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and the public for destructive and self-aggrandizing
purposes. Mindful of this concern, we will explore
ways in which union members victimized by racketeers
can begin to reclaim control from the criminals.
The extent and duration of organized crime
involvement in union and management racketeering has
disturbing implications for our economy and the inte­
grity of the trade union movement. The costs of
racketeering measured in terms of corruption of the
free market and the imposition of higher prices are
borne by every citizen in this country. Indeed, it
would not be an exaggeration to state that a percentage
of the cost of virtually every commodity of se.rvice is
diverted by racketeers. In perhaps no other area of
endeavor has organized crime been so intractable and
posed so great a threat to a fundamental aspect of our
economic and political fabric. This week we will docu­
ment the nature and extent of this threat today.
I would ask at this point that
Commissioner McBride summarize the Commission's
program and hearings for this week.
COMMISSIONER MC BRIDE: Those of the Federal
law enforcement and local law enforcement community
who are expert in the problem of organized crime and
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