Decades ago, when Italians were viciously discriminated against and opportunities in the legitimate world were constricted, a small number of ambitious and ruthless young men joined the Mafia as a way to make money and get "respect." They kept omerta because it was in their interest to do so: if they "stood up," their families would be taken care of, and they could return to the Borgata in a place of honor, and continue to earn. And, to be fair, before drugs and RICO, sentences were shorter.

Today, college, not the Mob, is the destination for smart young Italian-Americans. The Mob is left with the John and Junior Gotti's of the world. Today it's Cosa Mia, not Cosa Nostra. Many maintain ties with lawmen, who let them know that if they rat out a higher-up, they'll get a pass, or a reduced sentence, on their own crimes and go into Witness Protection.