While u make some good points Lou , to say there over is very wide of the mark . There r still 11 viable families and the Genovese , gambino and lucchese families r stronger than ever
I wouldn't go that far, Dom.
I mean, I get what you're saying: That they're not done yet. And I agree, they're not done yet. Like I said, I think they'll hang around for another generation or so in their present form because of the adjustments they've made in the past decade---namely less violence, very few murders, plea bargains, and a lower profile. And these adjustments should allow them to keep the status quo for awhile. But to say they're stronger than ever is just too much of a stretch.
There was literally a time where the Five Families could bring one of the biggest cities in the world (New York) to a screeching halt with labor slowdowns. And they're just not that powerful anymore. And sure, they still have a lot of the building and construction trades. But the days of shutting down the biggest construction site in the city, or an entire port, with just a phone call are gone for good.
Long story short: If they're content to keep the status quo, and they're crazy if they're not, then they'll be around for quite awhile. But it will never be the same.
