Final answer:
Prohibition's morality is debatable; Edwin Hunt Jr. considered it immoral, which mirrors the views of many who saw the policy as an ineffective attempt to regulate morality, leading to illegal activities and unenforceable laws. The social, political, and enforcement issues highlighted the amendment's practical problems, contributing to its eventual repeal.
Step-by-step explanation:
The morality of Prohibition is a complex issue that is contingent upon one's personal beliefs and societal values. Edwin Hunt Jr.'s statement that his father, who was associated with Roy Olmstead, considered Prohibition immoral and justified his role as a bootlegger, reflects the stance of many opposed to the amendment. Individuals and organizations, including the American Medical Association, challenged Prohibition due to impacts on personal freedom, the rise in organized crime, corruption, and the difficulties in enforcing the law.
Prohibition led to a major increase in illegal activities, such as bootlegging and speakeasies, and stark inequalities in how the law was enforced between the wealthy and the poor. Furthermore, it created political divisions within parties and across the country. While it was intended to improve society by reducing crime and alcohol abuse, it rather resulted in a black market that fostered organized crime and social disobedience.
Whether one agrees or disagrees with Hunt's assessment of the immorality of Prohibition, it is historically evident that Prohibition had a range of unintended negative consequences and was ultimately repealed due to its ineffectiveness and public opposition. The attempt to regulate morality through legislation proved to be problematic, and the 18th Amendment serves as a debated period in American history with lessons on governance and social policy.