just a few chapters in...

Mafia of all sorts in the past two centuries, are a golden example of capitalism, and interestingly, it seems, an actual product or fruit of the culture of capitalism - at least, historically, in America. start at the bottom (during a particular period of unrest and/or oppression like mass immigration, prohibition, the great depression, etc.), prove your loyalty to your people/family, climb the ladder, rise to the top, implode, hide, rat, die - start all over again.

i really do believe that the principles are the same, between the corporate world, the marketplace, our health-care system, organized crime families, and even the institution of the church, both catholic and protestant. All begin with the intention to create opportunity, to care for and protect your neighborhood, and to ultimately "make things better", to right the wrongs. It is quite easy to unify people here - like it is easy for the military to recruit in poor areas of the nation - because the alternative is generally lame. at this point, it becomes the devil's playground - with a foundation often built on the seven deadly sins - which is always well hidden through the people and ideas we trust - doctors, lawyers, police officers, pastors, priests, family members, entrepreneurs, sports heros, news reporters, educators, etc. - all potentially good/great people, who are very susceptible to mass compromise, because of old loyalties, traditions, and systems that have been exploited from the top-down.

and of course, as history tells, and lauryn hill sings, "I'm telling you all, it all falls down".

why are we determined to repeat these cycles?