For you non-US Constitution buffs out there, today marks the 74th anniversary of the passing of the 21st Amendment. Perhaps the best amendment ever, the 21st repealed the stupid (and worst amendment ever) 18th amendment - nationwide prohibition. So if you are of legal age and enjoy some firewater every now and then, lift your glass and toast our country's victory over stupidity and the brilliance that is the US Constitution.
On a more philosophical note, the 18th Amendment is a prime example of why the people should not rely on the government to fix every single social (and personal) problem in their lives. When you ask the government to do something, the majority of the time, it's going to end up costing 136 times as much as if you tried to solve the problem in the private sector, and the end result is not going to be what you originally wanted.
Furthermore, the Constitution does not need to be amended every single time a new social trend pops up. The Constitution is a framework and set of principles for the laws of the country, not a record of the laws themselves. That's the criminal code. Accordingly, amendments to the Constitution need to be reserved for the things that are fundamental to America's greatness - free speech, freedom of religion, the trial process, no slavery, and my second favorite amendment - #3 - no quartering of soldiers in private houses. If I had a nickel for every time I had to whip that bad boy out, I would be poor. Very, Very poor.
This concludes the civic lesson for the day. Remember to celebrate Repeal Day responsibly. I will be enjoying the latest batch of Irish Red home brew with my beautiful wife Katie tonight in honor of the day.
