Franzese has some racket

[CabriniGreen]

The most interesting think I heard Franzese say in that interview, was that his Security guard union had like, I dunno, a few nuclear power plants contracts. He said even a powered down nuclear reactor has, HAS ( it's the law) to have security for a hundred years? Lol

I was like, really? Great racket, lol

[Angelo Santino]

Have you ever read his book? He kinda does explain why he turned....at least in his mind...

You find Spado more credible?

Who Franzese? "Turning away" and "Turning Informant" are two different things. He tries to spin the narrative that he found God, served his time and walked away. That's leaving out that he turned informant, provided information to the FBI and testified in open court against several non-member associates. I'm not rat-shaming him, the truth is my issue. I think he purposely omits this so he can be described as "a former mob boss period" and not "former mobster turned informant." And who wants to be known as that anyway if they avoid it?

As far as who's credible, they're both imperfect. I think they are both credible in some areas and lacking in others. They both call each other rats but deny being one themselves. At some point in the future, after both men are dead and people are going over the info they provided to the FBI like we went through Bill Bonanno's in the 1960's, that will reveal the truth that there's no getting around. For now it's just a he said he said. I'd like to get them to settle their beef at the ping-pong table, now that would be entertainment. Winner gets to give a speech about what a master pong-ping player Sonny was who only taught the game to those closest to him.

[Lupara]

As I've said many times, the elite of mob cinema is...


The Godfather movies
Goodfellas
Casino
The Sopranos

If you never saw another mob movie or TV show besides those, you'd be OK.

That's not to say there aren't some other great mob flicks. But those above are in a league of their own.

Followed closely by Once Upon a Time in America (one can make a good case it belongs in that list), Donnie Brasco and American Gangster.

[Angelo Santino]

Episode 1 - John Alite and Gene Borrello Expose Truth About Michael Franzese
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BkBM-d3vXM

These two guys seem to have come to the same conclusions I have, only I'm less antagonistic towards him. MF is filling a need, Hill would be doing it if he were still alive, Gravano would if he were a people person I mean, as much as I wish it didn't the world runs on entertainment, not accuracy.

9:50: "When you're pushing your religion, pushing god, you want to send that message, and then you're stepping on that message, by start talking and praising different gangsters, praising the life, talking nonsense, Gotti Sr and what a great guy he was, or whoever, and you're sending a different message."

10:07: "First off, you didn't know Gotti Sr like that, that's first off, and second you're kinda like Gotti Jr himself, you want to talk about your father, you want to blame your father for your life, you want to say you didn't cooperate when you did like Junior, you also wanna turn around and say you were a boss.. Like Junior, you abuse your father's name, and you try to make money off him, and you're bullshitting people because without your father, how the fuck were you going to get straightened out and become a street guy."

11:13: "You wanna say you were making ten million dollars a week, you weren't making ten million, 40 a month? Pablo Escobar wasn't making that kind of money, you're selling the public bullshit. You still talk like you're a 1940's 'caporegime,' it's total bullshit. Nobody talks like that man, you seen too much Godfather you need to be yourself man."

21:02: "Franzese says he used to keep 10-12 million in his house. I WISH I knew he kept 10-12 million in his house." *Laughs, (implying he'd rob him and wouldn't fear the repercussions.)

21:15: "And what would he do if he knew you were coming for him, what could he do? The only thing he could do is try and make a phone call and straighten it out."

The comments are hilarious. But as you can see, Franzese has an avid following of supporters.

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My thoughts on this show- it's interesting. They come across as slightly bitter which makes sense. These guys had to work for their positions and couldn't hang on forever, whereas guys like Gotti Jr, Franzese and others, based on their fathers, were given positions with the expectations that they would grow into it. So the former category usually clings to their reputation as real gangsters and argue these latter guys were do-nothings. You see Fratianno, a worker, say the same thing about people with similar backgrounds in his era. Kenji same thing. They argue that they were the gangsters, street guys who kept the organization going.

