Francesco (Frank) Fiordilino, a contrite former Bonanno crime associate, whose testimony against former Bonanno boss Joseph Massino and soldier Baldassare (Baldo) Amato contributed to their convictions, that earned him a reduced sentence. Then with no benefit to himself, and with sincerity, was the first member I am ever aware of to acknowledge the Negative effect of the Mafia on Italians Image. "I apologize as well, especially to anyone of Italian background, by conspiring and utilizing our culture in the same manner the entertainment industry does with its stereotypes. ... Hollywood intensified my love for that life, and in the process blindsided what being Italian meant."
Mafia's a Farce, says Bonanno Turncoat
New York Daily News
By John Marzulli , Staff Writer
Friday, February 22nd 2008
A contrite former Bonanno crime associate trashed the Mafia as "a farce" at his sentencing for murder yesterday in Brooklyn Federal Court.Francesco (Frank) Fiordilino was then rewarded for his cooperation against Bonanno big shots with a sentence of time served plus 30 days."Cooperating witnesses are essential to achieving justice, and you have done your part," said Federal Judge Nicholas Garaufis.Fiordilino, 37, pleaded guilty to shooting drug dealer Thomas Sajn in the throat in 1993 in Ridgewood.Sajn wasn't immediately killed by the gunshot, so a second assailant cut his throat, nearly decapitating him.At the time, Fiordilino was paying his dues, making espresso and cappuccino at coffee shops under the control of the crime family. His uncle, Frank (Cheech) Navarro, was a made member of the Bonanno family.Fiordilino was after Sajn's drug money and also wanted to prove to gangsters that he was capable of committing a murder. But after the feds arrested him in 2002, Fiordilino decided to change sides."I'm totally at peace with my decision to defect," Fiordilino said yesterday. "I no longer have to lie, cheat or pretend anymore."He acknowledged the taking of Sajn's life was "cowardly," and reflected on the hypocrisy of the Mafia."The mob was and still is a farce that's built on deceit, venom, greed and destruction," he said. "As for loyalty and respect, I never seen it. I could recall hundreds of conversations in which guys would sit around a table bad-mouthing each other. I'm so glad that's behind me."Prosecutor Greg Andres said Fiordilino's testimony against former Bonanno boss Joseph Massino and soldier Baldassare (Baldo) Amato contributed to their convictions."I apologize as well, especially to anyone of Italian background, by conspiring and utilizing our culture in the same manner the entertainment industry does with its stereotypes. ... Hollywood intensified my love for that life, and in the process blindsided what being Italian meant," Fiordilino said.
jmarzulli@nydailynews.com http://www.nydailynews.com/news/ny_crime/2008/02/22/2008-02-22_mafias_a_farce_says_bonanno_turncoat.html
Friday, February 22, 2008
Mafia Defector Apologizes for Hollywoods and Mafia Creating Italian Negative Stereotypes
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3 comments:
Being Italian but now living in UK I find that the English have also had their image of Italians clouded by the stereotypes churned out by the Hollywood machine. They forget about Milanese fashion,Ferrari, the cuisine, the Romans and everything good about Italians. I always correct people who make cracks about me being in the mafia by telling them that it is a very bad insult to make this accusation to an Italian and if they were in Italy it would not be seen as a joke. A few years ago Berlusconi wanted to grant Robert De Niro Italian citizenship and was shouted down by the government and the people because, although we admire his acting skills we do not admire the way he has promoted his ancestors just for the dollar.
People are too sensitive about everything these days. The mob movies are great. They are a lot of fun. Godfather I is perhaps the best movie ever made.
Should we be offended by comments about being in the Mafia?
I chalk it up as ignorance. If people do not understand the Italian American culture, it's their loss.
Let's stay above the other sensitive cultures that get their feelings hurt at the drop of a hat and have a good laugh.
De Niro choking Morrie in Goodfellas with the telephone wire and his wig coming off is classic. I wouldn't trade some of those scenes to stop the occasional ignorant comment from some innocent bystander.
If they don't understand us, it's their loss.
A Man of Respect
I am from Sicilian background and live Down Under. I have been to Sicily twice and have grown up speaking the dialect with my family. I think the culture is one of kind and in my opinion pretty awesome.There are many Sicilians and Italians that are very warming,giving and honest people. I think the Godfather movies are great and tell a marvellous and revitting story. I love the history of the Mafia . Godfathers movies are the best movies ever made. But remember, it's a story of fiction and truth mixed together, and it's quite unfortunate that a few indidivuals believe that we are all tarnished with the same brush as the criminals that belong to our heriatge that were unable to make it in life legitimately.The story was about the 'Family' and pretecting one's family.
All comes down to education,intelligence , common sense and up bringing or just plain stupidity!
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