Ronald Reagan spoke the truest words ever when he said, “The nine most terrifying words in the English language are: I’m from the Government, and I’m here to help “. To list all the times when the Government has been a tyrannical nightmare would fill volumes. One of the most egregious examples was Prohibition. Here is the backroom story.
No Booze for You! The Backroom Story of Prohibition
Prohibition was ultimately a nationwide ban on the sale, production, and transportation of booze. While we could go into detail about groups such as the Women’s Christian Temperance Union and the Anti-Saloon League, I will summarize it by saying that a bunch of nosey Nancys and temperance Todds decided the US was facing a morals issue. With that, the 18th Amendment was passed in 1920. As with any other totalitarian move, the people were less than thrilled about the situation and soon took matters into their own hands.
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In short order, people began to create secret locations to get a drink. The booze being served was either secretly manufactured, stolen, or smuggled in. The US Treasury Department, charged with overseeing alcohol enforcement, estimated that by the mid-1920s, some 60 million gallons of industrial alcohol were stolen annually to supply the country’s thirst. These establishments were known as speakeasies, and they soon ranged all over the country. Speakeasies became highly successful and profitable, as one can imagine. When money flows like this, it is sure to catch the eye of organized crime.
The Rise of the Mob
It is during Prohibition that the “mob” really became a dominant power in the US. Within a year, speakeasies became a significant part of American culture, and the money flowed as fast as the gin. The Government made it a crusade to shut these places down. The Bureau of Prohibition (yes, it was a real thing) would raid speakeasies and arrest patrons. It did little to stop the trend, however, and the booze continued to flow.
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It is at this point that the United States Federal Government devised a plan to discourage drinking. They would simply poison the alcohol supply. Some may argue that this is an overly simplistic statement; yet, it remains true. Any statements to counter this fact will undoubtedly contain the phrase…” yeah, but”. When it was all said and done, the Federal Government killed over 10,000 people with their plan. On a personal note, I encourage you to research all the times the Government has done things most people believe would be unthinkable. It will be a very long read, to say the least.
Poisoned Booze
Once exposed, this became an embarrassment for the Government, and whispers about repealing the 18th Amendment started circulating across the country. Mix in the explosion in criminal gangs, and a new opposition to Prohibition emerged nationwide. The shouts became louder, and Prohibition ended with the ratification of the 21st Amendment, which repealed the 18th Amendment on December 5, 1933. This is the only time in American history in which a constitutional amendment was passed for the purpose of repealing another. Even with the 21st Amendment, several places around the US remained “dry.” In fact, remnants of Prohibition can still be seen in certain “dry” counties around the country.
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With the end of Prohibition, we also saw the end of speakeasies. These were iconic locations filled with characters and a story of pure Americana. Today, speakeasies have experienced a resurgence as people seek a connection to history, as well as unique places to imbibe.
Speakeasies
Speakeasies were more than just a hidden bar; they were a symbol of defiance. They were sanctums of freedom. Forgive me while I slide my soapbox over, but I fear we will need speakeasies again. Anyone who does not see the unhidden tyranny of our current administration is in denial or supporting it. As with the temperance Todds and know-it-all Nancys, we face a challenge to the core of what America is really about.
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The Backroom Story
Ultimately, I believe people want to be left alone in their lives, yet an overzealous government is once again “here to help”. Help that we do not want and certainly do not need. Have the courage to share your voice because a freedom prohibition is peeking its head over the horizon. Stay free, my friends.
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