Beer?s Place in American Politics, From George Washington to Barack Obama

Did you know that in 1809, President James Madison wanted to create a national brewery and appoint a Secretary of Beer for the Presidential Cabinet? Congress, of course, said no. As per a friend?s re-imagining of the conversation that likely took place between Mr. President and Congress, this is what went down:

James Madison: Hey, we should have a Secretary of Beer.

Congress: Gee, that?s the best idea ever. So naturally, our answer is no.

It?s all there in this immensely fascinating article from?Constitution Center. While I hate the charade that is contemporary politics in America, it?s fun to learn about stuff like this, because damn it all, sometimes I don?t need to deal with Romney?s plan to deport gay people to the moon or Obama?s jihadist war on Christmas. Sometimes I just need a beer. It?s Friday, nearing 5 and the conventions are o-v-e-r. Can?t we just shut up about that for a while now and collectively raise our glasses in human solidarity?

The article also offers a look at George Washington?s handwritten recipe for his beer?as well as some badass Lincoln-isms. But, the best part was far and away Madison?s desire to establish a Secretary of Beer. Had the winds of history blown in a different direction that day, I?d have pursued something different in college, that?s for sure. Journalism Shmournalism. Poli-Sci degrees for days up in here.

I seriously can?t think of one responsibility the Secretary of Beer would have today. Back then, they wanted to tariff imported booze and prohibition was on the horizon. There would?ve been some real responsibility. Now I imagine it?d just be hitting up every brewery in the country, being chauffeured around by some intern/peon/designated driver that I verbally abuse from the backseat before accidentally spilling secrets of national security that will not much later in the day be found on Reddit. It would be awesome.

So really, while it was awesome that the White House did release recipes for two of the White House brews (a Honey Ale and Honey Porter, which both sound delicious), it?s no surprise that they exist in the first place. Because beer and American politics go way back. So maybe if party leaders just sat down over some brews, they could agree on something.

Because, as Benjamin Franklin once said but not really, ?Beer is proof that God loves us and wants to be happy.? God Bless America.

Source: http://bostinno.com/2012/09/07/beer-in-united-states-history/

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