2 part Franzese question

How did he ever get made? Was it just his father being his father or he actually made his bones. He comes across as the least most scary person in LCN history

Also do you consider him a rat like you consider Gravano, Alite or Massino a rat?

Yes he was made. However he claims he was made October 31 1975 but that doesnt add up considering that new members werent intiated until early 76 including his capo Andrew Russo. Ive read that it was actually Halloween of 78 he was was made. As for making his bones? I dont know. He makes it seem like he never was a killer, just a good earner which he was. However in recent interviews he has started to allude to being involved in violent acts

I believe he was involved in his ex mate -champagne Larrys death if I’m correct on the name. Apparently it came out that champagne Larry was seeing Mikes younger sister who had an overdose. And that was the end of champagne Larry..

And him getting his button was nepotism pure and simple. The dad was super respected and doing a 50 year bid like it was nothing. Mike getting made was a testament to the respect they had for the dad, nothing else. Mike was brought up well off didn’t struggle and was going to be a doctor when he chose the life.

Gasoline scam was a case of right place right time. He explains this when he got his first cut of the take delivered on the first week. He had no idea it was going to be as big as it was. He realised the opportunity and ran with it. He was clearly a clever and able guy, you see this in how he manipulates gotti at a sit down he described. But he may get a bit too much credit if you ask me generally in terms of Mafia legends. Just my 2 cents. Read his autobiography few years back too which is a good read.

And Re. the rat question - he never testified against anyone actually in the life. And apparently no one went to jail based on his disclosures.. however he did admit to lcn and testified on some boxing investigation committee also.

http://www.thesmokinggun.com/file/reverend-wiseguy-and-hbo

Franzese himself explains in this document that his father's influence made it easier for him to become a member and that his business talent would make him a valuable asset to the family. He claims only to have peripheral knowledge of murders, which I actually find plausible. There's over a hundred Colombos, heaps of spots that needed to be filled in the 70s and only so many murders to be committed. However, later on in those documents Sal Miciotta claims Franzese was more of an active participant and instigator in murders.

Obviously he has broken omerta and those documents show he was giving up information to the feds. I'd say that, along with testifying publicly at various places, makes him a rat. He was just lucky to get away with it.

Lucky to get away with it? Have there been many/any rats after the 70s who didn't get away with it?
I think the Era of rat killing and vengeance was in the 20-50s

After that, it seems like they don't give a f

I used to think that Michael Franzese was one of the more likable rats...He never bragged about being a tough guy or bedding hollywood starlets etc...

But my opinion has changed...After hearing he wouldn't go visit his mother on her deathbed was disgusting...He doesn't go to visit his 102 year old father who can die any day now, yet continues to make money on videos using his father's stories and now he did another interview speaking about his brother how he hopes to see him soon...How difficult is that to accomplish ??

When they talk about honor, this guy's at the bottom of the barrel...He's just like all the other rats,a liar who just cares about himself !!

Yep and what's funny is he claims to e a preacher for God and he found d God what a load of shit.

Tried to find some testimony from Lawrence Iorizzo, who was Franzese's partner in the gas tax scam, to see what he had to say about the guy. Came across these:
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/225876645_Organized_cross-atlantic_crime

https://www.vanityfair.com/news/1991/02/john-gotti-joe-columbo-fbi-investigation-witness

Even though it's the word of another rat, they show a different side of Franzese. More shady and prone to violence than he likes to let on.

Just another scam !!

Yep