The New Yorker, August 15, 1970 P. 24
Satirical story about organized crime in the U.S. Writer points out that organized crime "takes in over forty billion dollars a year" & that this is quite a profitable sum, "especially when one considers that the Mafia spends very little for office supplies." Sections of the story are headed"History of Organized Crime in the United States", "Mob Structure" & "Conclusions". Writer mentions several criminals by name, nickname and/or alias. Traces series of gang wars which occurred until, fearing federal intervention, a truce was called. Members of the underworld were told that "they had to dress decently and stop slinking around" & that "letters formerly signed with a black hand would in the future be signed 'Best Wishes'." Tells, in describing mob structure, that at the top is the "boss of all bosses. Meetings are held at his house and he is responsible for supplying cold cuts and ice cubes." Also describes initiation into the Mafia. In conclusion, writer notes that "While many young Americans are lured into a career of crime by its promise of an easy life, most criminals actually must work long hours, frequently in buildings without air-conditioning." Lists best methods of combatting organized crime. Gives portion of the transcript of a conversation between two gang bosses whose phones had been wire-tapped. And who, "Because of this evidence...were convicted and are currently serving fifteen years in Sing Sing for illegal possession of Bensonhurst."