Anniversaries!

Today is the 75th anniversary of the passage of the ratification of the 21st Amendment. Yes, the repeal of Prohibition went through on this day in 1933. Hallelujah!

The Wall Street Journal has an interesting opinion piece about drug prohibition and why the repeal of alcohol prohibition was easier than making drugs legal. I agree with the writer - let's hope that we can begin to discuss legalizing drugs without freaking out and screaming "Won't someone think of the children?!?!?!?" Wouldn't that be nice?

Meanwhile, in local news, today is the 50th anniversary of Arizona State College being officially renamed Arizona State University. The name change had been approved through voter initiative in November 1958, but it took a month before the school officially became a university. You can read more about it at the official site (of course there's an official site!). The University of Arizona had a bit of a hissy fit about the state getting another university, although it's unclear why (this article gives some history, but not really why they were so bent out of shape about it). It seems to stem from some jealousy about being the only university in the state, which seems incredibly petty, but what the hell. Anyway, it's the 50th year of ASU! Whoo-hoo! Celebrate by drinking your completely legal alcohol!