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Mafia Democracy: How Our Republic Became a Mob Racket
It is necessary for a prince wishing to hold his own to know how to do wrong, and to make use of it or not according to necessity.
—Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince
Greed. Lies. Corruption. These are the foundational elements of the American Mafia story. Here, the pursuit of power overshadows even the desire for a dollar, and self-interest outweighs the greater good.
It’s a world that’s foreign to the average American—or is it?
The values of our democracy and those of Mafia culture are separated by a thin line that’s quickly disintegrating. No one sees this more clearly than former mob boss Michael Franzese. Born into one of New York’s most feared crime families, Michael spent eight years in prison before he walked away from the Mafia for good. Now, he’s sharing the undeniable parallels between mobster and politician. In Mafia Democracy, Michael exposes our government for what it’s become, revealing the psychology behind the gangster lifestyle and how these ideologies have infiltrated the landscape of American politics. With in-depth investigation and astounding examples, this book is your chance to see politicians through a new lens, hold them accountable, and reclaim the democratic ideals that once united our great nation.
—Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince
Greed. Lies. Corruption. These are the foundational elements of the American Mafia story. Here, the pursuit of power overshadows even the desire for a dollar, and self-interest outweighs the greater good.
It’s a world that’s foreign to the average American—or is it?
The values of our democracy and those of Mafia culture are separated by a thin line that’s quickly disintegrating. No one sees this more clearly than former mob boss Michael Franzese. Born into one of New York’s most feared crime families, Michael spent eight years in prison before he walked away from the Mafia for good. Now, he’s sharing the undeniable parallels between mobster and politician. In Mafia Democracy, Michael exposes our government for what it’s become, revealing the psychology behind the gangster lifestyle and how these ideologies have infiltrated the landscape of American politics. With in-depth investigation and astounding examples, this book is your chance to see politicians through a new lens, hold them accountable, and reclaim the democratic ideals that once united our great nation.
202 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 17, 2022
288 people are currently reading
607 people want to read
About the author
Michael Franzese
21 books150 followersMichael Franzese (born May 27, 1951) is an American former New York mobster and caporegime of the Colombo crime family, and son of former underboss John Franzese. Franzese was enrolled in a pre-med program at Hofstra University, but dropped out to make money for his family after his father was sentenced to 50 years in prison for bank robbery in 1967. He eventually helped implement a scheme to defraud the federal government out of gasoline taxes in the early 1980s.
By the age of 35, in 1986, Fortune Magazine listed Franzese as number 18 on its list of the "Fifty Most Wealthy and Powerful Mafia Bosses". Franzese had claimed that at the height of his career, he was making up to $8 million per week. In 1986, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison on conspiracy charges, released in 1989, rearrested in 1991 for a parole violation, and ultimately released in 1994. Soon after, he retired to California and is now a motivational speaker and writer.
By the age of 35, in 1986, Fortune Magazine listed Franzese as number 18 on its list of the "Fifty Most Wealthy and Powerful Mafia Bosses". Franzese had claimed that at the height of his career, he was making up to $8 million per week. In 1986, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison on conspiracy charges, released in 1989, rearrested in 1991 for a parole violation, and ultimately released in 1994. Soon after, he retired to California and is now a motivational speaker and writer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
February 13, 2023
Michael Franzese points out the same old problem that many of us have been aware of for years. Lots of other authors have written of overarching government's unrelenting attempts to control more functions of society - a control that is never dialed back. An increasing number of people are waking up to the fact that as the government becomes larger, it becomes more unwieldy resulting in less common sense, excessive waste, and ineptitude.
But frustratingly, attempts to set things right have been thwarted. Franzese provides some bold and fresh insights as to why.
Indeed he plainly states that our elected leaders have become racketeers proficient in carrying out Mob-like rackets. They are getting rich as they exert increasing control over our lives. This is how the Mafia operates too. It’s all about control.
The author knows what he's talking about because he was a made member of the Colombo crime family in New York City. He started out as a soldier and eventually became a caporegime with a crew of nearly three hundred made men and associates.
During his years in the Mafia, his people infiltrated almost every major industry in America. They controlled the unions, the construction sites, and the shipyards. They bribed judges, city and state officials, and local cops. They created “associations” to control the cost of garbage collection. They controlled gambling and the numbers. He made loans to businessmen, and when they couldn't repay the exorbitant interest rates, he took over their operations and pocketed their earnings.
Franzese's firsthand criminal experience shows through in his analysis of our current political situation. Afterall it takes a mobster to know how mobsters operate. He wrote this book to explore how US politicians have embraced Machiavelli’s ideology and exploited it the way a Mafia don would. He asks a lot of questions and makes some observations.
One of his first observations is that it has become standard practice for American politicians to leave for Washington as members of the middle class and return home millionaires. They enrich themselves through earmarks, grants, and regulations that benefit their family members and associates. They serve a few terms doing the bidding of powerful industry lobbyists, and then they leave office for high-paying jobs with the very same firms they previously regulated.
One point he drives home is "For too many politicians, the measure of their success isn't how many bills they can pass but how much money they can raise for their reelection."
Franzese wants his readers to realize that the idea that we are hiring altruistic, selfless, and honest representatives to protect our interests is outdated and naïve.
All in all he describes quite a mess. A mess that is composed of elected officials, lobbyist, and bureaucrats all dependent upon each other to make money and accumulate power. At the bottom of the food chain is the regular citizen.
In the "Conclusion" section Franzese proposes some remedies ranging from government officials remembering their duties to their constituents to term limits to sun setting useless, outdated regulations. He's not sure how efficacious these steps would be. But he does know that we have to start working on clearing up this mess. Pretty damn soon too.
