SNAFU with Ed Helms: Season 3, Episode 7 – "Judgement Day"

Release Date: April 23, 2025

Introduction

In Season 3 of SNAFU with Ed Helms, Episode 7 titled "Judgement Day" delves deep into one of America's most infamous policy failures: Prohibition. Hosted by Ed Helms and produced by iHeartPodcasts, this episode explores how the government's war on alcohol not only failed to curb drinking but also led to the poisoning of its own citizens. Through vivid storytelling and historical analysis, Helms unpacks the complexities, key figures, and tragic outcomes of this misguided era.

Prohibition Era Context

The Prohibition era (1920-1933) was marked by the 18th Amendment, which aimed to eliminate the consumption of alcohol in the United States. However, instead of reducing alcohol consumption, Prohibition inadvertently spurred the growth of illegal bootlegging and rampant corruption. The government's strategy to make alcohol undrinkable through chemical denaturing only exacerbated the problem, leading to widespread poisoning and public outrage.

Key Figures and Their Roles

• Mabel Walker Willebrandt: Serving as the chief prosecutor for Prohibition, Willebrandt was a staunch advocate for the anti-alcohol movement. Her aggressive tactics in enforcing Prohibition earned her both admiration and animosity.

  "Governor Smith's Prohibition plan would put white aprons on the states and make them serve as bartenders." — [07:38] Mabel Walker Willebrandt

• Herbert Hoover: The Republican presidential candidate in 1928, Hoover was the face of the "dry" movement. His campaign promised to sustain the Prohibition efforts.

• Al Smith: The Democratic candidate and a "wet" advocate, Smith opposed Prohibition, favoring the repeal of the 18th Amendment. His stance was hindered by prevalent anti-Catholic sentiments and allegations of collusion with bootleggers.

• Charles Norris: As the Chief Medical Examiner of New York City, Norris became a vocal critic of Prohibition, highlighting the deadly consequences of government-mandated alcohol poisoning.

• Alexander Gettler: Norris's colleague, Gettler was instrumental in documenting and publicizing the health crises resulting from Prohibition.

• James Duran: Commissioner of the Prohibition Bureau, Duran oversaw the implementation of the government's denaturing formulas designed to make alcohol undrinkable.

• Richard Two Gun Hart: A Prohibition agent whose tumultuous career epitomizes the chaotic enforcement of Prohibition laws. His interactions with figures like Al Capone add a dramatic twist to the narrative.

Government Actions and Denaturing Formulas

To deter alcohol consumption, the government introduced several denaturing formulas (Formulas 3, 4, and 6) that rendered industrial alcohol taste- and odor-free but toxic for consumption. Initially, these formulas were somewhat effective, but bootleggers adeptly circumvented them by redistilling the alcohol, removing the added poisons.

The government's response was to escalate the toxicity of these formulas. Under Formula 6, substances like gasoline were added, significantly increasing the lethality of the denatured alcohol. Historian Deborah Blum notes:

"The government chemists now had their hands on the purest, deadliest wood alcohol they could find." — [13:22] Unnamed Co-Host

The June Raids and Public Outcry

In June 1928, Mabel Walker Willebrandt spearheaded a series of mass raids, targeting speakeasies across New York City. These "June raids" resulted in over 100 indictments of speakeasy owners, spotlighting Willebrandt's relentless pursuit of Prohibition enforcement.

"This establishment is now in the hands of the federal government. Our guests must leave at once." — [10:30] Mabel Walker Willebrandt

Despite these efforts, the raids had unintended consequences. Bootleggers adapted by enhancing their methods to detoxify the poisoned alcohol, leading to a surge in alcohol-related deaths. By late 1928, New York City alone reported 10,000 deaths linked to poisoned alcohol consumption.

The 1928 Presidential Election: A Tipping Point

The 1928 election was pivotal for Prohibition. Herbert Hoover's sweep against Al Smith, who struggled with anti-Catholic biases and Prohibition backlash, signaled waning public support for the movement.

