Well Ville said he's referring to Whitey's and Ray Sr.'s power in terms of two different periods of time: Ray's day, and Whitey's day. Like Ville said and is true while Ray Patriarca Sr. ruled New England with an iron fist Whitey,though still relatively well known in both circles,was still making his bones earning his reputation under Howie. Still even comparing the two, Ray Patriarca held more power during his reign at the top than Whitey did during his own. That's my opinion but Im pretty sure its a fact