I'm all for it. BUT I do know this: the beer company will either succeed or fail depending on whether or not the beer is any good.
Ex-seal who killed bin Laden at center of opposition to military-themed brewery opening in big Navy town (msn.com)
A former Navy Seal who shot Osama bin Laden is at the center of controversy in Norfolk, Virginia, where the Armed Forces Brewing Company is planning to open a military-themed brewery. Robert J. O’Neill has a small stake in the brewery and has drawn opposition from community members over racist and homophobic remarks he’s allegedly made in the past. He recently turned to social media to complain about a Navy sailor who performs as a drag queen and was reported by police in Texas as using a racial slur.
Both incidents are just two reasons opponents are attempting to stop the brewery from operating in Norfolk, which is part of Hampton Roads and home to many members of the armed forces. The brewing company markets itself by way of conservative ads and has toned down O’Neill’s public-facing role as a brand ambassador, while also dismissing claims against them.
Last month, the city’s planning commission advised the city council to deny permits for a planned taproom and distribution center just miles from the largest Navy base in the country, in a 4-2 vote.
Tim Anderson, an attorney representing the brewery, wrote a letter to the city’s attorney accusing the commission’s vote of being based on the owner’s political views. "What is 100% clear to me is that if my client was an activist brewery positively engaged in promoting LGBTQ ideas — the application would have sailed through planning," Anderson said.
Opponents argue the brewery would be a bad fit for the city and its ownership does not reflect the diversity of the military, veterans or the city, which is liberal-leaning. The opposition also brought up O’Neill’s arrest in Frisco, Texas, back in August, during which police said he assaulted a hotel security officer while intoxicated and used a racial slur. He also used the platform to sound off on news about an active-duty sailor who performs as a drag queen and helps the Navy with recruiting efforts. "Alright. The U.S. Navy is now using an enlisted sailor Drag Queen as a recruiter," he wrote. "I’m done. China is going to destroy us. YOU GOT THIS NAVY. I can’t believe I fought for this bull. "The Armed Forces Brewing Company has threatened to sue if the application is rejected.