Bootlegging

Dan Snow tells me that today, 25^th January, is the anniversary of the death of Al Capone, a gangster famed for his violence in the world of organised crime. He died in 1947 when he was just forty-eight.

‘Capone’s rise as a gangster in the United States coincided with the era of Prohibition, in which alcoholic liquor was forbidden by law, but ‘bootleggers’ brewed alcohol secretly to meet a persistent demand, with vast profits being made by violent gangs.’

Capone may be dead, but organised crime continues…

The term ‘bootlegging’ comes from the practice of concealing items – packages, knives, guns, or in this case illegal alcohol – down the top of the leg of a high boot. The term was certainly used in 1880s America; some say it dates back to smugglers in Georgian England.

The principle of bootlegging continues today. Criminal activity at all levels is conducted in secret, hidden from view.

Last night was the final of ‘Traitors’. After weeks of deception, lies, and murders, Jake and Leanne were crowned as the winners, each taking home £47,300.

The series has been very popular. Bootlegging – concealing the truth is part of the game. On this occasion, the Traitors were discovered and two ‘Faithful’s were victorious.

In Traitors ‘bootlegging’ is part of the game. This week in the United States, in Israel, in domestic news, the truth, the concealment of truth, deception and trust, are far from a game.

Jesus said: ‘…there is nothing concealed that will not be disclosed, or hidden that will not be made known. What I tell you in the dark, speak in the daylight; what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the roofs.’

All wrongdoing is clear, out in the open and dealt with. There are no bootlegs – either literal or metaphorical – that could be used to deceive or break the law.

Today bootlegging is often part of life. ‘Do what you must, but don’t get caught.’ I’m encouraged to live with openness, honesty, transparency and integrity.