May Whiskey Be Sold in Our Town?

On the eve of yet another referendum.

Should Our Town Be “Wet” or “Dry?”

 

(Written on the occasion of yet another referendum.)

 

By Elton Camp

 

No matter what fables we have been told,

In this town, whiskey’s always been sold,

Although it may not have been legally made,

Nor on it was any alcohol or sales tax paid.

 

Long ago, most of the state was legally dry.

Only in the big cities was it possible to buy.

And it was some trouble to go to the state line.

So all that meant that bootleggers did just fine.

 

They sold in their homes almost in the open.

But about the practice very little was spoken.

The violation was right there for the law to see.

But they said, “We have a much higher priority.”

 

By being “dry,” our town had this to gain:

Veneer of righteousness it could maintain.

As opposing liquor people had the name,

And yet have a little snort just the same.

 

Neighboring counties, eyes on the tax,

Laws against legal sales came to relax.

And what was a big source of income?

From this very town folks came from.

 

Wore a coat and a hat to hide their face,

So others would not see their disgrace,

They sneaked into the whiskey store

When they came to need a little more.

 

“It’s not really that I like it, you see.

Why it is nothing but medicine to me.”

Their sickness must be a regular thing.

Every week, some more they’d bring.

 

Yet, some in opposition are sincere.

To “ole hootch” they never come near.

Legal sales just give them the chills.

In their yards, signs:  “Whiskey kills.”

 

Very soon, we will learn how it comes out.

Likely the “drys” will have a victory shout.

Even if they keep it legally controlled,

To our town, whiskey will still be sold.