The unique and unifying issue of the Prohibition Party always has been beverage alcohol: We're against it. Some of us out of moralism, some of us because of social and economic concerns, some of us in fear for the health and safety of ourselves, friends, and relatives, but we're all against it.

There is a widespread misconception, however, that the Prohibition Party wants to criminalize the private possession and use of alcoholic beverages. That has never been true. Prohibitionists are opposed to the traffic in alcohol -- to the commercial production, transportation, and sale of alcoholic beverages.

We believe that the recreational use of any consciousness-altering substance is reckless and sinful. We do all we can to educate people about the dangers inherent in recreational drugs. But, we also believe that a man's home is his castle. When the government criminalizes private behavior, it crosses the line between democracy and tyranny, and the Prohibition Party will not tolerate that.

Therefore, we reluctantly accept home-brewing, -vinting, and -distilling, so long as those things are done strictly for personal use. If you will make it there, drink it there, and remain there until you sober up; and, if, while you're under the influence, you will refrain from beating your wife and will not make annoying telephone calls to Prohibitionists, we'll not attempt to punish you for your indulgence in private vice.

It's like having a skunk for a pet: If you want to keep a skunk in your house, the skunk is no one's problem but your own. If, however, you take the skunk and put it in your neighbor's mailbox, then the skunk becomes a matter of public concern. Private intoxication, no matter how foolish, is not the government's business. Trafficking in alcohol harms everyone and must be forbidden.