I agree with you Furio. As the years and decades passed, the mob recruitment pool was diluted of its purity and quality. Originally most of the men who joined the mob revered its history and concept of fidelity and brotherhood. And although most went into the mob as a way to make big money quickly, for many money was almost secondary to the "honor" of being made into this brotherhood of "men of honor.

As they immigrated to America, and even into the second generation of American born mafiosi (but still Italian speaking men) the mob stayed strong with its unique set of "values" so to speak.

But as the more American born recruits were brought into the fold, and especially with the advent of crippling new laws such as the RICO and WITSEC programs, the mob "gene" pool got diluted and weaker. And it became the "Me" generation of putting yourself first and not the organization. Basically many of the new breed were "full of shit" and only there for the "gravy train" of money they thought they could make. Once they got arrested many of them folded.

The Mafia is not uncommon to the larger general public of Yuppie assholes who are self-centered and think its all about them.

PS: one more MAJOR thing to consider is the fact that decades ago many of the men drawn to this life (although not formally college educated) were extremely bright individuals who were drawn to the life for its sense of brotherhood and honor, which when growing up in Italian neighborhoods was a big thing and viewed very differently than the general public views the organization. Many of these were men that if circumstances in their lives had been different, could have become executives of major companies and captains of industry. But because of the cards they were dealt (poverty, etc), became captains in Cosa Nostra instead.

Today?? Lol, most of the fellas drawn to this life as the "dregs" of society. Dummies and "ner do wells", that in any era would have been at the low end of the totem pole. With few exceptions, these fellas are not the "creme of the crop" so to speak. You're not seeing the Frank Costello's and Carlo Gambino's anymore. Visionaries and savvy guys.

There are a few, but overall young Italian men have too many other "options" today. Our people are highly educated, college educated, and most are solidly middle class if not upper class in American society..... Thank God for it.

There is little "need" for an organization such as the Mafia in the year 2020. These are the REAL reasons why the brotherhood is weak.

I have my own thoughts on how Cosa Nostra should proceed if they want to successfully survive in todays world, but that is a story that I will keep to myself for now. But I am thinking about possibly writing an expose' on that very subject in the future.... we'll see. Lol