This book is worth reading and reflecting upon.
But frustratingly, attempts to set things right have been thwarted. Franzese provides some bold and fresh insights as to why.
Indeed he plainly states that our elected leaders have become racketeers proficient in carrying out Mob-like rackets. They are getting rich as they exert increasing control over our lives. This is how the Mafia operates too. It’s all about control.
The author knows what he's talking about because he was a made member of the Colombo crime family in New York City. He started out as a soldier and eventually became a caporegime with a crew of nearly three hundred made men and associates.
During his years in the Mafia, his people infiltrated almost every major industry in America. They controlled the unions, the construction sites, and the shipyards. They bribed judges, city and state officials, and local cops. They created “associations” to control the cost of garbage collection. They controlled gambling and the numbers. He made loans to businessmen, and when they couldn't repay the exorbitant interest rates, he took over their operations and pocketed their earnings.
Franzese's firsthand criminal experience shows through in his analysis of our current political situation. Afterall it takes a mobster to know how mobsters operate. He wrote this book to explore how US politicians have embraced Machiavelli’s ideology and exploited it the way a Mafia don would. He asks a lot of questions and makes some observations.
One of his first observations is that it has become standard practice for American politicians to leave for Washington as members of the middle class and return home millionaires. They enrich themselves through earmarks, grants, and regulations that benefit their family members and associates. They serve a few terms doing the bidding of powerful industry lobbyists, and then they leave office for high-paying jobs with the very same firms they previously regulated.
One point he drives home is "For too many politicians, the measure of their success isn't how many bills they can pass but how much money they can raise for their reelection."
Franzese wants his readers to realize that the idea that we are hiring altruistic, selfless, and honest representatives to protect our interests is outdated and naïve.
All in all he describes quite a mess. A mess that is composed of elected officials, lobbyist, and bureaucrats all dependent upon each other to make money and accumulate power. At the bottom of the food chain is the regular citizen.
In the "Conclusion" section Franzese proposes some remedies ranging from government officials remembering their duties to their constituents to term limits to sun setting useless, outdated regulations. He's not sure how efficacious these steps would be. But he does know that we have to start working on clearing up this mess. Pretty damn soon too.
This book is worth reading and reflecting upon.
May 22, 2022
Absolute Crap
This guy wants to draw a comparison to the U.S. Government and the mafia, but excludes Trump from th equation!! Oh, right, nothing about Trump reminds you of a mobster, no siree!! But John Murtha? Ya, he's a mobster. Franzese is STILL a lying conman, angling for a buck, for him! No wonder Giuliani is in love with him.
Lick Donnies boots, Mikey, see where it gets you. This book is 100% garbage! I paid 99 cents and I paid a buck too much.
This guy wants to draw a comparison to the U.S. Government and the mafia, but excludes Trump from th equation!! Oh, right, nothing about Trump reminds you of a mobster, no siree!! But John Murtha? Ya, he's a mobster. Franzese is STILL a lying conman, angling for a buck, for him! No wonder Giuliani is in love with him.
Lick Donnies boots, Mikey, see where it gets you. This book is 100% garbage! I paid 99 cents and I paid a buck too much.
January 11, 2025
eye opening
No matter where you stand when it comes to politics, this book is a must read, it’s such a great read. It has so much history in it .
No matter where you stand when it comes to politics, this book is a must read, it’s such a great read. It has so much history in it .
May 25, 2022
This work, central focused on the USA, contains a plethora of historical information, historic quotes and observations, along with reflections on our 'modern' era that each generation experiences as its 'repeat of history' leading to the great and continual downfalls of such societies. The foundational format is built upon USA political parties, La Cosa Nostra, and Niccolò di Bernardo dei Machiavelli's writings as found in his work 'The Prince.'
As we see in our political representatives and as highlighted in this work, elected politicians leave for Washington DC as members of the middle class and return home as millionaires, and how the volume of federal regulations have tripled, rather than declined, since 1970. And, as we know, how Washington DC has become the 'Godfather' Don of American and affiliated/associated inland and global entities and peoples.
Big Government... one must keep in mind that a government job, whether Federal, State, County, City, Local, etc., created, is a tax burden and requires multiples of individuals' taxes to pay for the salary and benefits for each position created. "The 'blended' federal workforce, this is what they are talking about—soldiers, bureaucrats, letter carriers, contract workers, and people hired through grants." (Dead Weight tax liabilities)
“My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government.” -Thomas Jefferson
“Democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself.” -President John Adams
"Freedom is never more than one generation from extinction" -President Ronald Reagan
“The Party seeks power entirely for its own sake. We are not interested in the good of others; we are interested solely in power, pure power....” -George Orwell, 1984
-Excerpts
"In The Prince, he recommends that leaders embrace immoral behavior—including violence and deception—to maintain power. A leader must appear to be virtuous, but to maintain power, the leader sometimes has to lie, steal, and cheat, Machiavelli said. You must do whatever it takes to maintain control of your kingdom."
"President Woodrow Wilson warned us about this when he said, 'The government, which was designed for the people, has got into the hands of the bosses and their employers, the special interests. An invisible empire has been set up above the forms of democracy.'”
- Contents -
Foreword
Introduction
1. The Rise and Fall of the Mafia
2. The Invisible Empire
3. Campaign Spending and Corruption
4. How Politicians Enrich Themselves
5. The Price of Government Intrusion
6. The Propaganda We Pay For
7. Corruption in Our Hometowns
8. Growth and Breakdowns
9. Wasteful Spending
Conclusion
Resources
Acknowledgments
About the Author
A few works to accompany Mafia Democracy:
-The Road to Serfdom by Friedrich Hayek (1944)
-The Origins of Totalitarianism by Hannah Arendt (1951)
-America Against America by Wang Huning (1991)
-1000 Years of Joys and Sorrows: A Memoir by Ai Weiwei (November 2021)
And...
