There are many politicians arrested for drunk driving. The charge is usually driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI). However, some states use different charges. For example, OUI (operating under the influence) or OWI (operating while intoxicated). And even DWAI (driving while ability impaired). The charges usually relate to alcohol. Yet it …
Category: Politics
Prohibition Party – The Oldest Third Party in U.S.
I. Background of the Prohibition Party The Prohibition Party of the United States began in 1869. Before the Civil War (1861-1865) temperance groups had promoted voluntary abstinence from alcoholic beverages. The War diverted national attention to more pressing matters. Subsequently, the temperance movement wayned. Moral suasion had proved to be both difficult and frustrating. So …
Lever Act (Lever Food and Fuel Act) Preliminary National Prohibition
The Lever Act (Lever Food and Fuel Act) was passed by Congress several months after the U.S. entered WW I in 1917. I. The Lever Act Its official name indicates its goal. It was “An Act to Provide Further for the National Security and Defense by Encouraging the Production, Conserving the Supply, and Controlling the …
Responses to Arguments against the Minimum Legal Drinking Age
The federal government is spending taxpayer money in a political campaign to defend the minimum drinking age. “Responses to Arguments against the Minimum Legal Drinking Age” is by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). In it, the the federal government identifies arguments against the minimum legal drinking age. It then suggests counter …
Maine Law: First State Prohibition in U.S.
In 1846, Maine passed the first state-wide law in the U.S. prohibiting the sale of alcoholic beverages. Only alcohol made for industrial or medicinal use could legally be sold. But it was not the famous Maine Law. I. Maine Law In 1851, the Maine Law went into effect. It was officially titled ‘An Act for …
Bootlegger in Congress: ‘The Man in the Green Hat,’ George Cassiday
A bootlegger in Congress? During National Prohibition (1920-1933) it was illegal to transport or sell alcoholic beverages. Most members of Congress publicly supported Prohibition and its enforcement. They included both Democrats and Republicans. They came from across the country. From East, West, North and South. They came from both rural areas and cities. But most …
State Alcoholic Beverage Control Board Directory
This directory gives contact and other information for each state in the US. They are listed alphabetically. Many questions about alcohol and drinking laws and regulations can be answered by local law enforcement agencies. Others can be answered by the agency controlling alcohol within a state. But a warning. Answers about legal provisions for drinking …
Molly Pitcher Club: Women for Repeal of Prohibition
It was during the early part of National Prohibition. The year was 1922. Libertarian M. Louise Gross formed the Molly Pitcher Club. The name of the group was from a Revolutionary War folk heroine. She helped and supported soldiers in their fight. The name was appropriate. The group limited membership to women. And it helped …
Woman’s New York State Temperance Society
Woman’s New York State Temperance Society is the correct name of the society. However, people often mis-spell it the Women’s New York State Temperance Society. In addition, its moniker is often the Woman’s Temperance Society of New York. Or the Women’s Temperance Society of New York. Sometimes it’s the Women’s State Temperance Society. Occasionally, it’s …
United Friends of Temperance: Not Friends of Blacks
The Beginning The United Friends of Temperance resulted from a meeting on November 22, 1871 in Chattanooga. The organizers formed the Council of Temperance. In attendance were 33 representatives of temperance groups. They included Friends of Temperance, the Sons of Temperance, the Good Templars, the Temple of Honor, and the Knights of Jericho. At a …