Posted by
Mike on Monday, July 04, 2011 4:47:49 PM
http://www.westernperspective.blogspot.com/
Horse drawn wagons were often used before Prohibition to transport
beer to taverns throughout America. In making these deliveries, the
beer wagon driver would often bring coworkers along to lift the heavy
beer barrels and kegs. Upon entering the establishments, they were
greeted by the proprietors and offered a glass of beer at each stop.
This led to many road accidents along the way. One day, a brewery owner
decided that to prevent such accidents, one worker would have to be a
designated driver who was not allowed to go into any of the road houses,
saloons and hotels, but must remain "on the wagon". This expression
then came to apply to anyone who remains sober for an indefinite period
of time.
The Anheuser Busch commercials often feature a beer wagon pulled by
Clydesdale horses. The Clydesdale breed is a type of workhorse
originating in Scotland. Anheuser Busch also sponsors Busch Gardens
adjacent to their brewery in Van Nuys, California, near to where my law
alma mater was once located. The world famous Austrian Lippizaner horse
show came to Busch Gardens at that time, featuring these magnificent
equine creatures performing within a circus ring.
In choosing our next president, do we want to elect a Lippizaner or a Clydesdale?