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 statement.
First of all, I think the most important point that needs to be established, is that "success" is definitely…