-FUTURIA FANTASIA Summer 1939 Vol.1 No.1
Government by Big Tech.
A prophetic-style fiction publication, well worth the read and reflection. A collection of tales, and informational background, from summer of 1939 involving Technocracy as edited by author Ray Bradbury.
The plan for Technocracy is to replace all Market Economies.
As we see in our political representatives and as highlighted in this work, elected politicians leave for Washington DC as members of the middle class and return home as millionaires, and how the volume of federal regulations have tripled, rather than declined, since 1970. And, as we know, how Washington DC has become the 'Godfather' Don of American and affiliated/associated inland and global entities and peoples.
Big Government... one must keep in mind that a government job, whether Federal, State, County, City, Local, etc., created, is a tax burden and requires multiples of individuals' taxes to pay for the salary and benefits for each position created. "The 'blended' federal workforce, this is what they are talking about—soldiers, bureaucrats, letter carriers, contract workers, and people hired through grants." (Dead Weight tax liabilities)
“My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government.” -Thomas Jefferson
“Democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts, and murders itself.” -President John Adams
"Freedom is never more than one generation from extinction" -President Ronald Reagan
“The Party seeks power entirely for its own sake. We are not interested in the good of others; we are interested solely in power, pure power....” -George Orwell, 1984
-Excerpts
"In The Prince, he recommends that leaders embrace immoral behavior—including violence and deception—to maintain power. A leader must appear to be virtuous, but to maintain power, the leader sometimes has to lie, steal, and cheat, Machiavelli said. You must do whatever it takes to maintain control of your kingdom."
"President Woodrow Wilson warned us about this when he said, 'The government, which was designed for the people, has got into the hands of the bosses and their employers, the special interests. An invisible empire has been set up above the forms of democracy.'”
- Contents -
Foreword
Introduction
1. The Rise and Fall of the Mafia
2. The Invisible Empire
3. Campaign Spending and Corruption
4. How Politicians Enrich Themselves
5. The Price of Government Intrusion
6. The Propaganda We Pay For
7. Corruption in Our Hometowns
8. Growth and Breakdowns
9. Wasteful Spending
Conclusion
Resources
Acknowledgments
About the Author
A few works to accompany Mafia Democracy:
-The Road to Serfdom by Friedrich Hayek (1944)
-The Origins of Totalitarianism by Hannah Arendt (1951)
-America Against America by Wang Huning (1991)
-1000 Years of Joys and Sorrows: A Memoir by Ai Weiwei (November 2021)
And...
-FUTURIA FANTASIA Summer 1939 Vol.1 No.1
Government by Big Tech.
A prophetic-style fiction publication, well worth the read and reflection. A collection of tales, and informational background, from summer of 1939 involving Technocracy as edited by author Ray Bradbury.
The plan for Technocracy is to replace all Market Economies.
June 24, 2022
What an eye opener. Never thought I'd read a book written by a Mobster, or former Mobster, but Michael Franzese's book is one that EVERY American should pick up and read. Basically, he compares the running of the U. S. government to the Mafia. He convincingly exposes the U. S. government for what it has become, a Mafia type organization, complete with a description of how the government organizational chart mirrors a Mafi organizational chart. He discusses how everyone, from the president down to the White House staff, and below, all engage some sort of extortion of the American public in order to enrich themselves at taxpayer expense. One of his statements that is exceptionally true is where he says, "For too many politicians, the measure of their success isn't how many bills they can pass but how much money they can raise for their reelection. They've opened the floodgates to big donors, just like the Mob did..." This is followed by a complete chapter on "How Politicians Enrich Themselves." He discusses how the government has bloated itself beyond belief, especially the Pentagon. And, speaking of the Pentagon, he devotes pages to the Pentagon's lying, cheating, and snowballing Congress so that they can pad their buget, even going so far as to hide money, switch accounts, and work in collusion with defense contractors.
Before anyone asks, he is ruthless on both parties, and he names many, many names of current and former politicians, presidents, senators, representatives, governors. I've always known that our politicians were getting fat bank accounts at taxpayer expense, with the help of unscrupulous lobbyists, but until I read this book, filled with many, many facts and figures, I never dreamed it was as bad as it is. As I mentioned, this is a book that every American should read. After they read it, we should all be screaming for change, from the highest levels on down. Franzese's final comments indicate that should we, the average people do nothing, we chance bringing down our democratic form of government, as others (Rome, Greece, Babylons, etc.) have done. Together, as a nation, we can, and should be enraged to convince our elected officials that enough is enough. This is a good book, well worth reading.
Before anyone asks, he is ruthless on both parties, and he names many, many names of current and former politicians, presidents, senators, representatives, governors. I've always known that our politicians were getting fat bank accounts at taxpayer expense, with the help of unscrupulous lobbyists, but until I read this book, filled with many, many facts and figures, I never dreamed it was as bad as it is. As I mentioned, this is a book that every American should read. After they read it, we should all be screaming for change, from the highest levels on down. Franzese's final comments indicate that should we, the average people do nothing, we chance bringing down our democratic form of government, as others (Rome, Greece, Babylons, etc.) have done. Together, as a nation, we can, and should be enraged to convince our elected officials that enough is enough. This is a good book, well worth reading.
