Nicky Cheese

Repeal Day? A day celebrating the freedom to drink? Well, alright then!

Yesterday marked the 74th anniversary of the end of Prohibition. Yes, 74 years ago, the 21st Amendment was signed into law (effectively repealing the 18th) bringing joy and merry into the bloodstreams of early 20th-century boozers everywhere. Ah, the freedom to drink alcohol openly and honestly, without fear, without guilt, without repercussions from a paternalistic government.

So, how did I celebrate Repeal Day? One would expect with a few drinks, right? Well, not before first taking care of business. TCB!

That’s right. Last night, Richard and I and hundreds of other activists met up at Chicago Soccer (4839 N. Western Ave) for a community meeting-turned-rally to oppose the city’s use of eminent domain in the Lincoln Square neighborhood. Affected parties spoke, sharing how their lives were being destroyed. Community members reinforced their message, bursting forth with related facts and anecdotes. Christina Walsh, Castle Coalition Coordinator for the Institute for Justice, reminded us of the most costless, most effective way out the tragic situation: “apply pressure to the city”.

The crowd responded. Immediately. Passionately. And, most of all, spontaneously. Out of anger, out of concern, out of an overwhelming sense of injustice, 100 or so attendees marched the nine blocks to Alderman Gene Schulter’s office (4287 N. Lincoln Ave).

When they got there, they demanded answers.

Protesting. Chanting. Networking. Clapping. A passion and dedication impervious to the most bone-chilling weather of the season. Hell, I even saw some fist pumping! Crazy, I know!

Curious onlookers stopped and witnessed the phenomenon: a community making its voice heard, emboldened, strengthened, ready for the next fight and confident in its ability to win.

The message to the powers-that-be was loud and clear last night: Hey City of Chicago! Make like prohibition and repeal your plans for eminent domain. NOW!

Now that would warrant a drink.