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Re: Question about the Commission
[Re: Augustus]
#1060217
05/26/23 03:36 AM
05/26/23 03:36 AM
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Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 12,482
NYMafia
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Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 12,482
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The primary reasons why Commission seats were downsized was because of several factors;
1) With the weakening and downsizing of several smaller families (by the 1970s), they became almost "second-tier" entities who no longer had large memberships (if any recognizable rank-n-file remaining at all), or were running major racket operations that required regular interaction with the major NYC families. They also had little in the way of mutual interests regarding the issues that were often at hand and discussed at NYC Commission meetings. So there was no longer a reason for their regular attendance at such meetings. It became a formality that was antiquated. So they were told to stop attending. And any needs, problems, or requests they had, would now go through one of the Five Families to be heard before the Commission body.
2) By the late 1970s, into the 1980s, many of the International labor unions like the Teamsters Union, the Restaurant & Bartenders Union, the Laborers Union, International Longshoremen's Union, etc., had come under siege by the FBI and Federal Government, who wrested control of those Internationals from the Mafia, installing government appointed "overseers" as watchdogs.
After that happened, there was little need to constantly interact across state borders because there became less and less to discuss between the NYC and Chicago Families, and by extension, others crews throughout the USA that formally controlled "locals." In other words, the party was over for Cosa Nostra. So there became more risk, and less need, to meet up regularly. Essentially, Mafia Families across the country had formerly been "partners" in the sharing of labor union control in their respective cities across the USA. With the loss of the unions, there was no longer union "businesses" to share in and divvy up profits from.
3) Likewise, after the U.S. Justice Department stepped up its campaign to wrest control of Las Vegas Hotels & Casinos from the mob, and stopped their flow of their "cash skimming" rackets off casino tables, and basically kicked the Mafia out of Vegas and Reno, Nevada "the boys" had little reason to meet any longer. Between their loss of labor union control and then the casinos, what was there to discuss anymore? (the correct answer is nothing). So why are they gonna meet? To have a cup of express together? I don't think so.
4) Many of the "original" 26 Families sprinkled throughout the U.S. were staffed by bosses who were very closely connected to one another. Many were actually "compare" from the old country, and had been put into power by their mutual friends in NYC. But as the old timers died off, and others took their place, over families that later became wisps of their former selves. Their mutual connections, friendships and interests became was less and less, and by extension, there was a distancing of borgatas. So the largest and most powerful families like the Five Families in NYC and Chicago slowly consolidated the power between them. Both to better control the overall landscape, and to avid law enforcement scrutiny.
5) The November 14, 1957 "Apalachin Meeting" debacle. After that watershed event, Cosa Nostra attempted to start to retreat more back into the shadows. By the early 1960s, and with Joe Valachi spilling his guts in 63', the mob started running for cover. The FBI started installing hidden bugs all over the place. Nearly every federal agency there was, from the FBI, FBN, IRS, INS, etc., etc., started a coordinated campaign to destroy them. After Bobby Kennedy created Federal "Strike Forces" in many major cities, the wise guys really ran for cover. One of the countermeasures they implemented was for the Commission to meet less frequently, and with fewer bosses in attendance.
6) I'm sure there were a few other good reasons why the seats were reduced in size at the table, like the deduction of "interstate" bookmaking to try and stave off the FBI's jurisdiction over interstate criminal acts, not needing an interstate "wire" service between families to get race gambling results anymore, etc.
7) Another extremity important reason for the downsizing of the Commission was the destruction and demise of the mob's former worldwide heroin and narcotics smuggling networks. Remember, when Lucky Luciano was first deported to Italy he stated a stepped up campaign to expand Cosa Nostra's international heroin smuggling into the states from France and Italy. The mob had a ready made, country-wide, distribution network in place with families strategically situated in major cities from coast to coast. As the years went on, the FBN, and later, their successor, the DEA, started busting up and jailing many mafiosi. This forced the "ban" that we have all heard about against dealing drugs. So the need for Mafia Families to interact and ship heroin from between the families in various cities became a moot point. The tight connection and constant interactions between different crews became a thing of the past.
There were several other logical reasons why the Commission size was eventually reduced. Not the least of which was the overall strength and demise of many Families altogether. But collectively, all the points I enumerated above eventually led them to that decision. -
Augustus, Azguy, and Toodoped, I hope this post helps answer your original questions, and helps you and others better understand why "The Commission" was ultimately reduced in size.
Last edited by NYMafia; 05/26/23 04:11 AM.
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Re: Question about the Commission
[Re: Toodoped]
#1060227
05/26/23 08:27 AM
05/26/23 08:27 AM
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Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 12,482
NYMafia
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Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 12,482
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I think your statements under number 1, 4, 5 and 6 are spot on Max. Tnx You're very welcome, Villian As I mentioned, I'm sure there were a few other reasons I've forgotten about, or we don't know about, why their governing body was later downsized. But all the things I described played a part in that historical decision to some degree.
