Have you ever tried to build something in Rat infested city? You need a permit to do anything you have 40 concert trucks lined up ready to pour and the inspector has not shown up yet. You know how you avoid those problems? Yup to make a contribution to the right people so your projects go smoothly. That is just the way it is. Ask any devoloper in NYC. Trump pays the extortion and just prices into the project.
Yeah, I know. I was thinking (from somebody’s “Fredo” remark) about an analogy of government as mafia. One candidate for don is going from being a shopkeeper who has been suffering shakedowns vs. another going from capo to mafia don. The position (mafia don) carries a certain “quality,” about cleaning up the organization - like any mafia don is going to clean up the mafia! But if you are a shopkeeper or an outsider, who would you rather send in to the position?