Just because its part of the Constitution doesn't mean it can't be changed. What's harder to do, add an amendment to the Constitution or remove one? If history teaches us anything it teaches us that removing something is infinitely more difficult than it is to add something. The Europeans had no problem inhabiting North America. They sure had a problem removing the inhabitants that were already there. Wars have been fought over removing things. Adding things have been done behind closed doors without anyone being the wiser.
On December 5, 1933, the 21st Amendment to the U.S Constitution is ratified, repealing Prohibition. The 1919 ratification of the 18th Amendment, which created a nationwide ban on the manufacture, sale and transportation of “intoxicating liquors,” capped years of effort by temperance reformers, who deemed alcohol a national curse responsible for a wide range of social ills. But by the time the Roaring ’20s gave way to the Great Depression, Prohibition came to represent the very ills and excesses it sought to address. The rise of organized crime syndicates, spurred by a flourishing bootlegging industry, gave momentum to calls in the early 1930s for a 21st Amendment repealing the “noble experiment.” Mindful that local legislators would be reluctant to alienate powerful temperance groups, advocates of repeal endorsed state conventions to which delegates were elected to support or reject repeal. The strategy worked, and when—on this date—Utah became the 36th state to approve the 21st Amendment, Prohibition came to an end.
Celebrate Repeal Day this December 5 by drinking — well, whatever you like, if for no other reason, just because you can.
Popular history is contingent upon the historian who writes it. Every event in history is seen through the eyes of those who witness it. Each perspective is unique.
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
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5 comments:
I'll drink to that!
Here's to wising up and taking charge.
I had no idea that prohibition last so long. Wow.
Yeah, can you imagine 14 years without a liquor store every few blocks? Its no wonder the mob got so big. They were providing drinks to everyone.
Now for marijuana.
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