Land, Security, and Ownership: A Conversation with Senator Cramer and Security Expert Ross Kennedy
On this episode of "Ladies of Another View," host Mary Graner is joined by special guests U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer and U.S. Security Expert Ross Kennedy. Senator Cramer discusses his ongoing work in Washington, D.C., and provides insights into his stance on the Second Amendment. The conversation then shifts to the topic of land ownership in America, as the trio delves into whether land in the country is "up for grabs."
Ross Kennedy provides insights into a recent security concern in Northeastern North Dakota, where a Chinese company's plan to build a corn-processing plant near an air force base was struck down. Kennedy addresses the necessary steps to ensure national security in such cases. He also discusses the acquisition of land around Travis Air Force Base in California, raising questions about foreign ownership near critical military installations.
Lastly, the conversation turns to the topic of seemingly American companies that are, in fact, foreign-owned.
More on Foreign-Owned Companies:
Surprising Ownership Shifts: American Brands with Foreign Owners
As you heard from the show, several iconic American companies you know and love are actually owned by foreign corporations? Here's a list of just some of these familiar names and their global ownership:
- Sunglass Hut: This leading sunglasses retailer, established in Miami in 1971, is now part of the Italian Luxottica Group. The acquisition, worth $653 million, took place in 2001. Smithfield: The leading pork producer in the U.S., known for brands like Smithfield and Cook's, is now under the Chinese umbrella. In 2013, Shuanghui Group, a global pork giant, bought Smithfield for a staggering $4.7 billion.
- Firestone: Bridgestone Tire Company Ltd. of Japan, founded in 1931, purchased The Firestone Tire & Rubber Company in 1988. This acquisition created the world’s largest tire and rubber company.
- Restaurant Brands International (RBI): Formed in 2014, RBI, a Canadian-American venture, emerged from the merger of Tim Hortons and Burger King. This $12.5 million deal made RBI the world’s fifth-largest operator of fast-food restaurants.
- Trader Joe's: This eco-friendly supermarket chain, dating back to 1967 in California, might have an American ring to its name, but it's been German-owned for quite some time. Theo Albrecht of Aldi acquired Trader Joe's in 1979, and now his heirs own the company.
- Anheuser-Busch: Makers of the classic Budweiser beer, Anheuser-Busch, merged with Belgium's InBev in 2008. This union created AB InBev, one of the top consumer products companies globally and a leader in American beer production.
- Chrysler: Once a titan in U.S. automaking, Chrysler has seen its share of ownership changes. It's now part of Stellantis NV, a conglomerate that emerged from the merger of Fiat Chrysler and PSA Group in 2021. This merger birthed one of the largest auto manufacturers in the world, encompassing brands like Maserati and Mopar.
- 7-Eleven: Known for Slurpees and Big Gulps, 7-Eleven, founded in Texas in 1927, is now owned by Tokyo-based Seven & I Holdings. The Japanese firm bought the chain in 1991 for about $1 billion.
