Joe Bonanno's "A Man of Honor" leads to the "Mafia Commission Trial" 

Someone like Bonanno, who came from Sicily not as a poor downtrodden immigrant, but as an educated person from a family with a name and means and a title, he had to have felt he was not only a founder but a top man of honor. Getting shelved, having other bosses turn on him, losing the war and ultimately getting outcast , he struck out against the organization he helped to build. This book was his vengeance, he knew at some point this would hurt the mafia, Bonanno was far from stupid.. Hey Michael...the subs count is looking real crazy, coming up on 1.0 million, that's big!

According to Bill Bonnano, the book was in part Joe Bonnano's revenge on the renegades within his family that at one point turned on him and destroyed his beloved Borgata and against the "new breed" which he felt would ultimately destroy the Cosa Nostra he had helped build.

It blows my mind how a prosecutor who was so eager to put him in jail and an ex racketeer who was fighting him in court with cunningness end up respecting each other and talking highly of each other. Shows you that anything is possible and we as people will ultimately lift each other up. Love to everyone

Ball game over ! Another great video from the best in the business! Thanks brother!

Always look forward to seeing your videos Mr franzese . Stay blessed and hope your tour goes very well.

I've always wondered if Joe Bonnano's book was his way of getting revenge on the Commission for being ousted from the leadership of his family. I've read the book and he was very careful not to openly connect himself to any crimes. Granted by recounting the information it was obvious was a witness to the criminal actions and was an accessory to criminal activity.

The first step to successful investing is figuring out your goals and risk tolerance - either on your own or with the help of a Financial Advisor. If you can get the facts about savings and investing with a well detailed plan, you should be able to gain financial security over the years and enjoy the benefits of managing your income.

Hello Michael, Hope your world is well. Keep the video's coming they are great.

Hello Michael how are you sir

I've always been a history & movie buff, so I'm genuinely drawn to the material anyway, but the way you conduct these "Sit-downs" with viewers is incredibly engaging, relatable & informative. Keep 'em coming!

Mr Franzese your videos are very entertaining thank you for the sit down and enjoy your vacation in the uk

I seen you on the podcast with my fellow scot james English I hope he looked after you keep the great work up👍

Watched almost all of you older videos,great content as always!!!

Thank you for this amazing content Micheal. Hope your having a great week. ☀️🇺🇸

Almost to 1million subs!! Keep bringing the great content!🙌

You always say that you are not a historian but you always have the best background for your stories. I enjoy your first hand accounts and clarification of actual events as you know them. I hope to hear more from you.

Michael is such a hard worker. Always putting out great content. Thanks again for the video!

hi michael interesting video, thanks .. i hope you and your family are well. 🙏

This is going to be a interesting one 💯 thanks Michael 🍿

Machiavellian strategy? Self-protection and revenge with one move.

You are killing it with this video Micheal 🔥 Deeply enjoyed it and learned a lot Better than anything Netflix can put out

Thank you Micheal, these sessions are always interesting and informative stay blessed and Fantastic kind regards W. Robinson

My dad was born in 1918. A year younger than your dad Micheal. Served in Ww2 I was born in 66 Surprise baby’s I’m a twin!❤️🇨🇦

Hi Michael,I wanted to say thank you for all your awesome video's.Your channel is one my favorites.Your content is right up my alley.I love history and film myself.I hope your tour does extremely well.You definitely deserve it.

Hello. Enjoying your content here in rainy California! 🌧

Another cool video thanks Michael 😎

Perfect timing Michael. Im just now reading this same part of "Mafia Democracy". Great book!!! Thank you & God Bless!!!

It is always an educational experience listening to the stories you tell. Much appreciated, Mr. Franzese.

Michael you are an encyclopedia of history and a wealth of knowledge. Thank you for the information

I love this insight, Michael. Thank you and I hope you have a safe, wonderful trip to the UK.

Bonano thought it would help the Cosa Nostra remain secured with him writing the book, because the existence of Cosa Nostra was already publicized years ago, so he tried to make it look like a cultural matter and a traditional brotherhood as opposed to what was known publicly as a criminal organization

Thanks Michael and enjoy your travels!