Last edited by NYMafia; 05/26/23 09:02 AM.
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Re: Question about the Commission
[Re: NYMafia]
#1060236
05/26/23 10:52 AM
05/26/23 10:52 AM
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Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 5,600 Underground
Toodoped
Murder Ink
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Murder Ink

Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 5,600
Underground
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I think your statements under number 1, 4, 5 and 6 are spot on Max. Tnx You're very welcome, Villian As I mentioned, I'm sure there were a few other reasons I've forgotten about, or we don't know about, why their governing body was later downsized. But all the things I described played a part in that historical decision to some degree. Its V I L L A I N! - character whose evil actions or motives are important to the plot. (like for example forcing people to close down whole forums on their own for some time, obviously out fear, and now they are opened like a Las Vegas pussy because they began losing members and most important, "cash donations" lol lol lol ) At least "spell" it right Maxie lol lol Back to topic....i also agree that you already described the most important reasons for the downsize.
Mongol General: Conan, what is best in life?
Conan: To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentations of their women.
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Re: Question about the Commission
[Re: Toodoped]
#1060237
05/26/23 11:14 AM
05/26/23 11:14 AM
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Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 12,482
NYMafia
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Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 12,482
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I think your statements under number 1, 4, 5 and 6 are spot on Max. Tnx You're very welcome, Villian As I mentioned, I'm sure there were a few other reasons I've forgotten about, or we don't know about, why their governing body was later downsized. But all the things I described played a part in that historical decision to some degree. Its V I L L A I N! - character whose evil actions or motives are important to the plot. (like for example forcing people to close down whole forums on their own for some time, and now they are opened like a Las Vegas pussy because they began losing members lol lol lol ) At least "spell" it right Maxie lol lol Back to topic....i also agree that you already described the most important reasons for the downsize. I apologize, because I actually didn't realize that I spelled your name incorrectly. But what's all the rest of that about? The whole statement you just made about, (your quote) "(like for example forcing people to close down whole forums on their own for some time, and now they are opened like a Las Vegas pussy because they're losing members lol lol lol") thing? I mean wow! Lol. What's all that about? I'm completely in the dark.
Last edited by NYMafia; 05/26/23 11:15 AM.
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Re: Question about the Commission
[Re: NYMafia]
#1060238
05/26/23 11:16 AM
05/26/23 11:16 AM
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Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 5,600 Underground
Toodoped
Murder Ink
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Murder Ink

Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 5,600
Underground
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I think your statements under number 1, 4, 5 and 6 are spot on Max. Tnx You're very welcome, Villian As I mentioned, I'm sure there were a few other reasons I've forgotten about, or we don't know about, why their governing body was later downsized. But all the things I described played a part in that historical decision to some degree. Its V I L L A I N! - character whose evil actions or motives are important to the plot. (like for example forcing people to close down whole forums on their own for some time, and now they are opened like a Las Vegas pussy because they began losing members lol lol lol ) At least "spell" it right Maxie lol lol Back to topic....i also agree that you already described the most important reasons for the downsize. I apologize, because I actually didn't realize that I spelled your name incorrectly. But what's all the rest of that about? The whole statement you just made about, (your quote) "like for example forcing people to close down whole forums on their own for some time, and now they are opened like a Las Vegas pussy because they're losing members lol lol lol" thing? I mean wow! Lol What's all that about? You've got me completely in the dark. Nevermind. Its about the crack shop from across the street and I know you know and if you want the details, just pm me.
Mongol General: Conan, what is best in life?
Conan: To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentations of their women.
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Re: Question about the Commission
[Re: NYMafia]
#1060249
05/26/23 12:04 PM
05/26/23 12:04 PM
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Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 5,600 Underground
Toodoped
Murder Ink
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Murder Ink

Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 5,600
Underground
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Honestly, I don't actually know the particulars of what you're speaking about. But maybe I'll do that. I'll pm you. I'm out now, but I'll try and hit you up later ok You do that. Salut
Mongol General: Conan, what is best in life?
Conan: To crush your enemies, see them driven before you, and to hear the lamentations of their women.
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Re: Question about the Commission
[Re: NYMafia]
#1060262
05/26/23 06:21 PM
05/26/23 06:21 PM
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Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 37 Cleveland
Augustus
OP
Wiseguy
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OP
Wiseguy
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 37
Cleveland
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The primary reasons why Commission seats were downsized was because of several factors;
1) With the weakening and downsizing of several smaller families (by the 1970s), they became almost "second-tier" entities who no longer had large memberships (if any recognizable rank-n-file remaining at all), or were running major racket operations that required regular interaction with the major NYC families. They also had little in the way of mutual interests regarding the issues that were often at hand and discussed at NYC Commission meetings. So there was no longer a reason for their regular attendance at such meetings. It became a formality that was antiquated. So they were told to stop attending. And any needs, problems, or requests they had, would now go through one of the Five Families to be heard before the Commission body.
