Friday: the 75th anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition

[TechBear_Seattle]

Thank goodness, I need a drink.

Time to party like it's 1933

In selected watering holes across America, it's party time Friday night. In Washington, D.C., the festivities will center on the venerable City Tavern in Georgetown; for $90, you can taste the cocktail offerings of the capital's most expert bartenders (or "mixologists" as they like to term themselves), listen to a jazz band and, in the words of the invitation, "party like it's 1933."

In San Francisco, after a parade through the streets, celebrants will make their way to the 21st Amendment Brewery, gaining entrance to the revelries within by use of a special password. Similar events are being held in New York, Chicago, New Orleans and other cities associated with an understanding acceptance of human frailty and having a good time.

By now the reason for these goings-on will be plain. Friday is the 75th anniversary of the end of Prohibition -- when Utah became the deciding 36th state to ratify the 21st Amendment to the Constitution, and restore to the country's citizens the basic human right to go out and have a drink.

Rarely in the annals of human experience has so well intentioned an idea been such a monument to failure as America's 13-year attempt to eradicate the evil of alcohol. The National Prohibition (or Volstead) Act was passed by Congress in October 1919, overriding the veto of President Woodrow Wilson. The following January, the act was ratified as the 18th Amendment of the Constitution after it had been approved by the required three-quarters majority of states.

The article continues at http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/opinion/390691_drinkonline05.html

[Xipe Totec]

1. I'll drink to that! n/t

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

2. I hope Frank reintroduces his marijuana decriminalization bill

...as soon as we throw the bum out of the WH.

[BoneDaddy]

3. That reminds me to pick up a bottle of Pinot

on the way home.

[MarkInCA]

4. How ironic is it that Utah was the deciding state

My wife visited her sister there recently. Crazy drinking laws there.

Even crazier than when I lived in Florida in a town which wouldn't sell on Sunday, but had drive through liquor stores the other 6 days.

[pleah]

5. K&R Here's to the repeal of Prohibition!

:toast: :toast: :toast: :toast: :toast:

[TechBear_Seattle]

6. I'll drink to that!

:toast:

[ProfessorGAC]

7. Talk About A "Well, Duh"

Total consumption went down. Per capita consumption went up. They made drinking a criminal enterprise and made violent punks millionaires.

Geez, why did it take them so long?
The Professor