Half Price Beer When Mitch McConnell Dies: A Brewery's Defiant Stand Against Political Silence

In a move that has sparked both outrage and solidarity, Minocqua Brewing Company, a progressive Wisconsin brewery, is offering half price beer on the day Senator Mitch McConnell dies. The promotion, announced on Instagram in July, directly targets the Kentucky Republican's prolonged absence from Congress due to health issues, framing it as a critique of systemic political failure.

'Given that Mitch McConnell is responsible for AT LEAST 50% of what's currently wrong with America, we've decided to give 50% off of all of our beer at both taprooms in Minocqua and Madison the day he kicks the bucket,' the brewery wrote. This is not the first time Minocqua has used provocative marketing to challenge political figures; they previously offered free beer if President Trump died.

Why This Matters: A Critique of Political Absence and Accountability

McConnell, hospitalized in June, has remained largely silent about his health, prompting calls from Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear for him to address the public or resign. Minocqua blasted Beshear for not calling a special election to replace the 'ghost from Kentucky,' arguing that the governor missed an early August deadline to call a vote. Beshear's office responded with a statement on X, emphasizing that the date has no legal impact on his options should a vacancy arise.

This incident highlights a broader systemic issue: the lack of accountability for elected officials who remain in power while unable to fulfill their duties. For marginalized communities, particularly those impacted by McConnell's policies, his absence is not just a procedural matter but a continuation of harm. As activist and writer Mia McKenzie has noted, 'Silence from those in power is not neutrality; it is a form of violence against those who suffer under their policies.'

The Brewery's Radical Politics and the State's Response

Minocqua, known for flavors like Antifa Oktoberfist and Fascist Tears, has long been a target of state scrutiny. Owner Kirk Bangstad wrote in July that the Wisconsin Department of Revenue is seeking to revoke the brewery's alcohol permit, citing violations Bangstad describes as 'laughable.' The state also seized all canned beer in June, arguing it was illegally imported from Illinois without proper permits. The brewery contends it legally contracted with an Illinois company.

Bangstad has vowed to fight the agency 'tooth and nail,' framing the conflict as an attack on progressive voices. This is not an isolated incident. In April, FBI and Secret Service agents interviewed Bangstad after a Facebook post suggesting someone should assassinate the president following a security breach at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. The post read, 'Well, we almost got #freebeerday. Either a brother or sister in the Resistance needs to work on their marksmanship or he faked another assassination to get a positive news cycle.'

Voices from the Margins: Community Reactions

The promotion has drawn mixed reactions. Some Instagram users condemned the brewery, with one writing, 'Even if this was Biden this is gross.' Another sent a direct message saying, 'I pray that you obtain more wisdom, love and compassion.' Minocqua reposted the message with a response: 'We pray you obtain more self awareness, humility, and a better knowledge of world history.'

These exchanges reflect a deeper tension within progressive movements: the line between critique and callousness. For many in the LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and disabled communities, McConnell's policies have caused tangible harm, from blocking voting rights to opposing healthcare access. As one activist put it, 'His absence is a relief, but it doesn't erase the damage he has done. We need systemic change, not just symbolic victories.'

What This Means for the Future of Political Protest

Minocqua's case raises critical questions about the limits of protest in a capitalist system. The state's attempt to revoke the brewery's permit is not just about alcohol regulations; it is about suppressing dissenting voices. As Bangstad wrote on Substack, the state is trying to 'make an example' out of Wisconsin's 'most progressive brewery.' This echoes broader patterns of state repression against activists and businesses that challenge the status quo.

For those committed to intersectional, decolonial, and antiracist politics, Minocqua's defiance is a reminder that resistance can take many forms. Whether through direct action, art, or even beer, the goal is to disrupt the systems that perpetuate oppression. As the brewery continues its legal battle, it invites us to reflect on our own complicity and the ways we can support those who dare to speak truth to power.

#JusticeForMinocqua #DefundTheState #SolidarityWithMargins