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The Truth About Organized Crime In America |
By:
Ray La Foy |
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>From "The Untouchables" to "Casino," organized crime has had a
serious impact on Hollywood, but how much is fact and how much
is fiction? Is organized crime a big problem in America? Are
there really "crime families" and is organized crime still a big
deal or did it die out with the commercialization of Las Vegas
and the end of Prohibition?
According to federal reports, organized crime in America has
been and remains a fact of life. From the days of Al Capone to
more urbanized gangs, the face of crime has changed, but its
basic impact on society has not.
Gone are the days of organized rum runners and gambling rings
(for the most part) and now those who battle organized crime
find themselves not only dealing with the Mafia, but also street
gangs, drug cartels and more. The stakes have also changed a bit
as well. Rather than just gambling, alcohol and book cooking,
the authorities are now also facing those who buy and sell guns,
drugs and even people.
The roots of organized crime in America, at least in the case of
the Mafia, date back to the arrival of Guiseppi Esposito in 1878
along with other Sicilians. Along with them came the recipe for
organized crime, a recipe that would give rise to some of the
most infamous criminals of American history. This mob faction,
known as Las Cosa Nostra, is very well organized and believed to
still include more than 20 active "families" in America today
with each family having up to 700 members.
Here are some of the biggest names associated with the American
mafia.
Al Capone: The infamous rival of Elliot Ness, this mobster was
raised in New York with the likes of Johnny Torrio, Bugsy
Spiegel and Meyer Lansky. Lansky and Spiegel were responsible
for founding Las Vegas. Capone, believed responsible for a
number of murders by act of ordering them, was eventually taken
down by Ness for tax evasion.
Lucky Luciano: He is believed to be responsible for the spread
of La Cosa Nostra across the country. He's been dubbed the
"Godfather of all Godfathers" for his efforts on behalf of
organized crime.
George "Bugsy" Moran: An American by birth, he was the famed
rival of Al Capone and was the target that avoided the St.
Valentine's Day Massacre.
Carlo Gambino: Considered one of the most successful of crime
bosses in American history. Gambino avoided prosecution his
entire run and died of natural causes in 1976.
Although these are legendary figures, it's a simple fact
organized crime continues today whether through the infamous
families and their branches or through more urbanized and less
"civilized" gangs. Despite much attention from law enforcement
both local and federal, the simple fact is organized crime has
not died out, it's only changed its face over the course of
time. Organized crime is believed to be behind a great deal of
activity on the American crime front today and likely will be
far into the future. From drug running to selling weapons and
beyond, the mob and other organizations are very much alive and
well.
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Article Source: http://www.friendsofvista.org/articles/article27785.html |
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