Core Viewpoint - The article draws parallels between the historical Prohibition era in the United States and current economic challenges, highlighting how extreme policies can lead to unintended consequences and societal issues. Group 1: Historical Context of Prohibition - The Prohibition era began in 1920 with the aim of reducing alcohol consumption and improving societal morals, but it resulted in increased crime and a thriving black market for alcohol [2][4][6]. - The initial goals of Prohibition, such as reducing crime rates and improving public health, were not achieved; instead, the government lost tax revenue and incurred high enforcement costs [3][20]. - The rise of organized crime, particularly figures like Al Capone, was fueled by the lucrative illegal alcohol trade, leading to significant societal and economic impacts [12][16][17]. Group 2: Economic Implications - During Prohibition, the average annual alcohol consumption in the U.S. increased by 50%, and prices for alcoholic beverages skyrocketed, with beer prices rising by 700% [21][22]. - The government spent millions on enforcement, yet the lack of regulation led to dangerous practices in alcohol production, resulting in increased health risks for the public [21][22]. - The economic downturn during the Great Depression contributed to calls for the repeal of Prohibition, as restoring the alcohol industry was seen as a way to stimulate the economy and create jobs [22][23]. Group 3: Modern Parallels - The article suggests that current U.S. policies, such as tariffs and trade restrictions, are reminiscent of Prohibition, as they may lead to increased burdens on ordinary citizens and encourage alternative methods to circumvent regulations [24][25]. - The historical lesson indicates that extreme policies can exacerbate existing problems rather than resolve them, highlighting the need for more balanced approaches to economic challenges [24][25].