This is so repealing
December 5, 1933, a day that sparked joy and celebration across America. This is the day that congress re-instated a right that they took away 14 years prior, when it was ratified by the requisite number of states on January 16, 1919. But, the temperance movement that led to this goes back another century when the Average American male consumed 1/2 pint of whiskey per day. While the most vocal members of the movement were women, many men also saw opportunity and logic in the movement. When the law did go into effect, there were mixed results. Alcohol related disease, absenteeism from work, and alcohol related admissions to mental hospitals all declined. And, despite perception, crime rates didn’t dramatically increase. But, crimes that shouldn’t have been crimes created a whole unnecessary genre, with huge costs to government and society. For that reason, This is so repealing (appealing). Happy repeal day.
For a century, anti-alcohol sentiment built to the point that one side or the other had to capitulate. Unfortunately, for drinkers, it was the religiously intolerant who won the day. The 18th Amendment made its way to congress in 1917, with finally passage in 1919. It was a coordinated effort and a political campaign to rival any campaign we see today. Unsurprisingly, there was mis and dis information on both sides of the argument. It was a culture war, with the temperance movement lobbying hard against alcohol with anti-immigrant rhetoric, and a claim to moral superiority. In the end, 46 of the 48 states ratified the amendment, with only Connecticut and Rhode Island abstaining. It was a grassroots political movement made possible by the temperance movement voting in a slew of anti-alcohol candidates in 1916. The senate passed the measure 65 to 20.
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At the time, did they think this is so repealing?
The election of 1916 was merely the culmination of years of trying to enact the moral choice of some religious idealists. We can see parallels in the modern abortion debate. Whether or not one drinks alcohol is a personal choice (my body, my choice). Most temperance members feared alcoholism (probably because it was in their own family). But, not all who drink are alcoholics. Just because you’re at risk of abuse, doesn’t mean you can take away someone else’s right. The movement gained steam by enacting temporary, partial bans before culminating in the 18th amendment. Thanks to state’s rights, some states already had bans in effect for decades. And, while the 18th awaited ratification, congress passed a wartime prohibition measure in 1918 (WWI).
So, it was years of planning and manipulating government with a slow erosion of the right to alcohol that led to this moment (similar to the 50 year campaign to overturn Roe V Wade). While there were people who truly believed in the cause, there were people who went along with it for political expediency. In order to get re-elected, they play to the base. Most probably favored some sort of restrictions, but not an all out ban. This became evident when FDR signed the Cullen Harrison act March 22, 1933. This act allowed beer to flow again. It was the first step toward the total repeal of the ban on alcohol. But, even that act had restrictions. And, thanks to “state’s rights”, there are still restrictions to this day, with blue laws prohibiting alcohol sales on Sundays, wet VS dry towns, and prohibitions on home distilling, brewing, and winemaking.
So, it wasn’t a complete victory
State’s rights is a cop out for NIMBY (Not in my backyard). Any time you hear politicians talk about state’s rights or how it should be up to local municipalities to decide, take that with a grain of salt. Yes, localities should have a right to impose common sense rules on their jurisdiction. If you live in a town of 100 people, chances are, you don’t have to be as formal about things as a major metropolis. But, federal guidelines create standards to which all should be held. And, when a local rule overrides the rights of any individual, that’s a problem. In the case of alcohol, while the aim to protect people is noble, it’s a choice that people should make for themselves. And, what about all the people who don’t suffer the effects of alcohol; should we deny them a pleasant recreation and a right to self determination?
Are there concerns with alcohol? Of course there are. But that is what restrictions are for. If we want to live in a society of varied individuals, it’s important to respect the rights of all individuals. This doesn’t mean making rules to benefit one group at the expense of another. But, having regulations that address societal ills is actually a good thing. Repealing rights is going to far. Repealing is tantamount to punishing a whole school because one group of kids abused the system. Restricting where, when, and who can exercise rights is acceptable. Taking rights away from all is not. It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. This is actually the job of politicians, not to jump to extreme positions, but, to recognize issues, determine the extent of the issue, and apply proper controls to minimize abuse of the system. Taking away rights? This is so repealing.
