December 5, 2008 will mark the 75th anniversary of the repeal of Prohibition.
In what may well be considered one of the most foolish US government policies of the 20th century (arguably only the New Deal was worse) in 1920 the 18th Amendment outlawed the sale and consumption of alcohol in the United States making America a "dry" country. Thirteen years later, after abject (and predictable) failure, common sense prevailed and the 21st amendment was ratified repealing the 18th.
During the time of alcohol-Prohibition Era, people drank more, crime soared (particularly homocide), corruption flourished and individual rights and freedoms were trampled upon. Individuals who wanted to exercise their freedom to choose (to booze) were outlawed. Indeed, the exercise in big-government nanny-statism lasted as long as it did only due to bootleggers financial support of prohibition as it made them rich.
Prohibition stands today as the manifestation of the Nanny State. Yet Prohibition’s legacy continues to punish consumers and small business owners across the country – especially during this economic downturn. Fifteen states still ban Sunday spirits sales at package stores. Seven states ban all forms of spirits tastings. Seven states continue some form of a ban on the sale of alcohol on state and national Election Days. Taxes and fees already take 79.60% of the average bottle of spirit.
Indeed, it would seem that the enemies of freedom are now trying to curtail our freedom to drink not through banning alcohol, but through the insidious method of making it unaffordable. Considering themselves the sole arbitrator of the public good, knowing better than the poor common folk, they consider it justified to impose their morals and big-government arrogant paternalism. A tax hike on beer in NY was proposed just yesterday to 'curtail teen drinking'. California's tax-and spend Governor wants to increase the spirits excise tax from $3.30/gallon to $7.57; wine from $0.20/gallon to $1.48; and beer from $0.20 to $0.73. Virtually all states are currently considering increasing their alcohol taxes.
The last two increases in the Federal Tax Rate on spirits led to the elimination of 98,000 jobs generated directly and indirectly by the distilled spirits industry, nearly $1.3 billion in lost wages, and more than n $150 million in unemployment benefits. $1.1 billion reduction in personal and corporate income, sales, and property tax revenue to federal, state and local governments. Tax hikes are never a good idea.
Taxpayers & freedom fighters must unite to end this disturbing trend. Nanny state paternalism is morally abhorrent and must be opposed, particularly when combined with job-destroying tax hikes. So raise a glass tonight to celebrate 75 years of freedom. But remember: the price for that freedom is eternal vigilance. The power to tax is the power to destroy; it is only through our united voice that liberty remains unemcombered.
In what may well be considered one of the most foolish US government policies of the 20th century (arguably only the New Deal was worse) in 1920 the 18th Amendment outlawed the sale and consumption of alcohol in the United States making America a "dry" country. Thirteen years later, after abject (and predictable) failure, common sense prevailed and the 21st amendment was ratified repealing the 18th.
During the time of alcohol-Prohibition Era, people drank more, crime soared (particularly homocide), corruption flourished and individual rights and freedoms were trampled upon. Individuals who wanted to exercise their freedom to choose (to booze) were outlawed. Indeed, the exercise in big-government nanny-statism lasted as long as it did only due to bootleggers financial support of prohibition as it made them rich.
Prohibition stands today as the manifestation of the Nanny State. Yet Prohibition’s legacy continues to punish consumers and small business owners across the country – especially during this economic downturn. Fifteen states still ban Sunday spirits sales at package stores. Seven states ban all forms of spirits tastings. Seven states continue some form of a ban on the sale of alcohol on state and national Election Days. Taxes and fees already take 79.60% of the average bottle of spirit.
Indeed, it would seem that the enemies of freedom are now trying to curtail our freedom to drink not through banning alcohol, but through the insidious method of making it unaffordable. Considering themselves the sole arbitrator of the public good, knowing better than the poor common folk, they consider it justified to impose their morals and big-government arrogant paternalism. A tax hike on beer in NY was proposed just yesterday to 'curtail teen drinking'. California's tax-and spend Governor wants to increase the spirits excise tax from $3.30/gallon to $7.57; wine from $0.20/gallon to $1.48; and beer from $0.20 to $0.73. Virtually all states are currently considering increasing their alcohol taxes.
The last two increases in the Federal Tax Rate on spirits led to the elimination of 98,000 jobs generated directly and indirectly by the distilled spirits industry, nearly $1.3 billion in lost wages, and more than n $150 million in unemployment benefits. $1.1 billion reduction in personal and corporate income, sales, and property tax revenue to federal, state and local governments. Tax hikes are never a good idea.
Taxpayers & freedom fighters must unite to end this disturbing trend. Nanny state paternalism is morally abhorrent and must be opposed, particularly when combined with job-destroying tax hikes. So raise a glass tonight to celebrate 75 years of freedom. But remember: the price for that freedom is eternal vigilance. The power to tax is the power to destroy; it is only through our united voice that liberty remains unemcombered.
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