On Joe Pistone

Found an article today...
Just when he thought he was out...

He was on the radio here in Chicago. I'm hoping to see that.

I'd go to see that if it ever came to New York.

As far as a bounty that is still on Pistone's head, I just don't buy it. The man has been all over TV talk shows the last several years. I highly doubt that if there was a serious threat to his life, that he would be making all of these appearances. If there was a bounty like that out on your life, would you risk the safety of your family by showing yourself all over televison?

It's good PR for him to sell his books and now promote this play. It's the smart move , but nothing more than sensationalism.


Don Cardi

On Jonathon Brandmeier's show here in Chicago, he had Pistone on the air and Johnny asked him about the hit. He said that if anyone would still pay it, chances are that nobody's rolling out of bed with whacking Joe Pistone on their mind.

That was a good read. Thanks for that JM.

Don Cardi told me once that nobody cares about Donnie Brasco, because everybody involved is dead, in jail or dying. That´s true, but however I guess Donnie Brasco cannot live quietly, of course it could be just a commercial move and I agree. Despite everybody is in jail, dead or dying I would keep in mind the children, friends or relatives of those I named before. To answer the question about how someone who is supposed to be in danger could be seen on TV, there is one possible answer: EGO
John Gotti was the boss of a so-called Secret Society, but his ego made him famous and he wanted to be a Mob Star, he said "We are going to change Cosa Nostra".
It could be the same for Joseph "Danger" Pistone, sometimes, our ego could make us do stupid things that could risk our life, health, relationships, or whatever.

I know Donnie Brasco could be taking advantage of those rumors, but the guy is sentenced to look after his back for life. I think the Mafia would whack him if once given the oportunity.Those involved are dead, in jail or dying but their children, friends or relatives left, the Mafia doesn´t finish with those involved.

Very thoughtful article, JM. Thanks for posting it.
I agree with DC: the half-mil "price on his head" is probably BS, designed to drum up interest for his books. The idea that the Commission would create a "superfund" to pay for Pistone's demise is laughable. The only thing Mafia guys have in common is their own greed, and their distrust of each other. Why would any Mob boss contribute a dime to solve a problem the Bonannos brought on themselves with their own stupidity? Besides, Pistone has hardly been keeping a low profile. Our own Don, JG, went to a public book signing that Pistone held for "Way of the Wiseguy"--hardly the behavior of a guy with a price on his head. I do agree with Pistone that he could have a problem with a climber or a cowboy who'd want to pop him just for the prestige or whatever (forget about the half-mil--it doesn't exist). But obviously he's not too worried about it.

JG? What's the matter with you? I think your brain's gone sour from all that comedy you've been playing with that young girl. Never let an opportunity to make a half a million dollars get by you again!

A publically advertised book signing with an appearance by Joe Pistone. And nobody went there to pop him? Yeah, he has a $500,000 price tag on his head. :rolleyes:


Don Cardi

I don't begrudge Pistone for trying to make some money from his notoriety - he sure didn't make enough when he was with the Bureau for what he and his family had to endure. If I recall (it's been a long time since reading the book), he only made $500 as a reward in addition to his FBI salary.

Don't get me wrong - thousands of agents do the same thing and put their lives on the line every day just like Pistone did. But if they can sell some books, more power to 'em. I'd rather pay money to Pistone and others than to guys like Jose Canseco, OJ Simpson, or Pete Rose.

Goombah Pistone made $0, if not less. The FBI did not do a very good job of bankrolling his operation so a good portion of his expenses came out of his pocket.

JG? What's the matter with you? I think your brain's gone sour from all that comedy you've been playing with that young girl. Never let an opportunity to make a half a million dollars get by you again!
[/b][/quote] Great idea, DC! We must send BB hitman there.

New article:

http://www.suntimes.com/output/entertainment/sho-sunday-wiseguy12.html

In reading the article, I found one of the best distinctions between Chicago and New York in this paragraph...