PROHIBITION ENDED THREE-QUARTERS OF A CENTURY AGO TODAY

The official end of alcohol prohibition turns 75 years old today, and thank the Good Lord for that.

After all, if it weren’t for alcohol, we wouldn’t have smoking hot bartenders like “Ms. May” above from Atlanta, nor would common men without my impeccable charm and wit have a great equalizer when trying to obtain the affection of someone like Ms. May, nor would we have awesome scenes in movies like when Jack Nicholson goes nuts in “The Shining.” I’ll toast to all of that.

In 1932 under the specter of the Great Depression, Franklin Delano Roosevelt won 57 percent of the vote and carried all but six states in winning his first term as U.S. president. [...]

One of FDR’s campaign promises was to repeal the 18th Amendment, the prohibition of alcohol, and reap the rewards of new taxes. Once elected he kept his promise, championing the 21st Amendment which repealed prohibition on December 5, 1933.

The rest is history: FDR won three more terms, started social security and other social programs, and ushered the country through World War II and out of the depression. And with every victory the people could celebrate with a cheer, a toast, and a sip of bubbly, because FDR’s greatest vision was seen through beer goggles. [San Diego Union Tribune]

I don’t think any of that above-pasted article is hyperbole. Like it or not, freely-flowing alcohol is part of the American way.

You’ll always have the temperance movement folks whining that people like to have a cocktail after work or a pitcher of beer to drown the sorrows of watching Gamecock football. But if I’m a responsible adult, who cares? No one, that’s who.

So enjoy a few drinks in the spirit of the Holiday season and don’t forget the brave crusaders who gave us back our booze. Also, if you’re in Atlanta, don’t forget to tell Ms. May to give me a call sometime.