The crafting and consumption of all manner of alcoholic beverages has been part of human culture since pre-history, and its contribution to our social fabric is undeniable. It transcends generation, region, race, gender, and brings people together.
Prohibition represented a dark era in the history of the U.S. The 18th Amendent was the first and only in the nation's history to restrict, rather than expand, the rights of individuals vis-a-vis the government, and was arguably an imposition of certain religious ideals upon the entire nation. It resulted in a proliferation of organized crime and political corruption, achieving little in return.
December 5th, the End of Prohibition, marks the end of a dark era in this country, and a brand new dawn. It deserves to be made a national holiday.