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Politics : View from the Center and Left -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Mary Cluney who wrote (8642)	1/10/2006 11:48:26 AM
From: TimF	Respond to of 541355

Even if organized criminals are not very good managers, not very in to planning and efficiency, they would still be businessmen, just not very good ones. Also I think your over generalizing. While many criminals might fit your description, others do not. Tim

To: Mary Cluney who wrote (8642)	1/10/2006 12:35:52 PM
From: Hawkmoon	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 541355

I disagree. Criminals are criminals because they couldn't compete on a level playing field. Mary, while I certainly agree that the typical mugger, burglar, or thief are more "spontaneous" criminals, the drug trade is a bit different. I recall a few years back something I heard about a former drug dealer trying to get a job after serving his time. He basically outlined his experience in customer relations, supply chain management, sales and distribution management, as well as managing the financial aspects of his enterprise. Apparently he was hired.. There's a of ton of logistics and organization that go into any smuggling operation. It's not something that people do with a short-term focus, except in the rare case someone tries to mule back a kilo or two into the US while on vacation. Add to this the fact that you're dealing with unsavory characters who would screw you over (and maybe leave you dead) each and every day.. It's not something these guys do lightly.. If anything, that's the primary argument for legalization. It would undermine the supply chain on the demand side if legal competitive forces were integrated, and the revenues taxed and set aside for demand reduction.. If they succeed, their kids will get an Ivy League education and go legit. So, even if they succeed, they will disappear. And that's an interesting point you bring up. Most organized criminals, from my impressions, have no desire to see their children involved in the family business. But maybe I've just watched too many episodes of the Sopranos.. ;0) Hawk