I think he's implying I go out of my way to diminish the stature of the Outfit, whereas in reality I am just reacting, as you note, to people like him, who tend to chronically overestimate it.
Anyone who thinks what remains of today's Outfit even remotely resembles the frighteningly powerful organization it was in the past needs to learn more about the glory days. Here is one tiny example:
In the past they outright dominated countless unions.
Today a moron like Rudy Fratto will get busted trying to pull some half ass scheme at McCormick and people will say "They still have the unions."
Yes, they likely have a very small amount of influence in a few unions, but that is absolutely nothing like having the Teamsters in your pocket.
It's obvious to anyone who's not living in a complete fantasy.
But, as they say, a man with a hammer...
Speaking of the teamsters........
Union Officials Influenced and Controlled by the Mob in the Teamsters Currently
1.James Glimco-Local 777 IBT President and Trustee of Joint Council 25 of the IBT
Son of Former Outfit Capo Joey Glimco.
2.John Coli- President of Joint Council 25 IBT and Secratary Treasure of Local 727 and Member of Teamster National Executive Board and Vice President of Central Region IBT. Son of former Chicago LCN Soldier James Coli.
3. Dominick Romanazzi-President IBT Local 330. Confirmed Chicago LCN Associate by The FBI and the Chicago Crime Comission.
4.James M Hogan- President Local 714 IBT. Confirmed associate of the Chicago LCN by the FBI an the Chicago Crime Commission. Uncle of Mob associates James Hogan Jr and Brother of James Hogan Sr.
Thats 4 different current Teamster union presidents. The President and Trustee of Joint Council 25 which oversees the pension fund of 28 combined Teamster locals and which represent more than 115,000 workers. Last but not least the Vice President of the Central Region of The United States for The Teamsters and a member of The National Executive Board.
