How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Prostitution was a ticklish subject in the resort. The presence of brothels in turn-of-the-20th century Atlantic City was well known, but talked about little. (4.1)
The same could be said about the rest of the city's criminal underworld: Everyone knows about it, but no one talks about it. This actually works pretty well for a while, quietly drawing in tourists from Philly eager to have a wild weekend. But this is just the beginning.
Quote #2
"If the people who came to town had wanted Bible readings, we'd have given 'em that. But […] they wanted booze, broads, and gambling, so that's what we gave 'em." (4.14)
Well, it's true, isn't it? We can take the high road and criticize the leaders of Atlantic City for turning their town into a criminal paradise, but we'd be missing the point: They only did it because that's what their visitors wanted. That's just what business people do. We can critique them until the cows come home, but we can't act surprised when things like this happen.
Quote #3
Hundreds of local families relied on illegal sources of income and as long as the visitors were happy, no one interfered. (4.18)
Don't think that the only people making money are hardened criminals—many regular folk earn their paychecks through illegal businesses, too. It might not be their preferred way of making money, but it's what they have to do to survive.