It’s the only holiday actually written into our Constitution
Governments all over the globe are rarely known for any discernible levels logic or social sensibility. Take for example American prohibition in 1919 banning booze.
The puritanical do-gooders at the time felt this move would solve many of the county’s sinful ways. I can’t really blame them for trying, but unfortunately their good intentions were about a mile shy of correct.
Still, the 18th Amendment (ratified on January 16, 1919 and enacted one year later) effectively banned the legal drinking of alcohol. A violently tragic period lasting over thirteen years followed which saw America fall into the clutches of a new and more sinister evil.
What the architects of Prohibition didn’t realize was that people would still want to imbibe. In fact, the demand for alcohol increased during this time. Of course it wasn’t long before criminal elements saw a potential for profit and took advantage of the situation.
Armed with tommy guns, blood lust and greed, gangs of bootleggers, rum runners and crime bosses took over the streets of America while patrons huddled in many secret speakeasies. By 1933, after the years of senseless killings and government resentment at an all-time high, it was clear that Prohibition was a failure.
On December 5, 1933 the 21st Amendment was ratified, repealing Prohibition and once again restoring America’s right to drunken buffoonery. Not a complete win for drinkers, the amendment gave state and local governments the right to enforce certain levels of Prohibition. This is why we still have dry counties and towns. However, by 1966 there were no longer any state laws banning alcohol.
Unlike any other holiday, Repeal Day is the only one that is actually written into our constitution. So we all have an obligation as American citizens to have at least one drink on this, it’s 75th anniversary (and every year). Plus, there are no gifts to buy and no special outfits to wear.
A Little History Lesson
The 18th Amendment Ratified January 16, 1919
Section 1. After one year from the ratification of this article the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors within, the importation thereof into, or the exportation thereof from the United States and all territory subject to the jurisdiction thereof for beverage purposes is hereby prohibited.Section 2. The Congress and the several States shall have concurrent power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation.
Section 3. This article shall be inoperative unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment to the Constitution by the legislatures of the several States, as provided in the Constitution, within seven years from the date of the submission hereof to the States by the Congress.
The 21st Amendment Ratified December 5, 1933
Section 1. The eighteenth article of amendment to the Constitution of the United States is hereby repealed.Section 2. The transportation or importation into any State, Territory, or possession of the United States for delivery or use there in of intoxicating liquors, in violation of the laws thereof, is hereby prohibited.
Section 3. This article shall be inoperative unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment to the Constitution by conventions in the several States, as provided in the Constitution, within seven years from the date of the submission hereof to the States by the Congress.