They're a much different breed than the Calis, Manninos, Gambinos, DiLeonardos who's approach to gangsterism was more subtle. I don't think this particular aristocratic subset of American mafiosi would equate violence or being a street guy as the top qualifications of the generic mafioso. They wouldn't be shy to employ it as its a byproduct of the life, but not the end-all.

[Wiseguy]

Episode 1 - John Alite and Gene Borrello Expose Truth About Michael Franzese
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BkBM-d3vXM
These two guys seem to have come to the same conclusions I
My thoughts on this show- it's interesting. They come across as slightly bitter which makes sense. These guys had to work for their positions and couldn't hang on forever, whereas guys like Gotti Jr, Franzese and others, based on their fathers, were given positions with the expectations that they would grow into it. So the former category usually clings to their reputation as real gangsters and argue these latter guys were do-nothings. You see Fratianno, a worker, say the same thing about people with similar backgrounds in his era. Kenji same thing. They argue that they were the gangsters, street guys who kept the organization going.

They're a much different breed than the Calis, Manninos, Gambinos, DiLeonardos who's approach to gangsterism was more subtle. I don't think this particular aristocratic subset of American mafiosi would equate violence or being a street guy as the top qualifications of the generic mafioso. They wouldn't be shy to employ it as its a byproduct of the life, but not the end-all.

Yeah, I commented on this before too. Listening to Alite and Gene, you get this real sense of class struggle even within the mob. Both these guys never got made, Alite never even being eligible. So they focus a lot on the "putting in work" angle and being real street guys compared to certain others. You can tell there's an understandable resentment against the politics within the mob that benefits the more well-connected.

I get the hard feelings against somebody who has nothing outside of a connection that gets them their button or whatever. However, even with Franzese's exaggerations, he was an earner. And earners have been more valuable than killers in the mob for a long time now.

[axx]

The comments are hilarious. But as you can see, Franzese has an avid following of supporters.
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These aren't just fanboys pushing likes on pro-Franzese comments, these are paid youtube likes. No YT video with 60k views has this many comments & likes. Having two douches belitteling you on social platforms isn't good for buiseness (or racket if you will), especially when you're trying to push the reformed 'mob boss' to jesus-finder narrative which has proven to be successful (moneywise). So you hire company to bomb the comments section and discredit these two, not too hard to do that these days.

[dixiemafia]

Followed closely by Once Upon a Time in America (one can make a good case it belongs in that list), Donnie Brasco and American Gangster.

You had me until American Gangster. I watch the movie for what it was, but it wasn't a true story for sure. Even Bumpy's wife said Frank Lucas was full of shit. If you like the movie itself like I look at The Departed (just the movie story) then I could agree. Donnie Brasco definitely should be on the list but I'm one of the few (I'm positive I'm probably the only one here) that has never seen One Upon a Time in America. Sad ain't it? Somebody give me the cliff notes so I can decide to watch it or not

[Lupara]

Followed closely by Once Upon a Time in America (one can make a good case it belongs in that list), Donnie Brasco and American Gangster.

You had me until American Gangster. I watch the movie for what it was, but it wasn't a true story for sure. Even Bumpy's wife said Frank Lucas was full of shit. If you like the movie itself like I look at The Departed (just the movie story) then I could agree.

I'm aware of the directorial license. I've said so in previous posts that it's much closer to Frank Matthews' story. Indeed I was talking about the film itself.

Donnie Brasco definitely should be on the list but I'm one of the few (I'm positive I'm probably the only one here) that has never seen One Upon a Time in America. Sad ain't it? Somebody give me the cliff notes so I can decide to watch it or not [emoji38]

Just watch it already. You don't need cliff notes as I vouch for this film. If it disappoints you you can have me send for and throw me in a lion cage. (Just know that in case you do, you no longer have me to back you up in the Montreal mob discussion war).

