishments that sell beer. Supporters, including major breweries, say the bill would help the state's beer industry and provide another option for beer sales.
Schmitt acknowledges he was approached by Anheuser-Busch about the cooler proposal. Last year, the brewery donated $15,000 to Schmitt's campaign for state treasurer.
Any argument that the proposal promotes Missouri's beer industry falls flat because the bill promotes only a segment of the industry; craft brewers generally oppose the measure.
Jeff Schrag, president of the Missouri Small Brewer's Guild, said the bill would put smaller breweries at a competitive disadvantage because they are unable to afford coolers to lease to stores.
"We are basically giving Goliath more weapons to fight David," Schrag said. "Goliath doesn't need more weapons."
Despite opposition, the measure was approved last week by the Senate on an 18-14 vote and now advances to the House.
During this presidential campaign season, much has been written about the angry, frustrated voter who has lost faith in a self-serving political system.
The cooler proposal is not designed to serve the welfare of Missourians; it is designed to serve them cold beer produced by one segment of the brewing industry at the expense of another segment.
State representatives have an opportunity to correct an errant call by the upper chamber. We encourage House members to consider this bill not only for what it is, but for what it represents - an example of why people mistrust government.