Quote Originally Posted by Averageman View Post
Well according to legend these guys started off as "Robin Hood" like figures keeping the "Robber Barrons" in check. Pretty interesting to look in to anyway.

In America the story they would like to tell is they kept the neighborhoods safe and regulated commerce both in and out, making money for everyone.

Then the vice's began to take hold and again that was regulated and away from local homes and businesses.

Pretty much, the Avergeman could mind his business and not become involved in any of it and never have an issue.
I got a story or two of my Families involvement in construstion and trade unions in Chicago.
Probably a sliver of truth to some of those origins stories.

Chinese triads began as "patriot boxer" societies trying to get the Manchu out of China, when it was forever lost after the failed boxer rebellions all those men with organization, fighting and weapon skills found other industry.

And while it's harder to pinpoint the beginnings of yakuza families in Japan, more than a few began as samurai families who lost their status with the Meiji restoration.