Jan 17th 2020

Celebrate the end of prohibition which began today in 1920 in the United States. There was a nationwide constitutional ban on the production, importation, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages until 1933.

Prohibitionists led by pietistic Protestants, they aimed to heal what they saw as an ill society beset by alcohol-related problems such as alcoholism, family violence and saloon-based political corruption. Prohibition supporters, called "drys", presented it as a battle for public morals and health. It gained a national grassroots base through the Woman's Christian Temperance Union and anti-saloon league. Opposition from the beer industry mobilized "wet" supporters from the Catholic and German Lutheran communities. During the First World War against Germany the brewing industry was shut down by a succession of state legislatures and finally nationwide in 1920. The Volstead Act, known as enabling legislation, set down the rules for enforcing the federal ban and defined the types of alcoholic beverages that were prohibited. 

The legal ban led to criminal gangs gaining control of the beer and liquor supply of many cities. Some research indicates that alcohol consumption substantially declined due to Prohibition. Rates of liver cirrhosis, alcoholic psychosis, and infant mortality also declined, although the effect on rates of crime and violence is disputed.

Raise a glass this weekend

And toast to the legality of that drink.

A bit of progress,

Spent most of the day NOT coughing

Only to spend the evening choking.

I was able to join everyone 

to make our donations today.

Then home to stay in pjs

Just resting.

Supper was homemade meatloaf,

John's mashed potatoes and beets

With a banana split for dessert.

Heard we are in for some 

Winter type weather this weekend,

So plans for home based projects

Are on my to do list.

#1 sleep in

Good night from John Street