By David Palmer
The Cullman Times
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Cullman’s long history as a “dry” county has led to its selection as host for the Prohibition National Convention in June 2011.
A news release from Prohibition Party member Bill Bledsoe of Milton, Fla., said the party’s national chairman, the Rev. Toby Davis, recently announced the selection of Cullman. Bledsoe said Birmingham had been considered for the national convention, but a minister in Jefferson County suggested Cullman because of its history of keeping alcohol sales illegal.
In what party members are calling the “Convention of the Century,” 100 or more Prohibition Party members are expected to visit Cullman next June to select candidates for president and vice president. The party has been in existence since 1869.
“The party is back, said Bledsoe. “We feel a little bit of a renewing among the national committee. Maybe it’s curiosity, but people are beginning to call and write to us.”
Bledsoe said his party emphasizes the problems associated with alcohol consumption, but that it also promotes core American values and encourages people to educate themselves on issues.
“Liquor advertising keeps a lot of newspapers in business,” Bledsoe said. “But what they don’t show you is the bottom of the bottle. People are slaughtered on our highways all the time. Organizations like MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) are worthless because some of its members are alcohol users and get DUIs. They don’t advocate getting rid of alcohol. We say, if you’re going to drink stay in your own house — threaten your own family if you have to, but don’t come out on the streets and threaten the public.”
Bledsoe also noted that alcoholism is recognized as a disease, but added that “it’s the only disease we sell, tax and export.”
Bledsoe said the convention was suggested for Cullman by Dr. John Killian, a Baptist minister in the Birmingham area.
Killian said he recommended Cullman as the site for the convention because of his familiarity with Cullman.
“I think it’s a wonderful city. My son was born there when I was working in Blount County,” Killian said. “I think if you’re an organization that stands against alcohol you should try to meet in a dry city. Cullman is probably one of the largest dry cities in the state, perhaps the region.”
Killian, who said he is not a member of the party, said he has spoken at the organization’s national convention.
“I actually became friends years ago with Gene Amondsen, who traveled the country re-enacting Billy Sunday’s sermons. Gene, who passed away recently, became the party’s nominee for president in 2004 and 2008. We were just great friends and that’s how I got to know members of the Prohibition Party. The people involved in this are good people. I think they’ll really enjoy Cullman as a community and its attractions,” Killian said.
Killian said he is lining up speakers for the convention, which he said would include George Wallace Jr. and speakers with perspectives from the Libertarian viewpoint and the pro-family Eagle Forum.
Convention-goers are planning to lodge and meet at Holiday Inn Express in Cullman.
* David Palmer can be reached by e-mail at dpalmer@cullmantimes.com, or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 213.
