Organized Crime in America

It is quite difficult to defend the statement: "The ranks of American organized crime, whether viewed in the past or present, cut across the lines of class, ethnicity, religion, trade or profession. Of course, the more successful organized crime endeavors attract the wealthier, more well established and well educated elements in our society." In order to defend this statement, it's important to dissect many elements of organized crime and find it's direct links to this …

…true organized crime cuts across many lines of separation in America, the main motivational factor is a combination of money, power, and respect... and an understanding of the laws and political process that facilitates the opportunity for these crimes to "succeed". Without the opportunity for such success... race, religion, trade, and profession may play a more important role in the deciding factor of those actions, but as I see it, it's all about those Benjamin's.