In a letter sent to the Pabst Brewing Co., Maryland Attorney General Douglas F. Gansler, who serves as the spokesperson, says “Blast” by Colt 45 is a “binge-in-a-can” that targets youth. Gansler’s sentiments were concurred by attorneys general from Arizona, California, Connecticut, Guam, Idaho, Iowa, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Utah, and Washington. San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera also joined the petition, according to a written statement, CNN reports.
Why the national outrage? This: The drink, in a colorful 23.5-ounce can that looks and tastes like soda pop, has an alcohol content of 12%, more potent than a typical can of beer. Advocates for the malt liquor’s termination liken it to a fruity poison.
“They’re marketing it as a single serving when in reality it’s five servings in a can,” said Raquel Guillory, spokeswoman for the Maryland attorney general. “We hope they would be a good corporate citizen.”
Representative for Snoop Dogg did not return CNN’s request for an interview. No kidding. It is hard or nearly impossible to justify endorsing such liquid fire without sounding crazy or self-serving. And we already know that Pabst greased Snoop’s palm amply to make the drink more appetizing and attractive for young urbanites. Snoop Dogg is the face of the product who “has the ability to take Colt 45 to a whole new level,” according to a company marketing video.
Paul Porter of Industry Ears, a media watchdog group, told reporters that “Colt 45 makers are raising the alcohol level from the already high 6% to the even higher 12% and enticing young people with hip-hop themes and lollipop flavors.”
This is akin to the sinister pedophile who tries to lure kids from the playground with candy and a smile.
With the heat on and spotlight trained in Snoop’s direction, the Doggfather needs to sever ties to this company with a quickness. The community looks askance at those who blatantly turn profits at their own people’s expense. –terry shropshire
