As usual cook has the reading skills of a 3rd grader.

I never said the last known ceremony in 1988 means they haven't had any since then.

And I don't know how cook can think the Outfit won't wither away. Well, unless you take into account his wishful thinking to the contrary. 70 members estimated in the mid-late 1990s. 25-30 members today (not to mention downsizing from 7 or 8 crews to 4) certainly show a decline in size. I'm not saying it will happen tomorrow or next year but the trend is clear for objective observers who aren't blinded by a bias for the mob family in their hometown.