The classic Chicago mob boss is getting recognition for his historical impact. He died 75 years ago, actually he died on January 25, 1947. The story goes that his mind was going bad due to syphilis. Aside from his rather outlaw reputation as a violent gangster he also had a side which was great for public relations.
Either way former mobster Michael Franzese did a video about highlighting primarily the good and does cover a lot of the bad. What he notes that in spite of being in the life Capone was a dedicated family man and was so until his untimely demise at the age of 48. [VIDEO]
And how about a local story. Believe it or not the gang that Capone was at the top of during the Roaring 20s actually still exists. Perhaps not what it was 100 years ago having been decimated by the legalization of some aspects of gambling also by aggressive federal prosecutions. The reporter you see here Chuck Goudie of the ABC affiliate in Chicago discussing what we call the Chicago Outfit and Al Capone's legacy he himself has done significant reporting on the Chicago mob. [VIDEO]
One could find this fascinating, however, remember one thing crime doesn't pay. You may have money, prestige, respect, fear or even women, however, it's still a violent lifestyle. And one concern ought to be not who might be coming for you, it should be whether or not you might spend a lifetime behind bars. Something to think about when we look at these crime figures.
