The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre (I): members from Al Capone’s (south side) gang—some dressed as policemen—murder seven members of George “Bugs” Moran’s (north side) gang, at 2122 N. Clark Street, Chicago, illinois.  Capone and Moran are rivals in the city’s liquor trade; but are unable to peacefully settle their disputes in court, because commerce in alcoholic beverages is illegal. This contributes to the growing ground swell of public sentiment against the “Noble Experiment” (prohibition of alcohol).

       NOTES:

• This tragedy would not have occurred had intoxicating beverages been legal, as the gangs had no standing in the courts to peacefully settle their disputes.
• The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre stands out significantly in the romantic folklore of the 1920’s failed “Noble Experiment.”  Three-quarters of a century later, the deaths of seven gang members over control of the distribution of other illegal mind-altering substances, is too common place to be romanticized.  This indicates the growing insensitivity that comes about when government tries to unlawfully regulate peaceful behavior.

       [restored 6/28/2022] Thanks to Jim Lorenz for this entry.