I self-identify as a Libertarian, though my party and I don’t agree on everything. One topic about which I know nothing, and am therefore reluctant to offer an opinion on, is economics. I will profess no bias for capitalism here, though I am more and more convinced that it’s a pretty good idea. Wait. I guess I just did profess a bias. I’m still not completely decided on my decisions about that, though.

The only reason I bring this up is because of the stock-smacking rumors of an imminent, multi-billion dollar buyout of one of Pittsburgh’s biggest companies, Alcoa, the masters of aluminum.

What will this buyout mean for the locals? It might mean nothing - the company that buys it might simply keep the business going as it has been, comfortable with its role in the region and its ability to make oodles of money here.

But I am immediately reminded of another buyout of a local company, when beer titans Anheuser-Busch bought Latrobe Brewing and moved the joint to Missouri. This event was not well regarded by many here in western Pennsylvania.

Despite the fact that Latrobe is still on the map, and will eventually recover from the setback of losing a big, national brand, I still get a little twinge in my gut when the radio commercials end with “St. Louis, Missouri,” instead of “Latrobe, Pennsylvania.”

We still have Yuengling and Iron City, and a whole bunch of delicious microbrews (post your favorites in the comments section!), but Rolling Rock simply doesn’t taste the same as it used to.

I mean, I’m guessing about that last part. Since I haven’t had a Rolling Rock since the move, I really wouldn’t know.