"Columbus, Washington, Lincoln, Volstead, two flights up and ask for Gus." What

Go up 2 flights of stairs and say "can I speak to gus?"

"two flights up and ask for Gus"

A reference to prohibition in America, and an example of a common phrase one would have told someone who was searching for one of the illegal speak easy's.

Prohibition is considered the catalyst and birth of true organized crime in America, as well as the beginning of back door and dirty politics; or the downfall of trust worthy politicians and congressmen.

Both are situations that have plagued this nation since prohibition, and play a major role in the way our nation is not only run (both legally and illegally), but is perceived.

American History in 11 words