Today's MOZEN: Teflon No More

F LoBuono

As a 2nd generation American with deep roots in Sicily, I am very familiar with The Mafia and its tactics and traditions. EVERY Sicilian, regardless of it they were affiliated with it or not, has been effected by its ruthless ways. It is foolhardy to deny it. It has been part of Sicilian culture for centuries.

One of the things that makes its leaders, i.e. capos, so difficult to stop is their ability to control their empires without a DIRECT connection to the nefarious activities being committed by their so-called soldiers. The Don (often called  Godfather as a show of submission and respect) NEVER directly orders a murder. That is accomplished through well-calculated suggestions and innuendo. He will NEVER utter the words, "so and so must be killed." Instead he suggests in a private meeting "how much better their world would be without so and so." And, mysteriously, the deed is done.

John Gotti, the infamous Teflon Don had that moniker because he earned it. Everyone in law enforcement KNEW that he was ordering these killings. But, they could never tie him DIRECTLY to these crimes and prosecute him. Instead, they had to use specially crafted legislation (RICO*) to bring him down. He eventually died in prison. And, let's not forget the legendary mobster, Al Capone. EVERYONE knew that he ordered the infamous St. Valentine's Day Massacre, but they could never directly tie him to the crime. Instead, he was brought down through tax evasion laws. He also died in prison.

The Art of the Deal, if you will, with people like this is perfectly illustrated in the award winning film, "The Godfather". On of the most famous lines in the movie is when the godfather (Marlon Brando) utters, "I made him an offer he couldn't refuse". He never threatened violence directly. Instead, the mere suggestion of it was enough to make anyone capitulate.

So, it is with the latest round of Congressional Hearings on the impeachment of Donald J. Trump. Witness after reliable witness has sworn that even though they never heard the words directly from the President to hold aid to Ukraine until they did the President's personal/political bidding, they KNEW it was a direct order from Mr. Trump. This is the entire focal point of the bizarre Republican defense of the President - he never SAID it. But, it was perfectly clear to all of them that Mr. Trump is making them an offer they couldn't refuse. It was the proverbial horse's head in the bed image - do it or suffer the consequences.

It couldn't be more obvious. The Godfather and his cronies are running our Country. We've stopped them before - and, we will again.  Don't let him off the hook!!!

*Passed in 1970, the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) is a federal law designed to combat organized crime in the United States. It allows prosecution and civil penalties for racketeering activity performed as part of an ongoing criminal enterprise.