There are still off and on protection rackets in the US. Only in the worst neighborhoods.. but thats not technically FIRST hand knowledge. In italy its a way of life. Your rent is part protection money.. everything is.
That info is a bit old.. but.. it is first hand.

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1986 300e (runs like a top.. interior needs parts)
2006 GTO
2003 Mini S

Well, yeah and no.

My mom and uncle both run small business's. My mom's is a home based mary kay setup... My uncles is a store based carpet/pergo/ceramics/anyothertype of flooring u want...

My uncle said he gives each local party $100 whenever they're running, and so does my mom... I guess if you dont pay them, they'll pick through your business's assets and whatnot very carefully, and make sure you're not hiding anything from the revinuers.....

yeah, it's all legal on paper.... just not in words

~Nate

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95 Honda Shadow ACE 1100.
1999 Plymouth Neon Expresso. 2.4 swap, 10.5 to 1 comp, big cams. Autocross time attack vehicle!
2012 Escape, 'hunter" (5 sp 4cyl)