2) By the late 1970s, into the 1980s, many of the International labor unions like the Teamsters Union, the Restaurant & Bartenders Union, the Laborers Union, International Longshoremen's Union, etc., had come under siege by the FBI and Federal Government, who wrested control of those Internationals from the Mafia, installing government appointed "overseers" as watchdogs.
After that happened, there was little need to constantly interact across state borders because there became less and less to discuss between the NYC and Chicago Families, and by extension, others crews throughout the USA that formally controlled "locals." In other words, the party was over for Cosa Nostra. So there became more risk, and less need, to meet up regularly. Essentially, Mafia Families across the country had formerly been "partners" in the sharing of labor union control in their respective cities across the USA. With the loss of the unions, there was no longer union "businesses" to share in and divvy up profits from.
3) Likewise, after the U.S. Justice Department stepped up its campaign to wrest control of Las Vegas Hotels & Casinos from the mob, and stopped their flow of their "cash skimming" rackets off casino tables, and basically kicked the Mafia out of Vegas and Reno, Nevada "the boys" had little reason to meet any longer. Between their loss of labor union control and then the casinos, what was there to discuss anymore? (the correct answer is nothing). So why are they gonna meet? To have a cup of express together? I don't think so.
4) Many of the "original" 26 Families sprinkled throughout the U.S. were staffed by bosses who were very closely connected to one another. Many were actually "compare" from the old country, and had been put into power by their mutual friends in NYC. But as the old timers died off, and others took their place, over families that later became wisps of their former selves. Their mutual connections, friendships and interests became was less and less, and by extension, there was a distancing of borgatas. So the largest and most powerful families like the Five Families in NYC and Chicago slowly consolidated the power between them. Both to better control the overall landscape, and to avid law enforcement scrutiny.
5) The November 14, 1957 "Apalachin Meeting" debacle. After that watershed event, Cosa Nostra attempted to start to retreat more back into the shadows. By the early 1960s, and with Joe Valachi spilling his guts in 63', the mob started running for cover. The FBI started installing hidden bugs all over the place. Nearly every federal agency there was, from the FBI, FBN, IRS, INS, etc., etc., started a coordinated campaign to destroy them. After Bobby Kennedy created Federal "Strike Forces" in many major cities, the wise guys really ran for cover. One of the countermeasures they implemented was for the Commission to meet less frequently, and with fewer bosses in attendance.
6) I'm sure there were a few other good reasons why the seats were reduced in size at the table, like the deduction of "interstate" bookmaking to try and stave off the FBI's jurisdiction over interstate criminal acts, not needing an interstate "wire" service between families to get race gambling results anymore, etc.
7) Another extremity important reason for the downsizing of the Commission was the destruction and demise of the mob's former worldwide heroin and narcotics smuggling networks. Remember, when Lucky Luciano was first deported to Italy he stated a stepped up campaign to expand Cosa Nostra's international heroin smuggling into the states from France and Italy. The mob had a ready made, country-wide, distribution network in place with families strategically situated in major cities from coast to coast. As the years went on, the FBN, and later, their successor, the DEA, started busting up and jailing many mafiosi. This forced the "ban" that we have all heard about against dealing drugs. So the need for Mafia Families to interact and ship heroin from between the families in various cities became a moot point. The tight connection and constant interactions between different crews became a thing of the past.
There were several other logical reasons why the Commission size was eventually reduced. Not the least of which was the overall strength and demise of many Families altogether. But collectively, all the points I enumerated above eventually led them to that decision. -
Augustus, Azguy, and Toodoped, I hope this post helps answer your original questions, and helps you and others better understand why "The Commission" was ultimately reduced in size. That was a extremely detailed and researched reply. Very very clear In your explanation. Do you know how it determined that the Genovese Family represented Pittsburgh Cleveland on the Commission?
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Re: Question about the Commission
[Re: Augustus]
#1060272
05/26/23 07:12 PM
05/26/23 07:12 PM
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Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 12,482
NYMafia
|

Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 12,482
|
The primary reasons why Commission seats were downsized was because of several factors;
1) With the weakening and downsizing of several smaller families (by the 1970s), they became almost "second-tier" entities who no longer had large memberships (if any recognizable rank-n-file remaining at all), or were running major racket operations that required regular interaction with the major NYC families. They also had little in the way of mutual interests regarding the issues that were often at hand and discussed at NYC Commission meetings. So there was no longer a reason for their regular attendance at such meetings. It became a formality that was antiquated. So they were told to stop attending. And any needs, problems, or requests they had, would now go through one of the Five Families to be heard before the Commission body.