I feel like I'm a part of the family when I watch Michael Franzese lol

Thanks again for another great video, gave me something else to think about besides this heat we're all working in down south🍷

I'm still stunned he wrote the book! 😯

Great stuff!

Yeah...we can see that your friend Rudy is an expert in criminality....HE IS ONE

My grandfather immigrated to the United State from Castellammare around the beginning of WW I. He settled in NY. He knew Joe Bonanno and attended his wedding. My grandfather told a story about being summoned at night to a Mafia chief's office. Grandfather didn't go that night, but he did go the following morning to see the chief and find out what he wanted. The chief asked him why he didn't come when he was called. He said that it was late and his wife was concerned. As a paisano, the Mafia chief made my grandfather an offer to join his crew. Thankfully my grandfather politely declined the offer. The decisions you make in life matter.

On Bonnanno's entry into the US. At the time there was no permit required to immigrate. It was a long, expensive and difficult journey to get here. There were inspections upon arrival and those not passing or considered undesirable, which were numerous, were sent back to their port of origin. He was a legal entry. If he were not he would have been deported like Luciano and other mobsters.

Great video! Fascinating story. I have wondered if Bonanno was able to stay out of trouble so long and maybe how he stayed hidden for awhile, because he was working with the government. Just a thought. It is a curious situation. I enjoyed your sit down with Giuliani. For Rudy, instead of honor, I think he saw an opportunity to make a name for himself - which he did. Also just a thought. God bless Michael. Praying for your UK tour. I pray it is also a time of restoration, peace and rest for you and your family.

It’s always a good day when Michael uploads something. All the work you put into these videos is greatly appreciated !

Joe Bonanno never mentioned a single persons name in that book who was still alive at the time. He was the last alive from that era. A first hand account of some of the most legendary moments in mob history. Even Charlie Lucky (luciano) apparently died of a heart attack at the airport on his way to meet with a filmmaker to make a documentary about his life. I'm super grateful that joe wrote that book. It is the only insight we have to what it was like in those prime years from a high sitting position in the american mafia. It's no different than michael having an entire youtube series about the mafia today. There was no internet back then. so he wrote a book.

It's funny you mentioned trial.. Today was my last pre-trial courtdate. I'm going to trial soon.

Thanks Michael, safe travels❤

This gentleman's Mafia content is hands down the best on RU-vid... Anywhere for that matter.

THANK YOU MICHAEL FOR THE VERY GOOD ADVICE TO EVERYONE AND THE GREAT STORY.

I'm in the UK, long time listener but going back to the motherland to Napoli.. come visit the old country!!

For anyone who hasn't read it, this book is one of the best mafia books to read. You do have to understand that it's coming from Joe's perspective, and is going to color him in a very positive light (to the point where some things may be downright false). Overall, though, it's really a great read because Bonanno had the unique opportunity of being around in the beginning with Maranzano, moving up very fast while young, and lasting so long, while being a pretty articulate individual given the circumstances. There is a reason Rudy was able to use this so effectively.

I’ve become a huge fan Michael, I listen to these all day at work. Thanks for the great content, keep it coming!

I love these videos. I randomly came across this channel when I was watching a biography about the real people behind Good Fellas following the passing of Ray Liotta. What I find interesting too is how American mafia was never really "destroyed" in the sense that it was only the "illegal" mafia that was neutered by Rudy and the feds. Ironically, while our government largely destroyed the mafia, it soon came to resemble the same illicit organizations they upended. The only difference is, to quote Gambino, is that they conduct their racketeering "legally". I guess it's true when it was said, "Be careful when you fight the monsters, lest you become one." Very much looking forward to further videos to come.

You really are a renaissance man, Michael. One of the highlights of my evening while cooking dinner are these talks. Waiting for my Mafia Democracy book to arrive - I would love to have you sign it if you ever come to Stockholm, Sweden. Stay well, friend ✌✌

Love your commentary style. Keep up the good work.

I hope the weather here in the UK will be good for you, it can be very changeable!

What a great story! The fact that Joe Bonanno got to live until his death at the age of 97 without getting hit is mind boggling! In some ways by writing the book he ratted out the mafia family! Very interesting and entertaining history and story! Thanks for sharing Michael! 🙏😎👍god bless

Amazing! Thank you!

finally interesting video as always god bless watchen right now enjoy trip to UK there

Michael, I told my Father 20years ago I thought the Government was Corrupt and that the System of the LCN was more honest and transparent he told me I was crazy fast forward to today I feel kinda vindicated. Because My father Complains and rages at The Congress etc. I hope and pray You and your love ones have a safe trip across the pond Godbless.

