I lived amongst the mob for a couple of decades. Many of them have a strong human dimension because of their love of family and their received Catholic culture. A lot of the wiseguys were born into families and groomed from childhood to take over the “family business.” They are used by their fathers to run errands and do things that then make them captive to the mob. Anyone who is already in risks their life, and that of their families, trying to get out.
But for a handful, especially when they have children of their own, a conscience develops. They go to church, often making a show of it and donating generously to make “friends” with the priests. Occasionally, for a few, the Word of God cuts through all the BS and they yearn to live a clean life.
At this point, we have to consider that Jesus has paid for all our sins; and that if a person with a terrible past can renounce it and live by the Holy Spirit going forward, he may not be exempt from civil law, but he is forgiven by Christ. So what Gravano is saying, both as an ostensibly reformed mobster and a U.S. military veteran, has some utilitarian merit, when he compares the criminal acts he has witnessed, compared to the treasonous acts of elected officials.
The mob is a paramilitary organization. Treason is punishable by death. I well imagine he is terribly frustrated to see open, flagrant abuse of the law, yet the lawbreakers are not held to account.
Well said.
My dad’s family were ridge runner/dirt scratcher migrants from Kentucky who settled in Chicago Heights, Illinois. Huge Capone turf run by brother Ralph. Actually, I was born there.
Anyhow, the whole mafia enterpprise was enabled and propelled by the filthy, rotten government and prohibition. I mean, how evil can a government be?