2) By the late 1970s, into the 1980s, many of the International labor unions like the Teamsters Union, the Restaurant & Bartenders Union, the Laborers Union, International Longshoremen's Union, etc., had come under siege by the FBI and Federal Government, who wrested control of those Internationals from the Mafia, installing government appointed "overseers" as watchdogs.
After that happened, there was little need to constantly interact across state borders because there became less and less to discuss between the NYC and Chicago Families, and by extension, others crews throughout the USA that formally controlled "locals." In other words, the party was over for Cosa Nostra. So there became more risk, and less need, to meet up regularly. Essentially, Mafia Families across the country had formerly been "partners" in the sharing of labor union control in their respective cities across the USA. With the loss of the unions, there was no longer union "businesses" to share in and divvy up profits from.
3) Likewise, after the U.S. Justice Department stepped up its campaign to wrest control of Las Vegas Hotels & Casinos from the mob, and stopped their flow of their "cash skimming" rackets off casino tables, and basically kicked the Mafia out of Vegas and Reno, Nevada "the boys" had little reason to meet any longer. Between their loss of labor union control and then the casinos, what was there to discuss anymore? (the correct answer is nothing). So why are they gonna meet? To have a cup of express together? I don't think so.
4) Many of the "original" 26 Families sprinkled throughout the U.S. were staffed by bosses who were very closely connected to one another. Many were actually "compare" from the old country, and had been put into power by their mutual friends in NYC. But as the old timers died off, and others took their place, over families that later became wisps of their former selves. Their mutual connections, friendships and interests became was less and less, and by extension, there was a distancing of borgatas. So the largest and most powerful families like the Five Families in NYC and Chicago slowly consolidated the power between them. Both to better control the overall landscape, and to avid law enforcement scrutiny.
5) The November 14, 1957 "Apalachin Meeting" debacle. After that watershed event, Cosa Nostra attempted to start to retreat more back into the shadows. By the early 1960s, and with Joe Valachi spilling his guts in 63', the mob started running for cover. The FBI started installing hidden bugs all over the place. Nearly every federal agency there was, from the FBI, FBN, IRS, INS, etc., etc., started a coordinated campaign to destroy them. After Bobby Kennedy created Federal "Strike Forces" in many major cities, the wise guys really ran for cover. One of the countermeasures they implemented was for the Commission to meet less frequently, and with fewer bosses in attendance.
6) I'm sure there were a few other good reasons why the seats were reduced in size at the table, like the deduction of "interstate" bookmaking to try and stave off the FBI's jurisdiction over interstate criminal acts, not needing an interstate "wire" service between families to get race gambling results anymore, etc.
7) Another extremity important reason for the downsizing of the Commission was the destruction and demise of the mob's former worldwide heroin and narcotics smuggling networks. Remember, when Lucky Luciano was first deported to Italy he stated a stepped up campaign to expand Cosa Nostra's international heroin smuggling into the states from France and Italy. The mob had a ready made, country-wide, distribution network in place with families strategically situated in major cities from coast to coast. As the years went on, the FBN, and later, their successor, the DEA, started busting up and jailing many mafiosi. This forced the "ban" that we have all heard about against dealing drugs. So the need for Mafia Families to interact and ship heroin from between the families in various cities became a moot point. The tight connection and constant interactions between different crews became a thing of the past.
There were several other logical reasons why the Commission size was eventually reduced. Not the least of which was the overall strength and demise of many Families altogether. But collectively, all the points I enumerated above eventually led them to that decision. -
Augustus, Azguy, and Toodoped, I hope this post helps answer your original questions, and helps you and others better understand why "The Commission" was ultimately reduced in size. That was a extremely detailed and researched reply. Very very clear In your explanation. Do you know how it determined that the Genovese Family represented Pittsburgh Cleveland on the Commission?
I'm not certain about Cleveland, per se. But I do know that Frank Amato, the former boss of Pittsburgh was a close "compare" to NY underboss Vito Genovese. He was not only a fellow Napolitano like Vito, but (I believe) he actually hailed from Vito's hometown back in Naples. So Vito always protected Amato as a fellow paisano. For that matter, I think Cleveland's bosses, the Milano brothers (Frank and Antonino Milano) were from the Calabria region like Frank Costello, Willy Moretti and many others in the Luciano/Genovese Family, so it was only natural that that NYC family would also represent their fellow southern Italian mainlanders from the Campania and Calabria regions. This was a very common practice and occurrence back in the old days. Palermitani represented their fellow Palermo natives. Those hailing from Castellammare del Golfo, and the Trapani Province in general, often sort out Joe Bonanno and his crew for representation (Bonanno hailed from Trapani). And so it went throughout the United States. "Compare" aligned with "compare."
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