July 6, 2022
Very interesting and disturbing book. It shines light on things that most politicians would prefer remain dark. This guy discusses BOTH parties - it is not one sided. The author does state he is a conservative, but that doesn't stop him from providing examples of horrible behavior by both parties.
Franzese is able to bring a perspective to the political condition that, unfortunately, describes it perfectly. It's Machiavellian politics, centered on manipulation, callousness, and indifference to morality. The book explains why we won't have term-limits, it is why the debt keeps going up, and brings to lights the self-serving cronyism that has become American Government.
I also appreciate the references Franzese provides in the book. It isn't just one man's rhetoric. It is an opinion back by facts; something that is sadly lacking in this day and age. Well worth the time to read.
Franzese is able to bring a perspective to the political condition that, unfortunately, describes it perfectly. It's Machiavellian politics, centered on manipulation, callousness, and indifference to morality. The book explains why we won't have term-limits, it is why the debt keeps going up, and brings to lights the self-serving cronyism that has become American Government.
I also appreciate the references Franzese provides in the book. It isn't just one man's rhetoric. It is an opinion back by facts; something that is sadly lacking in this day and age. Well worth the time to read.
March 29, 2024
"The Mafia’s formula: power + control = wealth. Our government follows the same formula. Just as the Mafia extorted "protection money" from small businesses, the government overregulates businesses and stifles growth and healthy competition. Just as mobsters protect their profits and fund their businesses with "other people's money," politicians raid government coffers and run up massive debts that our children will be saddled with."
As a former (high ranking) member of the Mafia, Michael Franzese can clearly see the parallels between their operations and code of conduct, and that of the current political sphere. It's honestly rather frightening how similar they are. He wants this book to be a wake up call for Americans. He states, "In my opinion, our nation is in the throes of self-destruction as a result of morally bankrupt, self-serving politicians who place their own agendas above the needs of the people who elected them. The Mafia is just as good at making its members believe there is equality among them. But in reality, it exists to unequally benefit the people at the top at the expense of those it controls. I know. I lived the life."
The foreward to this book was done by Rudy Giuliani, who got to know Franzese as he is the one who got him convicted and sent to prison. He also witnessed his transformation. "God has different directions for us, and I can see that he set Michael on a fresh, new direction. Michael broke the law and went to prison, but he came out a different and better person. And just as he was helped through that transition, he now works to help others. Understand this as you read...Michael cares about this country and he cares about its citizens. He wants us to have a strong country, and he feels we deserve the best, most honest politicians we can elect....Understand also that Michael's view of politics comes from a perspective that few people get to have. He's seen what the criminal life is like, and he knows how criminals victimize those around them...our political system today is struggling."
Franzese takes us on a journey from Mafia days (fully explaining what he did and how, the code of conduct for its members, and penalties/punishments for violations/rule breaking, etc) all the way to the White House. He explains how members of Congress extort their constituents, bleeding them dry while padding their bank accounts, as well as those of their family members. "It is standard practice that politicians leave for Washington as members of the middle class and return home millionaires. They enrich themselves through earmarks, grants, and regulations that benefit their family members and associates." He gives examples and names names, showing how they have quadrupled (or more) their personal wealth while in office. Franzese says, "I can see our elected officials' behavior for what it really is- a Mafia-style Democracy. Our elected leaders have become racketeers proficient in carrying out Mob-like rackets, and we are all suffering as a result. They are getting rich as they exert increasing control over our lives. This is how the Mafia operates too. It's all about control."
Franzese shares the different books and authors he was required to read while in Mafia leadership (Machiavelli's "The Prince" being one). In "The Prince," Machiavelli recommends that leaders embrace immoral behavior- including violence and deception- to maintain power. A leader must APPEAR TO BE VIRTUOUS, but to maintain power, the leader sometimes has to lie, steal, and cheat. You must do WHATEVER IT TAKES TO MAINTAIN CONTROL of your "kingdom." Franzese points out that politicians have taken this page as their own playbook. They try to appear honest and respectful, but they can't let morals and ethical behavior undercut their power. Power and control (influence) are EVERYTHING. Politicians routinely act like the rules just do not apply to them. "However, the American public is not seeing our situation for what it is: a government being run by thugs. Our elected officials are supposed to represent our best interests, but instead they ruthlessly look out for themselves, solidifying their wealth and power and ignoring the people they were elected to support." He gives MANY examples from passing laws embedded with favors to corporate donors, to lobbying and rent seeking, to campaign spending and corruption, to propaganda, to government overregulation and overtaxing, to propaganda and deceit. And again, he gives examples and names names (from both parties, as unfortunately, it is not relegated to simply one). He also gives us this reminder: “The downfall of every civilization comes, not from the moral corruption of the common man, but rather from the moral complacency of common men in high places.” ~ E. Digby Baltzell
He reminds us that as citizens of this country, it is OUR job to put a stop to this (with our votes).
Being apathetic will not help us.
“When plunder becomes a way of life for a group of men in a society, over the course of time they create for themselves a legal system that authorizes it and a moral code that glorifies it.” ~Frederic Bastiat
He ends with a quote from Edmund Burke, "Nobody makes a greater mistake than he who does nothing because he could do only a little."
It was a FANTASTIC (although frustrating and maddening) read that I would recommend to all citizens of this country...because everyone deserves to know the truth!
As a former (high ranking) member of the Mafia, Michael Franzese can clearly see the parallels between their operations and code of conduct, and that of the current political sphere. It's honestly rather frightening how similar they are. He wants this book to be a wake up call for Americans. He states, "In my opinion, our nation is in the throes of self-destruction as a result of morally bankrupt, self-serving politicians who place their own agendas above the needs of the people who elected them. The Mafia is just as good at making its members believe there is equality among them. But in reality, it exists to unequally benefit the people at the top at the expense of those it controls. I know. I lived the life."
