You won’t find many excuses to raise a glass in praise of politicians, but if you’re looking for a novel toast this might just be it. Seventy-seven years ago on this day, state and federal legislators came together to do something in the best interests of our country (try and imagine such a world. it’s challenging, isn’t it??): they ratified the 21st Amendment, which is the only Amendment in the Constitution to abolish an earlier Amendment (the 18th), and which, more relevantly, ended a silly period of our history known as Prohibition. (Extra kudos to my home-state, Michigan, for being the first state in the Union to ratify the Amendment. Seems we Michiganders are always at the vanguard.)
So raise a glass in appreciation of all those who made it legal for you once again to raise a glass towards them. And enjoy it while it lasts, because if recent electoral outcomes are any indication, the future will soon have us slurping down more in misery.
The 21st Amendment of the United States Constitution:
Section 1: The Eighteenth article of amendment to the Constitution of the United States is hereby repealed.
Section 2: The transportation or importation into any State, Territory, or Possession of the United States for delivery or use therein of intoxicating liquors, in violation of the laws thereof, is hereby prohibited.
Section 3: This article shall be inoperative unless it shall have been ratified as an amendment to the Constitution by conventions in the several States, as provided in the Constitution, within seven years from the date of the submission hereof to the States by the Congress.