"Voters practically put their stamp of approval on her June raids." — [15:27] Ed Helms

Hoover's victory initially seemed to cement Prohibition's future. However, the mounting health crises and Norris and Gettler's relentless documentation began to shift public opinion.

Charles Norris and Alexander Gettler's Crusade

Charles Norris, in collaboration with Alexander Gettler, exposed the deadly fallout of Prohibition's denaturing policies. Norris’s essay titled "Our Essay in Extermination" published in the North American Review highlighted the tragic losses endured by ordinary Americans.

"Thousands are drinking it. Shall we simply shrug our shoulders?" — [23:09] Mabel Walker Willebrandt

Their advocacy not only garnered media attention but also galvanized "wet" legislators to push for legislative reforms. Their work underscored the dire need to either end the denaturing programs or repeal Prohibition altogether.

Legislative and Public Shifts Against Prohibition

The persuasive evidence presented by Norris and Gettler resonated with the public and lawmakers alike. By 1929, state and local governments began to abandon Prohibition enforcement, and public opinion shifted dramatically against the policy.

"One priest in a working-class Chicago parish nailed it when he said, 'they give the good stuff to the sewers and the bad stuff to the people.'" — [28:20] Ed Helms

Despite initial resistance from staunch Prohibition advocates, the tide was irreversibly turning. Legislators introduced bills to halt the use of lethal denaturing agents, leading to the eventual relaxation of Prohibition laws.

Mabel Walker Willebrandt's Downfall

With the changing political landscape, Willebrandt found herself sidelined. President-elect Hoover no longer prioritized Prohibition, and Willebrandt's unwavering stance became a liability rather than an asset. Recognizing the futility of her mission, she resigned, marking the end of an era.

"I was a young lawyer, much too young when appointed for the responsibilities heaped on me." — [34:21] Mabel Walker Willebrandt

The Tragic Story of Richard Two Gun Hart

The episode takes a dramatic turn with the story of Richard Two Gun Hart, a Prohibition agent whose career spirals into chaos. After a series of violent encounters and personal tragedies, Hart's connection to the infamous Capone family emerges, intertwining law enforcement with organized crime in a tangled web of deceit and betrayal.

"Richard stood shoulder to shoulder with Ralph and Alphonse. He was given a chance, one final chance to make his brothers face the music and tell the truth about their criminal enterprise." — [47:36] Alexander Gettler

Hart's downfall exemplifies the broader failures of Prohibition enforcement, highlighting how the very individuals tasked with upholding the law were ensnared in its corruption.

Conclusion and Lingering Questions

"S3E7: Judgement Day" masterfully illustrates the catastrophic repercussions of Prohibition, from government-sanctioned poisoning to the erosion of public trust. As the episode concludes, it leaves listeners pondering accountability for these historical failures, particularly targeting figures like James Duran, the mastermind behind the deadly denaturing programs.

"This moment here at the turn of the 20th century, where native peoples are largely confined to the reservations." — [38:25] Mabel Walker Willebrandt

With a blend of historical facts and engaging narrative, Ed Helms's episode serves as a cautionary tale of how well-intentioned policies can lead to unforeseen and devastating outcomes.

Notable Quotes

• "Thousands are drinking it. Shall we simply shrug our shoulders?" — [23:09] Mabel Walker Willebrandt

• "Governor Smith's Prohibition plan would put white aprons on the states and make them serve as bartenders." — [07:38] Mabel Walker Willebrandt

• "Our national casualty list for the year from this one cause will outstrip the toll of the war." — [24:17] Charles Norris

• "They give the good stuff to the sewers and the bad stuff to the people." — [28:20] Ed Helms

Final Thoughts

Episode 7 of SNAFU with Ed Helms offers a compelling exploration of Prohibition's dark legacy. Through meticulous research and poignant storytelling, it underscores the importance of scrutinizing governmental policies and their far-reaching impacts on society. For history enthusiasts and curious listeners alike, "Judgement Day" provides an enlightening and sobering examination of one of America's most notorious screw-ups.