Drugs struggles to get back in the headlines

When our glorious government leaders decided how dangerous booze was for we humans, we saw the era of Prohibition.

What did Prohibition prove? It proved just how inventive humans can be when they are denied a pleasure, both those denied the seeming pleasure and those keen to make a fortune from the new demand.

Wikipedia puts it this way, 'After several years, prohibition failed in North America and elsewhere.

'Rum-running or bootlegging became widespread, and organised crime took control of the distribution of alcohol.

Prohibition dodgers

'Distilleries and breweries in Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean flourished as their products were either consumed by visiting Americans or illegally exported to the United States.'

'Chicago became notorious as a haven for Prohibition dodgers during the time known as the Roaring Twenties. Prohibition generally came to an end in the late 1920s or early 1930s in most of North America and Europe ...'

Prohibition ended and adults returned to the places where drinks are served. In spite of the grim warnings, society did not break down and marriage still remained popular.

Perhaps Prohibition only ever worked for politicians wanting control over society, and law enforcement.

Of course, there can be no denying that government has only to deny something humans want, and if law-abiding companies can't provide it, illegal organisations certainly will ... and very lucratively.

The appalling Tricky Dicky realised that only too well and was quick to introduce the idea of drugs as the new forbidden fruit for control. ….
Continues on the blogs for my ocean adventuring book, Sailing to Purgatory, at SailingToPurgatory.com