[Angelo Santino]

The comments are hilarious. But as you can see, Franzese has an avid following of supporters.
Capture1.PNG
Capture2.PNG

These aren't just fanboys pushing likes on pro-Franzese comments, these are paid youtube likes. No YT video with 60k views has this many comments & likes. Having two douches belitteling you on social platforms isn't good for buiseness (or racket if you will), especially when you're trying to push the reformed 'mob boss' to jesus-finder narrative which has proven to be successful (moneywise). So you hire company to bomb the comments section and discredit these two, not too hard to do that these days.

Is it possible for him to hire a firm (that's presumably ignorant of the mafia) and instruct them to say specific things such as rat, capos, etc? These people seem to have a passing understanding of the mafia (laughable as it is). I ask because some of those accounts appear to be genuine, just assholes with opinions. Another thing to consider is that they are "rats" on open mike which will lead to tough talk from the safety of their devices. Franzese also had a two-decade head start to market himself and make connections in the industry and Alite/Borrello will never surpass that. Also, Franzese had the religion angle, that generates followers.

[axx]

The comments are hilarious. But as you can see, Franzese has an avid following of supporters.
Capture1.PNG
Capture2.PNG

These aren't just fanboys pushing likes on pro-Franzese comments, these are paid youtube likes. No YT video with 60k views has this many comments & likes. Having two douches belitteling you on social platforms isn't good for buiseness (or racket if you will), especially when you're trying to push the reformed 'mob boss' to jesus-finder narrative which has proven to be successful (moneywise). So you hire company to bomb the comments section and discredit these two, not too hard to do that these days.

Is it possible for him to hire a firm (that's presumably ignorant of the mafia) and instruct them to say specific things such as rat, capos, etc? These people seem to have a passing understanding of the mafia (laughable as it is). I ask because some of those accounts appear to be genuine, just assholes with opinions. Another thing to consider is that they are "rats" on open mike which will lead to tough talk from the safety of their devices. Franzese also had a two-decade head start to market himself and make connections in the industry and Alite/Borrello will never surpass that. Also, Franzese had the religion angle, that generates followers.

Yes its possible, there are bot farms and you just have to instruct them what to say. The commenters are sometimes real people with their real names. The comment and likes flood could be from some other source like FB, who knows, but I am quite sure it's Michael's doing or at least his PR firm if he has one. For a ~70 yr old guy I think he handles internet quite well and seems to be aware of its marketing power.

[Angelo Santino]

Episode 1 - John Alite and Gene Borrello Expose Truth About Michael Franzese
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BkBM-d3vXM
These two guys seem to have come to the same conclusions I
My thoughts on this show- it's interesting. They come across as slightly bitter which makes sense. These guys had to work for their positions and couldn't hang on forever, whereas guys like Gotti Jr, Franzese and others, based on their fathers, were given positions with the expectations that they would grow into it. So the former category usually clings to their reputation as real gangsters and argue these latter guys were do-nothings. You see Fratianno, a worker, say the same thing about people with similar backgrounds in his era. Kenji same thing. They argue that they were the gangsters, street guys who kept the organization going.

They're a much different breed than the Calis, Manninos, Gambinos, DiLeonardos who's approach to gangsterism was more subtle. I don't think this particular aristocratic subset of American mafiosi would equate violence or being a street guy as the top qualifications of the generic mafioso. They wouldn't be shy to employ it as its a byproduct of the life, but not the end-all.

Yeah, I commented on this before too. Listening to Alite and Gene, you get this real sense of class struggle even within the mob. Both these guys never got made, Alite never even being eligible. So they focus a lot on the "putting in work" angle and being real street guys compared to certain others. You can tell there's an understandable resentment against the politics within the mob that benefits the more well-connected.

I get the hard feelings against somebody who has nothing outside of a connection that gets them their button or whatever. However, even with Franzese's exaggerations, he was an earner. And earners have been more valuable than killers in the mob for a long time now.

