Money Laundering 101

Is the Spirit the only one who wonders how sketchy stores on Wisconsin Avenue (e.g. the Western Store which sells novelty IDs) turn out a profit? Listen up, MSBers, because here's the 411 on money laundering. So you have $1000 in crack money. With walkie-talkie cellphone in hand, you jump on the metro from Anacostia to Foggy Bottom. Walk up Wisconsin Avenue. Enter one of these little, sketchy shops. Pay $1000 for a pair of cowboy boots. 3 months later: get a $1000 rebate with your purchase of a cowboy shirt. Voila! Now the Spirit is not pointing its ghostly finger at any store in particular, but just some food for thought next time you order a greasy pizza from Cafe Romeo's.