The fine art of extortion as practiced by Bush's HUD Secretary

Apparently Bush's Secretary of Housing and Urban Development learned his management skills from the Mafia. Demand what you want for your friends, and if the people whose property you are trying to have transferred to your friends refuse, then punish them every way possible.

The Washington Post has the story.

What's the difference between the Bush administration and a criminal cartel?

About the only thing noticeable is that most criminal cartels have higher standards of personal honor and aren't as dependent on military power.