All things being equal, I think Franzese fired his guns at them first.

Class struggle is an interesting way to describe it. We know from Capeci books and Gravano himself how Gotti felt about Castellano and Gravano, despite being Sicilian from the Castellano wing, could sympathize with Gotti. Both men, regional origins aside, had to work for their positions. Whereas with the Sicilians I listed above, they may have a different take on Castellano. In the scope of the mafia and how favoritism is shown, Castellano checked all the boxes. DiLeonardo, given the bloodlines could understand the Castellano side despite being close to Junior Gotti. Ironically, what the Gotti's revolved against they themselves became: nepotism. To date, in the Gambino's 100+ year existence as a primarily Palermitan-dominant Sicilian organization, the Gotti's are the only surname to be boss twice. But as we see, the Gotti's are coming and going in the organization, they likely won't be contributing to future affiliation. The Gambinos, Manninos, Inzerillos on the other hand had relatives affiliated 100 years ago and likely will in the future. So these weak dead-heads as Fratianno coined them, do contribute to the continuity in ways the street guy does not. I see both sides of it.

[Amershire_Ed]

American Gangster is 49% Frank Matthews, 49% Ike Atkinson, and 2% Frank Lucas. The idea that the mob was worried about Lucas eating into their profits is LOL funny. That movie also made Nicky Barnes look like a total sucker, and while he was an informant, he was a more successful and bigger drug dealer than Lucas.

[JeremyTheJew]

American Gangster is 49% Frank Matthews, 49% Ike Atkinson, and 2% Frank Lucas. The idea that the mob was worried about Lucas eating into their profits is LOL funny. That movie also made Nicky Barnes look like a total sucker, and while he was an informant, he was a more successful and bigger drug dealer than Lucas.

Where did this come from?? Lol

[Amershire_Ed]

American Gangster is 49% Frank Matthews, 49% Ike Atkinson, and 2% Frank Lucas. The idea that the mob was worried about Lucas eating into their profits is LOL funny. That movie also made Nicky Barnes look like a total sucker, and while he was an informant, he was a more successful and bigger drug dealer than Lucas.

Where did this come from?? Lol

Frank Lucas is a known liar and exaggerator. He exaggerated his relationship with Bumpy Johnson and his status in Bumpy’s organization. He lied about bringing heroin over from Vietnam (that was really Ike Atkinson). He lied about bumping heads with the mob. That was Frank Matthews. Lucas was a customer to someone like Frank Matthews or Louis Cirillo. He wasn’t competition. He made a lot of money and had several spots in Harlem and the Bronx, but he was nowhere near Matthews or the Italians, as the movie portrays.

[gohnjotti]

Have you ever read his book? He kinda does explain why he turned....at least in his mind...

You find Spado more credible?

Who Franzese? "Turning away" and "Turning Informant" are two different things. He tries to spin the narrative that he found God, served his time and walked away. That's leaving out that he turned informant, provided information to the FBI and testified in open court against several non-member associates. I'm not rat-shaming him, the truth is my issue. I think he purposely omits this so he can be described as "a former mob boss period" and not "former mobster turned informant." And who wants to be known as that anyway if they avoid it?

As far as who's credible, they're both imperfect. I think they are both credible in some areas and lacking in others. They both call each other rats but deny being one themselves. At some point in the future, after both men are dead and people are going over the info they provided to the FBI like we went through Bill Bonanno's in the 1960's, that will reveal the truth that there's no getting around. For now it's just a he said he said. I'd like to get them to settle their beef at the ping-pong table, now that would be entertainment. Winner gets to give a speech about what a master pong-ping player Sonny was who only taught the game to those closest to him.

I really don't think Spado is credible at all. Just my two cents, I haven't watched any of his interviews other than snippets and what I've read here on the forums. I did watch the part where he denied his drug-dealing.