Review: Palermo, Godfathers, and the Squadra Antimafia
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 02 24, 2013
This is the history extention of crimes and criminals tied to the mafia. A detailed synopsis of the brotherhood of the Costra Nostra is not an engaging subject. Brought before the turn of the twentieth century into the United States from Sicily and Italy, the tentacles built of bones and blood were extremely fertile and ever greedy, able to entice and incorporate new members and victims.We have learned of Castellano, Gambino, Genovese, Valachi, Riesel, DeLuca, Colombo, Franzese, Soprano, Johnny Dio, Jimmy Hoffa, Thomas Farese, Whitey Bulger and his girlfriend, Catherine Greig. These are only a few names attached to heinous crimes. Many became involved because of intimidation, threats, pitiful living conditions, pride, need and greed.The twin desires of money and power overshadowed and trapped men who finally realize that the Blood Oath lasts a lifetime. And, the Secrecy Oath meant no talking ever, to law officials or anyone not associated with the brotherhood under penalty of death. Death for self, wife, daughters, sons, parents, cousins, uncles or even aunts. No one receives a "get-out-of-jail" pass.The brotherhood would back and protect their own, but the price, after warnings of broken bones, was the ultimate. The web spread to incorporate much of the United States. The Capos and Godfathers could not be lenient. If they detected weakness, it was labeled as being traitorous. Originally, this life carried glamorous overtones. To penniless waifs, the seduction was irresistible. But, insatiable greed fosters cruel repercussions. The monsters maim, then slaughter weaker subjects. This fact has been verified many times in many horrific ways.This book by Joe Bruno, and his insightful forerunner books, should act as clear preventive warnings. These are cutting edge, real life horror stories, not inventive fantasies. Swallow bitters, take the medicinal pill, go to bed, and try to ignore the fact, that evil does exist, and vendettas destroy everyone.