The benefits of organized crime

So, I read this article in The Independent, a UK newspaper, about the protection racket in Sicily.

Apparently all shop owners are paying a set rate, depending on the type of industry and size of their shop, between $500 and $2,500 per quarter to the local Don.
Collection is puntual and courteous, by well-dressed and well mannered young associates.

That is nasty, innit?

Now, get this, since the flat rate has been introduced in some neighbourhoods and things have been organized in a civil manner, crime is down to, wait for it, zero.
Zilch. Nada. No crime. At all.

Jewelers are leaving their doors open, banks reduced their security outfits, people are starting to park their cars unlocked.

Hmmmm. Makes one wonder. Sure, exthortion is bad, but right now we are paying the government for protection and look what great job they are doing with keeping their end of the bargain.
And it's not as if anyone could refuse paying the government for non-fullfillment or breach of contract. The gov would get quite nasty, confiscate your stuff, sell your assets, take your kids, beat you up, throw you in jail, because not paying is illegal.

And the gov is charging huge fees for not doing its job.

That is when it hit me. The government is fighting protection rackets because it knows it doesn't stand a chance if it had to openly compete with them for the contract of providing you with security.

I mean, hey $500 per quarter? Where do I sign?

With the gov, you pay much more, and have to get insurance on top. When things then turn ugly, the gov won't help and the insurance most likely won't pay.

Who exactly where the criminals again?

Okay, you say, at least you get to elect the government.

Hmmm. Do you? Dare tell.

You get to choose between two guys, hand-picked by their respective parties from a bunch a people themselves hand-picked by a party committee, the members of which occupy just about heriditary positions.

You get to pick the mayor? Yeah, what and it does you awfully good, too, doesn't it?

Helloooo? Look at this:
$500 per quarter = no crime at all.
$gazillions per day = rampant crime.

Now tell me who is doing a better job. And no, you are not freer under the government than under the Mafia. The Mafia doesn't care about your day-to-day affairs, which school you send your kids to, which recreational activities you engage in and where you are hiding your surplus stash. And the Mafia does stick to its word.

Think about it.