This may be an offer that the authorities find hard to refuse.
After the tragic events in Paris on November 13, New York is on red alert as a previous target for fanatical terrorism. But whilst the FBI and Homeland Security seek to ensure any attack would be thwarted, the local mafia are ready to take matters into their own hands.
Giovanni Gambino, a member of the notorious Sicilian-American Gambino family, doubts the authorities have the situation locked down, and feels that the local mafia are better placed to keep New Yorkers safe.
https://twitter.com/nntaleb/status/667048710514286592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
“They [FBI] often act too late, or fail to see a complete picture of what's happening due to a lack of ‘human intelligence,’” he said in an interview with NBC News.
"The world is dangerous today, but people living in New York neighborhoods with Sicilian connections should feel safe," he explains.
"We make sure our friends and families are protected from extremists and terrorists, especially the brutal, psychopathic organization that calls itself the Islamic State."
Gambino feels that crime families such as his serve a purpose, and are somewhat misunderstood.
"The mafia has a bad reputation, but much of that's undeserved," he stressed.
"As with everything in life, there are good, bad and ugly parts – the rise of global terrorism gives the mafia a chance to show its good side."
It's probably one instance in which the old saying 'Better the devil you know...' is apt.
