1. Discuss Russian organized crime in the U.S. As a minimum, your answer should include a breakdown of the "typical" Russian organized crime member and what you propose the U.S. can and should do to counter this very real and significant organized crime threat. Thoroughly support your comments with referenced data and or referenced real life examples (please no opinions only, in this graduate class).

2. Report what your research and this week's readings tell us about the "Yakuza". A well-written post will include discussions of (a) background, (b) rituals, and (c) relationship with the police. Also as part of your response provide your personal assessment (with referenced support) as to whether or not the Yakuza has a largely positive and or negative impact on Japanese society. Thoroughly defend you view.