I have always been an advocate for making Repeal Day a national holiday. It is a day when we as Americans, should celebrate the freedom it brought back to the constitution. The 18th Amendment to the Constitution was the only amendment that took away a freedom instead of guaranteeing a freedom. We should remember this fact on December 5th every year. In these days of attacks on our constitution with freedom of speech, freedom of the press and other freedoms under attack, we should remember that the constitution and our founding fathers fought for these freedoms. The constitution works when there is a balance of power between the three branches of government. 

[Women and ballot box: Women's Organization for National Prohibition Reform]
[Women and ballot box: Women’s Organization for National Prohibition Reform]

Prohibition was often called “The Great Experiment”, but it quickly proved to be a failed experiment. Within a few years, it had opened the door to organized crime because Americans did not consider it a fair law. People continued to drink but the only people making money were the criminal gangs. There was a loss of tax money that was traditionally paid from the sale of alcohol. There was the loss of jobs as distilleries and breweries were closed down and their workers had to find other jobs, but there were also people who lost their jobs in bar trade, in the bottle making trade, in the advertising business and cooperages. American farmers were hurt as they could no longer sell their grain to distilleries and breweries. Prohibition contributed to the great depression of the 1920s and 30s. It took Americans thirteen years to repeal the 18th amendment, but they did so and brought back the freedom to produce, sell and drink alcohol.

In the year 2025, we should remember that the constitution works on Repeal Day. It may take time, but it works. We as Americans should remember this fact and have some patience, but work towards bringing the balance of power back to government. It has worked for almost 250 years and will continue to work in the future.

Title Silver City men erect Barleycorn monument Summary Tombstone dedicated to John Barleycorn giving his death as January 16, 1920, the date of the ratification of the 18th Amendment, on the grounds of the 1711 Club in Meriden, Conn.
Title
Silver City men erect Barleycorn monument
Summary
Tombstone dedicated to John Barleycorn giving his death as January 16, 1920, the date of the ratification of the 18th Amendment, on the grounds of the 1711 Club in Meriden, Conn.