Meaning: This quote by Howie Carr, an American journalist and author, provides a glimpse into the intertwining of politics and organized crime in Boston. Carr's career as a reporter allowed him to witness the close relationship between these two realms, leading to his eventual focus on covering organized crime. To fully understand the significance of this quote, it is essential to delve into the historical context of Boston and explore the complex dynamics between politics and organized crime in the city.

Boston has a long and notorious history of organized crime, dating back to the early 20th century with figures such as Joseph "Joe" Kennedy, the patriarch of the Kennedy political dynasty, who was rumored to have ties to bootlegging and illegal activities during the Prohibition era. This connection between influential political figures and illicit enterprises set the stage for a culture of corruption and collusion between politicians and criminal elements in the city.

The quote highlights the seamless transition from covering politics to delving into organized crime for Carr. It underscores the notion that in Boston, these two spheres were deeply intertwined, to the extent that reporting on one inevitably led to insights into the other. This convergence speaks to the pervasive influence of organized crime on the political landscape of Boston, where illicit activities and corruption permeated various levels of government.

Carr's experience as a reporter allowed him to witness firsthand the ways in which organized crime and politics intersected and influenced each other. His work likely involved uncovering the connections between powerful political figures and criminal syndicates, shedding light on the pervasive culture of corruption and the blurred lines between legality and criminality in Boston's political arena.

The quote also suggests that the evolution from covering politics to focusing on organized crime was a natural progression, indicating the deep-rooted nature of the relationship between the two. This evolution speaks to the enduring impact of organized crime on Boston's societal and political fabric, as well as the challenges faced by journalists and law enforcement in untangling the complex web of corruption and criminal influence.

Through his writing and reporting, Carr likely sought to expose the extent of this entanglement and shed light on the often clandestine connections between political power and criminal activity in Boston. His work likely aimed to hold accountable those who abused their positions of authority and to bring awareness to the insidious impact of organized crime on the city's governance and social dynamics.

In conclusion, Howie Carr's quote encapsulates the deep-seated relationship between politics and organized crime in Boston, shedding light on the symbiotic nature of these two realms. His experience as a reporter and author provides valuable insights into the pervasive influence of organized crime on the city's political landscape, as well as the challenges inherent in untangling the web of corruption and criminality. This quote serves as a reminder of the enduring impact of organized crime on Boston's history and the ongoing efforts to address and confront its legacy.