Repeal Day and the war on drugs

As explained at this website, December 5 is “Repeal Day.”  As the cite explains, “on December 5th, 1933, Utah, the final state needed for a three quarters majority, ratified the 21st Amendment, repealing Prohibition and restoring the American right to a celebratory drink.”  Ever the festive patriot, I had a beer with students and a glass of wine at home to honor this uniquely American holiday.   

It is interesting to think about the history of Prohibition and the the enactment and repeal of the 18th Amendment against the backdrop of the modern war on drugs.  Specifically, this fascinating article in this month’s Rolling Stone, entitled “How America Lost the War on Drugs,” provides lots of interesting ideas about the market realities surrounding the human affinity for intoxicating substances.