Drug/Alcohol prohibition question

[SlavesandBulldozers]

What was the defining turning point from alcohol prohibition, when it became clear that the nation could no longer endure the social costs of the policy?

Was there a clear event that would provide some kind of reference for a Drug decriminalization strategy?

[liberalhistorian]

1. I think the sudden,

meteoric rise of the mob gangs and the incredible violence and mayhem it caused was a large part of the impetus for the ending of prohibition, not to mention the realization by both law enforcement and most Americans that uniform enforcement just was not possible and never would be possible, and the desire of most Americans to be able to have access to alcohol if they wanted to. They resented government interference in that choice, and they didn't see alcohol as immoral and illegal. Most people were social drinkers, and resented the implication that they were somehow "immoral" or "bad" for choosing to imbibe now and then. The same isn't true with illegal drugs, however.

Americans have been thoroughly conditioned, however, to regard drugs as "immoral and unethical and bad, no matter what", and to think of drugs as something the government needs to keep control of and keep people away from. It didn't take long for the country to realize what a mistake prohibition was, but it's taking far longer, unfortunately, for the same realization to happen with drugs. Part of that is the fact that drugs aren't used in the same almost universal way that alcohol was and is, therefore drug users are seen in a different, far worse light. I could go on (and on, lol!), but you get the idea.

[1a2b3c]

2. We are a minority

THerefore our wants or opinions arent needed when it comes to the drug war. Thats why its lasted so long. Well, that and the deep pockets making profit off of it. I believe many brewing companies donate money to anti drug campaigns.

[liberalhistorian]

3. Exactly!

Right on all counts. I'm not a drug user, but I'll be damned if I'll put up with my government coming after those who are. Although, I think the tide may be turning as far as how marijuana is regarded; people are beginning to understand just how ridiculous the rampant, intense persecution of and discrimination against pot users is, and how wasteful and obsessive and nuts and overboard the war against it really is.

That being said, I have to say that the three times I tried pot in my "youthful indiscretion years" (17-24), it did nothing but make me really ill, like a hangover ten times worse.

[1a2b3c]

6. It took me a few months of smoking

before getting high. I dont know anyone who got high there first time, but i dont really ask anyone. I dont smoke pot much anymore either. I dont really drink either. I try an stick to the mescaline. :-) Just kidding big brother, dont come knocking down my door.

[liberalhistorian]

7. LOL!

The way they come after and attempt to destroy anyone who possesses even a nanogram of pot nowadays, even if they desperately need it for medical reasons (and I really do believe those who tout it's value in that regard), I'm surprised that ANYONE smokes it anymore.

[mopinko]

4. fdr wanted the taxes

good question. i have wondered myself if there was an event that tipped the balnace, or gave cover to the decision. but i asked a brewer that i know that is pretty savvy about such things. he tells me it was the desire to get the money out of the black market so they could tax it.

[liberalhistorian]

5. Yes, that was certainly

a part of it as well. Too bad they can't be that smart when it comes to the fucking useless fascist so-called "drug war."