The foreward to this book was done by Rudy Giuliani, who got to know Franzese as he is the one who got him convicted and sent to prison. He also witnessed his transformation. "God has different directions for us, and I can see that he set Michael on a fresh, new direction. Michael broke the law and went to prison, but he came out a different and better person. And just as he was helped through that transition, he now works to help others. Understand this as you read...Michael cares about this country and he cares about its citizens. He wants us to have a strong country, and he feels we deserve the best, most honest politicians we can elect....Understand also that Michael's view of politics comes from a perspective that few people get to have. He's seen what the criminal life is like, and he knows how criminals victimize those around them...our political system today is struggling."
Franzese takes us on a journey from Mafia days (fully explaining what he did and how, the code of conduct for its members, and penalties/punishments for violations/rule breaking, etc) all the way to the White House. He explains how members of Congress extort their constituents, bleeding them dry while padding their bank accounts, as well as those of their family members. "It is standard practice that politicians leave for Washington as members of the middle class and return home millionaires. They enrich themselves through earmarks, grants, and regulations that benefit their family members and associates." He gives examples and names names, showing how they have quadrupled (or more) their personal wealth while in office. Franzese says, "I can see our elected officials' behavior for what it really is- a Mafia-style Democracy. Our elected leaders have become racketeers proficient in carrying out Mob-like rackets, and we are all suffering as a result. They are getting rich as they exert increasing control over our lives. This is how the Mafia operates too. It's all about control."
Franzese shares the different books and authors he was required to read while in Mafia leadership (Machiavelli's "The Prince" being one). In "The Prince," Machiavelli recommends that leaders embrace immoral behavior- including violence and deception- to maintain power. A leader must APPEAR TO BE VIRTUOUS, but to maintain power, the leader sometimes has to lie, steal, and cheat. You must do WHATEVER IT TAKES TO MAINTAIN CONTROL of your "kingdom." Franzese points out that politicians have taken this page as their own playbook. They try to appear honest and respectful, but they can't let morals and ethical behavior undercut their power. Power and control (influence) are EVERYTHING. Politicians routinely act like the rules just do not apply to them. "However, the American public is not seeing our situation for what it is: a government being run by thugs. Our elected officials are supposed to represent our best interests, but instead they ruthlessly look out for themselves, solidifying their wealth and power and ignoring the people they were elected to support." He gives MANY examples from passing laws embedded with favors to corporate donors, to lobbying and rent seeking, to campaign spending and corruption, to propaganda, to government overregulation and overtaxing, to propaganda and deceit. And again, he gives examples and names names (from both parties, as unfortunately, it is not relegated to simply one). He also gives us this reminder: “The downfall of every civilization comes, not from the moral corruption of the common man, but rather from the moral complacency of common men in high places.” ~ E. Digby Baltzell
He reminds us that as citizens of this country, it is OUR job to put a stop to this (with our votes).
Being apathetic will not help us.
“When plunder becomes a way of life for a group of men in a society, over the course of time they create for themselves a legal system that authorizes it and a moral code that glorifies it.” ~Frederic Bastiat
He ends with a quote from Edmund Burke, "Nobody makes a greater mistake than he who does nothing because he could do only a little."
It was a FANTASTIC (although frustrating and maddening) read that I would recommend to all citizens of this country...because everyone deserves to know the truth!
November 12, 2022
Well written and researched. I feel that this should be required reading for every American.
June 22, 2022
Must Read
What an amazing book, like many citizens, we knew that both of the political party has spend vast amount of money and printed for there own use. It has come to a point where now the people are in great financial pain because of their immature act. This book will give you great details on how our government are spending and acting. Give this book a chance and reflect on it.
What an amazing book, like many citizens, we knew that both of the political party has spend vast amount of money and printed for there own use. It has come to a point where now the people are in great financial pain because of their immature act. This book will give you great details on how our government are spending and acting. Give this book a chance and reflect on it.
May 31, 2022
Great read
Great book that should open people's eyes . I learned quite a bit. Michel's knowledge is on full display here. I would recommend this book for sure.
Great book that should open people's eyes . I learned quite a bit. Michel's knowledge is on full display here. I would recommend this book for sure.
December 11, 2022
It’s an interesting book. I guess my one beef against it is when he cites numbers and statistics, he doesn’t actually footnote or cite, which source it’s coming from. There’s no end notes, just a bibliography where he got some of his information.
What I found refreshing was he had criticisms for both sides of the aisle. I don’t agree with some of his solutions, but he put some out there for all to see and discuss. Overall, I would probably say it’s worth reading.
What I found refreshing was he had criticisms for both sides of the aisle. I don’t agree with some of his solutions, but he put some out there for all to see and discuss. Overall, I would probably say it’s worth reading.
May 19, 2022
Disturbingly informative, doesn't take sides.
While I could have done without the fondness for Trump, Mike stays true to his word. He never tries to convert, only inform, and takes both sides to task going all the to the nations founding. His section on the military is particularly disturbing. I hope others can enact some of Mike's suggestions.
While I could have done without the fondness for Trump, Mike stays true to his word. He never tries to convert, only inform, and takes both sides to task going all the to the nations founding. His section on the military is particularly disturbing. I hope others can enact some of Mike's suggestions.
May 25, 2023
A bit repetitive and I am not much a fan of Franzese expressing his admiration for Trump, who is just as guilty of corruption as everyone else he names.
Overall, though, I am a big fan of Franzese and he's a very intelligent individual. SHowing how our government has become corrupted by money was interesting to read about.
