@NYMAFIA
Something was brought up in another thread that I thought would be more appropriate on this one. So is their any truth to the Lucky Luciano was a pimp narrative. And the streets say Little Davey Petillo ran or strong armed brothels in Luciano's name?
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That was way before my time and in-depth knowledge. But if I were to place a bet, I'd bet both Lucky and Little Davy were knee-deep in the prostitution rackets. NOT actually in the business which I strongly doubt they were (although they could well have been partners in a few cathouses). But knee-deep in the sense that I'd bet my bottom dollar that the ran a highly organized "shakedown" racket of as many whore houses, madams, pimps, and guys who ran those type businesses as they could.
At its core the Mafia is an "extortionist" gang. THATS what they do!
Generally speaking many mafiosi may not be bookmakers, shylocks, narcotics guys, porno dealers, bar owners, card game operators, etc., themselves, but they extort those who operate these rackets. Understand what I'm trying to say?
They are master "Extortionists"...... they take a "piece", they "wet their beaks". Thats what they do!
Now if they slap a drug dealer in the mouth and tell him to cough up $2,000 a week for the "privilege" of operating in the area or else, is that mafioso a drug dealer? Or is he an extortionist? I think thats a matter of semantics.
