Reply #28: It doesn't explain everything

[starroute]

Kerry's family on his mother's side was at the heart of the opium trade. His grandfather, James Grant Forbes, was actually born in Shanghai in 1879. Compared to that, the Bushes were Johnny-come-latelies. They didn't get involved with China until very late into the game. So this doesn't really explain the distinct qualities of their family history.

Also, when I saw the title of your post, I was hoping it would have more on the history of money-laundering. At this point, I have no idea if it was something old August Thyssen invented or if it had a prior history. I can't think the ability to move large sums of money about from nation to nation would go back before the start of the 20th century, but I don't really know. If anybody has any info on this, I'd love to hear it.