Overall, though, I am a big fan of Franzese and he's a very intelligent individual. SHowing how our government has become corrupted by money was interesting to read about.
September 18, 2024
I nearly didn’t finish this. The first couple of chapters were ok but it just became a rant. I listened to the audio book read by the author.
I think he made his point on corruption early on. Not for me.
I think he made his point on corruption early on. Not for me.
April 6, 2025
The author was a ranking member of the Colombo crime family in New York. He was eventually busted (by Rudy Giuliani) and served his time in prison. Now out, he writes. In this book he explains how politicians in the US corruptly use their positions to illegally enrich themselves. The main techniques, he claims, are not much different than the kind of extortion the Mafia uses. His conclusion is that the difference between politicians in the US and members of a Mafia crime family is in name only. They’re equivalent money-making enterprises.
It's a tempting thesis because it’s fairly obvious that most politicians are corrupt. They enter a modestly-paying government job with a middle-class net worth and come out multi-millionaires. How does that work?
The answer is not overt bribery with suitcases full of cash, although that also happens. Instead, the ill-gotten gains are from insider trading, extortion, and contract-skimming, techniques honed by the Mafia. Franzese presents dozens upon dozens of case histories of politicians who apparently executed such maneuvers with skill.
Two fatal flaws spoil his neat story however. One is lack of evidence. In place of evidence he offers general correlations of the sort “This happened then that happened. Coincidence? I think not!” In most cases I don’t think it’s coincidence either, but that’s not evidence. That’s innuendo.
Franzese relies on subjectively assessed correlations, loose analogies (to Mafia practices), and appeals to common-sense cynicism to make his case. He’s a huge fan of Machiavelli and quotes The Prince as if it were The Bible. With only opinion, name-calling, and innuendo as "evidence," his argument reads like personal grievance.
The second flaw in the thesis is that despite apparent similarities, the Mafia is on the wrong side of the law. It is a criminal organization by definition and practice. Franzese minimizes the ugly side of Mafia activity. He confesses to extortion and gambling operations. He does not mention drug-dealing, prostitution rings, human trafficking, and wholesale murder.
Some politicians are actually devoted to furthering idealistic and altruistic goals. If they make some shady money along the way, it’s not their only mission. The Mafia however, is devoted only to increasing its wealth regardless of any human cost. That seems like a fundamental difference.
Franzese makes a thoughtful point by noting that the politicians make the laws and define what “criminal” means. Naturally they define themselves as virtuous and the Mafia as criminal. But that’s just a power differential, he says. Criminal-schmiminal. We’re all the same, as a practical matter.
I don’t buy it. Maybe there are empathic, kind-hearted, altruistic Mafia members. But there are definitely such politicians, along with the sleazy ones. Franzese’s argument that “Everybody’s just like me,” is not convincing.
The book brings to light facts that could confirm a cynic’s suspicions about American politicians, so that’s a useful function. But the lack of evidence and well-reasoned argument makes the book little more than a titillating opinion piece.
Franzese, Michael (2022). Mafia Democracy. https://lioncrest.com/: Lioncrest Publishing, 204 pp.
It's a tempting thesis because it’s fairly obvious that most politicians are corrupt. They enter a modestly-paying government job with a middle-class net worth and come out multi-millionaires. How does that work?
The answer is not overt bribery with suitcases full of cash, although that also happens. Instead, the ill-gotten gains are from insider trading, extortion, and contract-skimming, techniques honed by the Mafia. Franzese presents dozens upon dozens of case histories of politicians who apparently executed such maneuvers with skill.
Two fatal flaws spoil his neat story however. One is lack of evidence. In place of evidence he offers general correlations of the sort “This happened then that happened. Coincidence? I think not!” In most cases I don’t think it’s coincidence either, but that’s not evidence. That’s innuendo.
Franzese relies on subjectively assessed correlations, loose analogies (to Mafia practices), and appeals to common-sense cynicism to make his case. He’s a huge fan of Machiavelli and quotes The Prince as if it were The Bible. With only opinion, name-calling, and innuendo as "evidence," his argument reads like personal grievance.
The second flaw in the thesis is that despite apparent similarities, the Mafia is on the wrong side of the law. It is a criminal organization by definition and practice. Franzese minimizes the ugly side of Mafia activity. He confesses to extortion and gambling operations. He does not mention drug-dealing, prostitution rings, human trafficking, and wholesale murder.
Some politicians are actually devoted to furthering idealistic and altruistic goals. If they make some shady money along the way, it’s not their only mission. The Mafia however, is devoted only to increasing its wealth regardless of any human cost. That seems like a fundamental difference.
Franzese makes a thoughtful point by noting that the politicians make the laws and define what “criminal” means. Naturally they define themselves as virtuous and the Mafia as criminal. But that’s just a power differential, he says. Criminal-schmiminal. We’re all the same, as a practical matter.
I don’t buy it. Maybe there are empathic, kind-hearted, altruistic Mafia members. But there are definitely such politicians, along with the sleazy ones. Franzese’s argument that “Everybody’s just like me,” is not convincing.
The book brings to light facts that could confirm a cynic’s suspicions about American politicians, so that’s a useful function. But the lack of evidence and well-reasoned argument makes the book little more than a titillating opinion piece.
Franzese, Michael (2022). Mafia Democracy. https://lioncrest.com/: Lioncrest Publishing, 204 pp.
February 19, 2023
I ordered Mafia Democracy as research for the mystery I am currently writing, and I ended up reading the entire book. Despite the disturbing content of its pages, Franzese’s prose is pleasant and informative, if not entirely objective.
