The Genovese have always been #1. The Gambinos a strong #2, though arguably 1A at certain points. The other three families have fluctuated in the #3-5 spots depending on the time period.
A good argument cam be made about the Luccheses being #3 in the 1980's because the Bonannos were off the Commission and neither they or the Colombos had the same extent of labor rackets, ie the garment center, food markets, JFK airport, and Long Island garbage the Luccheses did.
gohnjotti wrote: ↑Thu Aug 24, 2017 8:50 pm
Where do you think the families stand now in terms of overall power? I'd say Genovese, Gambino, Lucchese, Bonanno, Colombo, in that order.
In addition, my personal belief is that there was one long time period when the Genovese/Chi Outfit close and strong alliance almost controlled whole US Cosa Nostra, especially during the 50s and 60s. I remember reading one wiretapped convo where they talked about everybody on the commission following Mooney and Vito
Do not be deceived, neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who practice homosexuality, nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God - Corinthians 6:9-10
Antiliar wrote: ↑Thu Aug 24, 2017 12:49 pm
"Most powerful" is hard to define and is debatable. It's subjective. Number of members is objective. The way I look at it is there were two strong Families (Gambino and Genovese) and three weaker ones (weaker compared to the two strong ones). Beyond that it's a toss up.
Where do you think the families stand now in terms of overall power? I'd say Genovese, Gambino, Lucchese, Bonanno, Colombo, in that order.
The current order sounds about right, but again, it's only educated guessing.
These thing are always fluctuating on the forums. When I first started the Luccheses were considered #5. Then it was the Bonannos. Now it is the Colombos. If I had to predict I'd say the Bonannos are #3 now.
Pogo
It's a new morning in America... fresh, vital. The old cynicism is gone. We have faith in our leaders. We're optimistic as to what becomes of it all. It really boils down to our ability to accept. We don't need pessimism. There are no limits.
Pogo The Clown wrote: ↑Fri Aug 25, 2017 10:07 am
These thing are always fluctuating on the forums. When I first started the Luccheses were considered #5. Then it was the Bonannos. Now it is the Colombos. If I had to predict I'd say the Bonannos are #3 now.
Pogo The Clown wrote: ↑Fri Aug 25, 2017 10:07 am
These thing are always fluctuating on the forums. When I first started the Luccheses were considered #5. Then it was the Bonannos. Now it is the Colombos. If I had to predict I'd say the Bonannos are #3 now.
Pogo
Yeah, Bonannos are in rebuild mode.
You're agreeing with Pogo they are 3rd most powerful family but think they are rebuilding? Are they?
Seems like they've been very stable. They have an official boss for years now plus an acting boss on the street and a shitload of captains and acting captains. Those meetings at the barbershop and the christmas party says they are fully functioning and a very long way from when they were rebuilding after massino and then bascaino went down.
I remember time ago people were talking about the Lucchese family being almost "re-born" and slowly re-gaining real power, when Crea was supposed to have been put in charge (somebody even said Vic Amuso gave up the official boss title to him, so promising he was; later they said though Amuso is still boss and Madonna is acting). But now Crea risks a life sentence with the whole hierarchy, for "just" 1 murder and 1 attempted murder....At the "golden age", 30 or 40 murders weren't enough to keep a mafioso in custody for a week even; now, even if they get off, they will have to "cool their heads" for 2 or 3 years in jail before and during the trial maybe (look at Ligambi in Philly, even though he was acquitted).
Shame on the Mafia in the US, all amateurs today! Should take example from Montreal at least!
Dwalin2014 wrote: ↑Sat Aug 26, 2017 4:42 pm
I remember time ago people were talking about the Lucchese family being almost "re-born" and slowly re-gaining real power, when Crea was supposed to have been put in charge (somebody even said Vic Amuso gave up the official boss title to him, so promising he was; later they said though Amuso is still boss and Madonna is acting). But now Crea risks a life sentence with the whole hierarchy, for "just" 1 murder and 1 attempted murder....At the "golden age", 30 or 40 murders weren't enough to keep a mafioso in custody for a week even; now, even if they get off, they will have to "cool their heads" for 2 or 3 years in jail before and during the trial maybe (look at Ligambi in Philly, even though he was acquitted).
Shame on the Mafia in the US, all amateurs today! Should take example from Montreal at least!
Put those Montreal mob guys here in the US, with American law enforcement and RICO, and it's a different story.
JeremyTheJew wrote: ↑Sat Aug 26, 2017 5:41 pm
I never understood why Viro wasn't charged with Murder?
What was be Rizzuto charge with that have him only 10 years?
He took a plea deal for his role in the 3 Capos murder.
Pogo
It's a new morning in America... fresh, vital. The old cynicism is gone. We have faith in our leaders. We're optimistic as to what becomes of it all. It really boils down to our ability to accept. We don't need pessimism. There are no limits.
Luchesse imo have generally been # 3 and especially now
As they have always had big interests in union and construction and have a large gambling presence in NJ to keep bringing in $ to the admin that also helps fund the legit side, an area the other 2 don't have . The Columbos seem more localized to BK and LI and the Bonnanos are big in the violent blue collar , and drug stuff but that keeps them as easy prey to LE and informants and making guys easy to flip and cease their assets . They def have violent and active crews. Old school shit but you can't keep building that way as they keep getting popped and rolled on . WS are just real pros , seem to keep building and getting stronger and have little interest bragging about how bad they are etc Just my opinion tho . The Columbos are kind of a mystery today but seem to be shrinking
