SNAFU with Ed Helms – Season 3, Episode 4: "Trust Issues"

Release Date: April 2, 2025

Introduction

In Season 3 of SNAFU with Ed Helms, titled "Formula 6," host Ed Helms delves into the tumultuous period of Prohibition in America, uncovering how the government's war on alcohol spiraled out of control, ultimately leading to corruption and the poisoning of its own people. Episode 4, "Trust Issues," focuses on Assistant Attorney General Mabel Walker Willebrandt's relentless battle against bootleggers amidst widespread institutional corruption.

Background: Prohibition's Chaotic Enforcement

The episode begins by setting the stage of Prohibition's enforcement challenges. With limited resources and rampant corruption, the government's efforts to curb illegal alcohol distribution were faltering. Historian Dan Okrent remarks, "She was a lone worrier" (06:05), highlighting Willebrandt's solitary fight against the systemic issues plaguing the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Mabel Walker Willebrandt: A Determined Leader

Mabel Walker Willebrandt emerges as a formidable figure committed to enforcing Prohibition laws. Despite her dedication, she faces immense obstacles:

• Corrupt Leadership: The president and Attorney General were implicated in heavy drinking and corruption. Historian Dan Okrent notes, "Harding drank a lot. Harry Doherty... was a drunk and corrupt" (06:14).

• Inadequate Resources: With only 2,600 prohibition agents covering vast borders and coastlines, the enforcement was grossly under-resourced. Okrent emphasizes, "The fact that there were only 2,600 prohibition agents covering the entire Canadian border, the Mexican border, and both coasts, it's ridiculous" (07:07).

• Ineffective Agents: Many agents were either corrupt or insufficiently trained, rendering enforcement efforts ineffective. Okrent states, "Hundreds of agents were being dismissed around the country for brazen corruption" (07:16).

The George Remus Trial: A Turning Point

Mabel Walker Willebrandt targets George Remus, a prominent bootlegger, lawyer, and pharmacist whose illegal empire rivaled that of Al Capone. Historian Garrett Peck describes Remus as "enormously charming" and deeply connected with high-ranking officials (09:54).

Willebrandt's strategy hinges on exploiting tax laws to prosecute bootleggers for income tax evasion, a novel approach at the time. During the Supreme Court hearing, Willebrandt passionately argues:

"The tax penalties outlined in internal revenue laws are highly important in the enforcement of Prohibition. The government isn't giving its stamp of approval to an illicit business by taxing them. An illegitimate business should not be exempt from paying taxes that legitimate businesses should pay. They must pay up, too." (13:11)

Despite her compelling case, the Supreme Court rules that Remus's arrest was flawed due to a timing loophole in the tax statutes, resulting in his acquittal. However, the ruling acknowledges that bootleggers owe taxes on their illicit income, setting a precedent for future prosecutions.

Internal Corruption: Jess Smith's Downfall

The episode takes a darker turn as Willebrandt uncovers corruption within the DOJ. Jess Smith, a DOJ official and Jess's colleague, is revealed to be deeply entrenched with bootleggers, including Remus. The discovery comes after a suspicious death in the Attorney General's apartment, initially ruled a suicide but riddled with inconsistencies.

Willebrandt learns from Assistant Attorney General Darney that:

"Jess was in the pockets of every big-time bootlegger in America, running his operations from out of his DOJ office right next to Mabel's." (30:04)

This revelation devastates Willebrandt, who realizes that the very institution she's fighting within is compromised. Attorney General Daugherty offers her the option to resign, acknowledging the DOJ as "a big old shitshow" (30:53). Undeterred, Willebrandt vows to continue her fight against corruption and bootlegging.

The Aftermath: Temporary Victories Amidst Ongoing Struggles

Willebrandt eventually secures convictions against Remus and Willie Har, another major bootlegger. However, Remus's influence persists even in prison, where his luxurious accommodations and connections allow him to continue his illegal activities unabated. Historian Garrett Peck illustrates Remus's continued dominance:

"He was enormously charming... He knew how to put all the Congressmen at ease" (23:37).

Willebrandt's efforts, though initially thwarted by legal technicalities and internal corruption, mark a significant shift in Prohibition enforcement. She recognizes that to effectively combat bootlegging, more stringent and creative measures are necessary.

Conclusion: The Relentless Pursuit for Justice

"Trust Issues" portrays Mabel Walker Willebrandt as a tenacious figure striving to uphold the law amidst pervasive corruption and limited resources. Despite setbacks, her innovative use of tax laws lays the groundwork for future prosecutions, exemplifying her unwavering commitment to justice. The episode underscores the complexities and moral ambiguities of Prohibition enforcement, highlighting how well-intentioned policies can be undermined by systemic flaws.

Notable Quotes

• Dan Okrent on Willebrandt's Solitude:

  "She was a lone worrier." (06:05)

• Mabel Walker Willebrandt on Tax Law Enforcement:

  "The tax penalties outlined in internal revenue laws are highly important in the enforcement of Prohibition... They must pay up, too." (13:11)

• Assistant Attorney General Darney on DOJ Corruption:

  "Jess was in the pockets of every big-time bootlegger in America..." (30:04)

• Dan Okrent on Prohibition Agents:

  "The fact that there were only 2,600 prohibition agents covering the entire Canadian border, the Mexican border, and both coasts, it's ridiculous." (07:07)

This detailed summary captures the essence of "Trust Issues," providing listeners with an in-depth understanding of Mabel Walker Willebrandt's challenges and strategies during the Prohibition era. By highlighting key discussions, insights, and notable quotes, the episode illuminates the intricate dance between law enforcement and corruption in a time of national turmoil.