But first, the intro by Rudy Giuliani is needless and untrustworthy. It presents Giuliani as a major Prosecutor of the Mafia, including author and former Boss Michael Franzese; if he was a proud representative of legal justice once, he now looks more like a mafioso these days, and has acted like one. It’s Franzese’s expertise about the mafia world that justifies these pages, not the decay of a man who was once a respectable Mayor of New York and a hero of 9/11.
The pages that follow explain in detail the similarities between the American Government (most governments?) and the mafia. The author hardly mentions orders of assassinations, although while I was reading him, I kept remembering the film Three Days of the Condor (where American Intelligence eliminates the entirety of one of its networks, except for Robert Redford who was not there during the massacre and spends the entirety of the film hiding from the legal killers). Instead, the parallels here insist on the deals made by politicians and the ones made by the mafia. The mafia offers citizens protection (that they do not need in the first place) but the service is not free. In other words, payments are meant to protect people against their protectors. In politics where senators and representatives, oblivious of the interests of the constituents, major companies (including pharmaceutical) buy them with cash, cars, and vacations in order to get protection and keep them making dishonest contracts and exploiting masses. The book also displays maps of the hierarchy of both mafia and government that show striking similarities. One could argue that there are striking similarities in all hierarchies, and that the mafia didn’t invent the system. Still, the application of the mafia’s reflects the government’s, and vice versa.
Franzese finds many examples of corrupt occurrences in both parties, but his argument weakens when he insists on some of Obama and Biden’s dubious actions, and gives excuses to Trump for the January 6 attempted coup. His tone also changes toward the end and seems more like a campaign speech than a presentation of facts. And that is too bad, for most of his lines are convincing. Had he chosen to be an Independent instead of a Republican, he might have written from a better distance. Nobody can present an entirely objective point of view, but looking at facts outside of a familiar system would help.
I give Mafia Democracy a solid B.
January 14, 2025
Former mobster Michael Franzese offers his unique outlook on the current state of American government and politics as compared to his previous life of crime. Clearly a staunch conservative, Franzese still takes care to give credit to both sides of the aisle for their brazen corruption. His points are difficult to argue due to a plethora of statistics and studies cited from reputable sources. The thorough research lends a lot of credit to the way Franzese likens lobbying, election campaigning, bribery, and legislative action to their La Cosa Nostra counterparts. He is not afraid to call out unscrupulous politicians by name, especially those who have been the subject of various forms of sanction for their actions.
The crookedness of politics in the United States casts a shadow of negativity over the entirety of Michael Franzese’s book, which unfortunately comes across as informed complaining. His constant references to Machiavelli as well as a handful of talking points and quotes repeated throughout the book for fluff give the work a tone reminiscent of that acquaintance we all have who has read too many political science books and becomes intent on reciting them after a few drinks at happy hour. The dismal droll is intensified by Franzese’s decision to save nearly all of his suggestions and potential answers for the end of the book. Though it was not the author’s intention, the format of the book lends it an off-balance style of too many grievances with too few solutions. We all know what is wrong; the question left unanswered by Franzese’s work is what can we realistically do to fix it?
The crookedness of politics in the United States casts a shadow of negativity over the entirety of Michael Franzese’s book, which unfortunately comes across as informed complaining. His constant references to Machiavelli as well as a handful of talking points and quotes repeated throughout the book for fluff give the work a tone reminiscent of that acquaintance we all have who has read too many political science books and becomes intent on reciting them after a few drinks at happy hour. The dismal droll is intensified by Franzese’s decision to save nearly all of his suggestions and potential answers for the end of the book. Though it was not the author’s intention, the format of the book lends it an off-balance style of too many grievances with too few solutions. We all know what is wrong; the question left unanswered by Franzese’s work is what can we realistically do to fix it?
November 1, 2024
Michael raises some valid points but most are invalid, simply because he uses a number of logical fallacies. Without getting overly analytical, which is an exercise in futility (especially if you're not being paid), I'll mention the basic problems. I could start by discussing the difference between correlation and causation. If you don't know the difference, you can look it up.
There is also formal logical fallacy that asserts that properties of one thing must also be properties of another thing if both things belong to the same group. When it is an attempt to win favor by exploiting the audience's preexisting spite or disdain for something else, it is called guilt by association or an appeal to spite. Guilt by association is similar to ad hominem arguments which attack the speaker rather than addressing the claims, but in this case the ill feeling is not created by the argument. Now I should give some examples from this book. But I wouldn't know where to start. Virtually every claim made in the book is guilty of one or more logical fallacies.
There is also formal logical fallacy that asserts that properties of one thing must also be properties of another thing if both things belong to the same group. When it is an attempt to win favor by exploiting the audience's preexisting spite or disdain for something else, it is called guilt by association or an appeal to spite. Guilt by association is similar to ad hominem arguments which attack the speaker rather than addressing the claims, but in this case the ill feeling is not created by the argument. Now I should give some examples from this book. But I wouldn't know where to start. Virtually every claim made in the book is guilty of one or more logical fallacies.
November 8, 2025
Disclosure; I got to page 32 of 136 and decided not to bother carrying on. Franzese seems blind to the irony of backing a man who operates in precisely the way he claims to condemn. The forward is by the disgraced Rudy Giuliani and Franzese declares support for Trump early on. There are no citations and my view is that while Franzese has insights, he seems to have merely transferred his allegiance from his old Cosa Nostra bosses to the mafia president. Just because he’s ex mob doesn’t make him qualified to make the accusations he makes without proper and correct research. The little I read was the kind of lazy opinion that has permeated politics in the USA recently. No doubt the book has insights to feed our fascination with all things mafia. However there are better books to read on corruption, democratic decay, and political manipulation, all well-sourced, non-partisan, and fact-based.
