The Status of the Outfit and the disappointment by some in how this once very mighty Organization has diminished over the last 25 years has caused many discussions and arguments.

What's really happening in Chicago is twofold.

The Northern Part of the Outfit which consists of Elmwood Park and Grand Ave have been going through a natural evolution started by John DiFronzo and Joe Lombardo several years ago.
They voluntarily retreated from the street rackets that have been common in Chicago for decades all the way back to Mr. Outfit himself, Al Capone. The Northern Group led by John DiFronzo, concentrates all their efforts on legitimate business and union activity. Everything with them is White Collar. When they die, their relatives will continue the trend but they will not be made members of the Outfit nor will they need to be made members of the Outfit.
All the Political connections have been laid down and have been in place for decades. The relatives of these guys both (male & female) will continue with legitimate business and union activity and be really no different than smart wealthy so called legitimate business people. It is a natural evolution from crime to legitimacy.

The Southern Group, which consists of Cicero and 26th St, are still operating the traditional street rackets and are really not part of this White collar evolution.
These guys want it to be 1973 all over again. They want to run Bookmaking, Loan Skarking, Poker Machines, along with some Union activity and some legitimate business.

In Conclusion, the question will arise continually:
How strong is the Outfit in 2013? Is it a powerhouse like years ago?

Answer: No, it is not even close. The Outfit has truly been divided by two different philosophies.

However, for the select relatives of the Northern Group who will benefit from the legitimate interests and the political and union connections, it could be better than ever in the future and they do not have to be made members of the Outfit because it will be unnecessary.