After the setup in the brothel with the prostitute, an alive Geary was more valuable to Michael than a dead Geary. After that set-up Michael had Geary on his pocket. That was Michael's revenge for Geary's cheap shot remark about Michael and his family.

As for Geary's statement at the senate commission hearings :

"Uh, Mr. CHAIRMAN -- I would like to verify the witness's statement. For years now a growing number of my constituents have been of Italian decent -- and I have come to know them well. They have honored me with their support and with their friendship. Indeed I can proudly say some of my very best friends are Italian-Americans. However, Mr. CHAIRMAN, at this time very unfortunately I have to leave these proceedings in order to preside over a very important committee of my own committee. But before I leave I do want to say this. These hearings on the Mafia are in no way what-so-ever a slur upon the great Italian people. Because I can state from my own knowledge and experience -- that Italian-Americans are among the most loyal -- most law-abiding -- patriotic, hard working American citizens in this land. And it would be a shame. Mr. CHAIRMAN if we allowed a few rotten apples to bring a bad name to the whole barrel. Because from the time of the great Christopher Columbus up through the time of Enrico Fermi right up to the present day -- Italian-Americans have been pioneers in building and defending our great nation. They are the soil o' the earth and one of the backbones of this country."

I guess it depends on how you interpret Geary's statement. Was he dissing Michael by making that statement and then excusing himself from the hearings? Some people look at it that way.

I look at it differently. I've always interpreted Geary's statement as one that was made by Geary to attempt to show Michael that he (Geary) was trying to help to clear Michael's name. Before Geary's statement the Chairman ask Michael about his father being addressed as Godfather in certain circles and Michael replies :

"Godfather is a term -- that was used by his friends -- one of affection -- one of respect."

And immedeatly after Michael gives that answer Geary replies with "Uh, Mr. CHAIRMAN -- I would like to verify the witness's statement." and goes onto say what I posted above.

To me he was defending the fact that Micahel was being accused of being a Mob boss. To me Geary made that statement on Michael's behalf and then excused himself from the proceedings as not to be put into a situation where he could possibly hurt Michael.

Had Geary made that statement to hurt Michael, as some here believe, then there is no doubt in my mind that Michael would have "settled all family business" and would have had Geary taken care of along with Fredo, Roth and Pentangeli.

At least that's my opinion.



Don Cardi