November 22, 2023
I had been following Franzese for a couple years now on YouTube and decided to read his book, it did not dissapoint.
Franzese spent 20 years as a member of the Columbo Crime Family. His ethos on this subject is beyond question. Franzese spends most of the book describing how the Mafia gained control of politics in the United States. Mostly through the control of Unions. If you were in a blue collar job between the 1930's and 1980's, you were represented by a Mafia member somewhere along the line.
The second half of the book is a classic and damming study on corruption from top to bottom and Franzese sees through every lie with his experience in La Cosa Nostra. I'll give credit to Franzese that he comes up with solutions to the issues he presents.
Overall, a solid book that I reccomend to anyone.
Franzese spent 20 years as a member of the Columbo Crime Family. His ethos on this subject is beyond question. Franzese spends most of the book describing how the Mafia gained control of politics in the United States. Mostly through the control of Unions. If you were in a blue collar job between the 1930's and 1980's, you were represented by a Mafia member somewhere along the line.
The second half of the book is a classic and damming study on corruption from top to bottom and Franzese sees through every lie with his experience in La Cosa Nostra. I'll give credit to Franzese that he comes up with solutions to the issues he presents.
Overall, a solid book that I reccomend to anyone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 2, 2025
This was the first "political" book I've read, and I believe it was a great start to that foray. In short, this book draws comparisons between the United States government and the likes of a mafia, from the perspective of a former mafia member.
The examples given to prove this overarching point are compelling and convincing. The author will look at various different events in United States political history, and compare them to events from his own life in the mafia. Plenty of sources are cited as well, and the book goes into detail about the characters, political figures, and events involved in each comparison.
Admittedly, I don't think many people would put it passed any government to be corrupt, but this book gives real, specific examples, only further cementing any "conspiracy theories" any citizens might have about their nation.
A very fascinating read indeed.
The examples given to prove this overarching point are compelling and convincing. The author will look at various different events in United States political history, and compare them to events from his own life in the mafia. Plenty of sources are cited as well, and the book goes into detail about the characters, political figures, and events involved in each comparison.
Admittedly, I don't think many people would put it passed any government to be corrupt, but this book gives real, specific examples, only further cementing any "conspiracy theories" any citizens might have about their nation.
A very fascinating read indeed.
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November 13, 2022We are being governed by criminals!
The Mafia Democracy is an eye opening book on how criminal many of our elected officials are. It doesn't matter what party many are abusing the work and taxes of hard working Americans. Micheal Franzese brings facts to the light on how our government is being ran like they are a bunch of Mobsters. We the people need to open our eyes and vote like our lives as We know it depend on it. Steps to reign in this out of control start at the ballot box....if we can find some honest politicians that want to serve our country.
The Mafia Democracy is an eye opening book on how criminal many of our elected officials are. It doesn't matter what party many are abusing the work and taxes of hard working Americans. Micheal Franzese brings facts to the light on how our government is being ran like they are a bunch of Mobsters. We the people need to open our eyes and vote like our lives as We know it depend on it. Steps to reign in this out of control start at the ballot box....if we can find some honest politicians that want to serve our country.
July 21, 2022
Mobocracy is Right
In plain, straightforward language, Michael Franzese has aptly argued, in a fairly non-partisan manner, why the US government at all levels is in serious need of reform.
The insights from a well-read, formerly high-ranking ex-mobster are far more frank and accessible than anything a professional political pundit would have dared express.
In plain, straightforward language, Michael Franzese has aptly argued, in a fairly non-partisan manner, why the US government at all levels is in serious need of reform.
The insights from a well-read, formerly high-ranking ex-mobster are far more frank and accessible than anything a professional political pundit would have dared express.
December 15, 2023
The truth many are unwilling to see!
Americans are so willing to accept what goes on in DC because they are trying to get by. It gets worse and worse and the value of our labors becomes less and less. It wasn’t Trump who instigated Jan 6th, it was and still is the growing mistrust of the people who mismanage and attempt to control every aspect of our lives.
Americans are so willing to accept what goes on in DC because they are trying to get by. It gets worse and worse and the value of our labors becomes less and less. It wasn’t Trump who instigated Jan 6th, it was and still is the growing mistrust of the people who mismanage and attempt to control every aspect of our lives.
December 11, 2024
Easy to read and very informative. Michael Franzese is incredible at weaving between topics of government corruption, the Mafia, and Niccolo Machiavelli's philosophy. This book was written so well and was so FACTUAL that it made me kind of sick to my stomach to see how corrupt our government really is, no matter which political party you support!
March 29, 2024
Mafia democracy
I really enjoyed Michael Franzese This book was amazing This book was truly an eye opener And if you wanna learn about our government And all their dealings Read read this book it is a must
I really enjoyed Michael Franzese This book was amazing This book was truly an eye opener And if you wanna learn about our government And all their dealings Read read this book it is a must
July 4, 2022
Learned a lot
I liked the book so much that I sent it to my son in law for his birthday. Great job.
I liked the book so much that I sent it to my son in law for his birthday. Great job.
July 16, 2022
Well written
This will make me look into my representatives more closely. Enjoyed all the information Michael has given. I look forward to questioning my representatives.
This will make me look into my representatives more closely. Enjoyed all the information Michael has given. I look forward to questioning my representatives.
July 23, 2022
Excellent reading. Really makes you think about how and who our politicians serve!
February 5, 2023
The author has a great personal history. The book is well researched, with a good use of fact and logical solutions.
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