With rights come responsibility
Some people can enjoy alcohol. Others can’t. Meanwhile, others are somewhere in the middle: they can handle it, but with limitations. Unfortunately, one law can’t control all of that. It’s like with guns. Some people are responsible gun owners. So, taking the right to bear arms is an affront to them. But, some people shouldn’t have weapons. So, there needs to be a system in place to detect people prone to abusing them, and keep guns out of their hands. The same holds true to alcohol. If a person has a history of alcoholism and/or disorderly conduct under the influence, some restrictions make sense. But, it’s mire up to that person’s social network to recognize the danger and help that person. You can’t legislate ethics and morality. But, they should be underlying themes in society.
I have a right to get stinking drunk. But, not when I get behind the wheel of a car or pick up a gun. And, as responsible drinkers, it’s important for us to recognize that not everyone is equipped to drink or do drugs to the same extent. You wouldn’t grab a fifth of Whiskey and crash an AA meeting. So, don’t push your drinking on people who aren’t into it. The phrase No means NO applies in more situations than you think. If someone says they don’t want a drink, don’t act like a spoiled frat boy and push it on them.
It comes down to the fat that there is a time and place for everything. And, alcohol has stood the test of time, despite acts like the 18th amendment. Taking away rights? This is so repealing.
Join us if you can in saying this is so repealing
So don’t push your drinking habits on others. But, if you are in a safe space with the proper precautions, it’s time to celebrate the return of a right. Hopefully, in the future we will see more rights returned. So, tonight, Let’s party like it’s 1933!
Bourbon Blueberry Minted Mimosa
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Fresh Blueberries
- 2 Cup Orange Juice, preferably fresh squeezed
- 2 Cup Champagne or sparkling wine
- 4 Oz Bourbon
- 1 Oz maple Syrup
- 2 Tbsp Fresh Mint Leaves
- Oranges, blueberries and mint to garnish
- Turbinado Sugar to rim glasses
Instructions
- Place blueberries, maple, and mint in a pitcher. Muddle together with a muddling stick or wooden spoon. Mix until flavors are well blended.
- Add in the remaining ingredients except garnish. Stir to mix flavors.
- Dip the rims of 4 champagne glasses in water and dip them in turbinado sugar. Pour the drink into each glass. garnish with oranges, blueberries, and mint. Enjoy.
Blackberry Mojito
Ingredients
- 6 to 8 oz Rum (traditionally white. But, feel free to substitute)
- 4 each small to medium limes cut half or into wedges
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup sugar (preferably organic)
- 2 cups Soda water (club soda or sparkling, not tonic)
- 1 cup fresh blackberries
Instructions
- Muddle sugar and mint in a pitcher by pressing down with a muddling stick or wooden spoon. This crushes the mint and blends the flavor into the sugar. Squeeze the limes and toss them in. Continue to muddle. Add the rum and berries and stir. Then add the sparkling water and ice. Give a good stir to mix everything. Then pour into glasses and garnish with more lime wedges and mint.
- For a more dramatic effect dip the rim in mint sugar.
Lemon Basil Vodka Martini
Ingredients
- 8 Oz Good Quality Vodka
- 2 Oz Limoncello
- 2 Oz Fresh Lemon Juice
- 2 Oz Sugar
- 2 Tbsp Fresh Basil Leaves, plus extra for garnish
- 4 Each Lemon Wheels For garnish
- Ice
Instructions
- Muddle the Basil and Sugar in a Large Pitcher to Extract the flavor, Stir in the lemon juice and mix will. Add the ice, Limoncello and vodka and stir well. Strain into a martini glass and garnish with basil leaves and lemon wheels. Drink, and repeat.