h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I remember seeing a program about the mob and bootlegging some time back. One reason the authorities had such trouble raiding places that served illegal alcohol was that high placed city officials were often customers (I think the mayor of new york was said to have been one) so that the police weren't allowed to go in and raid the place til after his honor had left. Of course the booze had all vanished by the time they did get into the room. Capone is also said to have opened soup kitchens for the poor (which probably did wonders for his public image). After all how can someone who feeds the hungry be a criminal?

for enlightening me