The Start Of A Lawless Time...!

Often the best of intentions can lead to terrible results. As the old saying goes "The road to Hell is paved with good intentions!"

I'm sure that if the folks in the government had known what the passing of prohibition was going to lead to, they would have done things differently. At least, I would certainly hope so!

Here is a little history of what turned out to be the start of the most crime-ridden times in our history!

Oct 28, 1919:

Congress enforces prohibition

Congress passes the Volstead Act over President Woodrow Wilson's veto. The Volstead Act provided for the enforcement of the 18th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, also known as the Prohibition Amendment.

The movement for the prohibition of alcohol began in the early 19th century, when Americans concerned about the adverse effects of drinking began forming temperance societies. By the late 19th century, these groups had become a powerful political force, campaigning on the state level and calling for national liquor abstinence. In December 1917, the 18th Amendment, prohibiting the "manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors for beverage purposes," was passed by Congress and sent to the states for ratification. In January 1919, the 18th amendment achieved the necessary two-thirds majority of state ratification, and prohibition became the law of the land.

The Volstead Act, passed nine months later, provided for the enforcement of prohibition, including the creation of a special unit of the Treasury Department. Despite a vigorous effort by law-enforcement agencies, the Volstead Act failed to prevent the large-scale distribution of alcoholic beverages, and organized crime flourished in America. In 1933, the 21st Amendment to the Constitution was passed and ratified, repealing prohibition.

Many gangsters and crooked politicians made a lot of money during the time of prohibition, and the flow of booze was never totally stopped. Only when booze was legal and taxed did the crime slow down...and the money from the taxes could be used for some much needed "public works" programs. Sort of the lesser of two evils!

Nice and cool this morning, so let's have our coffee on the patio. No 'skeeters out that I can see!