Always enjoy your stories 🇺🇸🇮🇹🍷🙏

Hey Michael best of luck on your trip and hope you enjoy Ireland . Lots of gang land stuff happening in Ireland at the moment maybe you could do a sit down on the subject some time . God bless you and family 🙏

Keep em coming Michael 🍿

Two Mafia hit-men are walking deep into a forest in the middle of the night. One of them says: "I gotta admit I'm scared out here." The other replies: "You're scared... I gotta walk back alone!"

I would love to hear more about bonnano’s opposite, russel buffalino. Scranton pa? How does a more…rural? Mob work?

Joe Bonanno wrote that book for one reason , REVENGE! To get back at the leaders of the Gambino, Lucchese, & Colombo Families for not supporting Joe Profaci during the war with the Gallo Brothers in 1957 ,then in 1962, not recognizing Joe Magliocco as the Boss of the Profaci Family after the death of Mr Profaci and being his Underboss for more than 20yrs and then splitting the Bonanno Family into 2 factions which lead to the Banana Wars 1964- 1969. Joe Bonanno knew exactly what he was doing when writing his autobiography, he wrote it were it didn’t sound like he was ratting on anybody, he knew what he can say and what he couldn’t , The Old Man had nothing but time on his hands, since the day he got banished from NYC, Joe enjoying his last twilight years in Arizona & California, remembering the past and how he outlived Carlo Gambino, Tommy Lucchese, Joe Colombo & his cousin Stefano Maggadino, these 4 powerful bosses who were against him & Joe Profaci during the Golden Age of the Mafia…….

Michael Franseze is a great story teller and I love to listen to him....has a very good head on his shoulder and made a good decision with walking away from the life and lived to tell about it...I'd love to meet you and ask you some questions and get your input, I've done lots of time myself and always wanted to be a tough guy and be feared rather than loved but I have changed alot in the last few years thanks to God and my family and honestly because of listening to you and I'm grateful, thanks mike

Good luck on your tour, Michael. Fascinating "stories" you tell!

Love the mafia stories Mike, keep them coming. What are the tattoos on your arm,show us up close please

Great video

Thank you, Michael; as always, highly enlightening. God bless you and your family. Safe travels on your tour, which I am confident will be a success!

I read Mr. Bonanno's book and really enjoyed the book. It also talks about his son, Bill and organized crime. Now I am looking forward to getting Mr. Franzese's book. I found and still find the organized crime area to be a very interesting subject. Hope he has a wonderful time in the European tour.

Awesome as always 👏 God bless from Ireland 🇮🇪

Always appreciate your insight. Thank you Michael.

Love you and God bless u and ur family Michael🇺🇸🙏💪💜✝️

Your channel is great Michael i like how you interact with your audience.

Thank you! Love these videos. Now I'm interested in reading Bonanno's book.

Michael, I think the feeling is..New York is too small, the entire state needs expanding until it’s an eighth the size of 2000AD’s Mega City One. Keep posting all this, it’s vital for all mankind cos it’s getting us all in!

I always enjoy the videos you make Michael. Keep up the great work!

Mr Michael Fraanzees speaks the truth and his very reputable dissertation of their history are very informative to all and their history touched the very truth about our society. These Americans are part of our struggle and the reflection of our weaknesses and strength as a nation in our struggle to be one nation under God

Thanks for the recommendation to watch the Pinky Blinders. Loved it.

I've done a lot in my time regarding research for what information or rather with what information was available regarding Mobsters the mafia etc etc including you michael. And I got to say and I've said this on another one of your videos but I'm going to say it again.. you know it's a clear example of what somebody can truly do if they don't give up. It shows how somebody can turn their life around and go in a completely different direction and help other people. And that's the part that I think is admirable not only did you just turn yourself around and get out of it you know to help your family to save your family to protect your family and to be there for your family.. but just the sheer amount of help you've given other people.. that's admirable it really is. Again, thank you for all of the content it is nothing short of amazing. Stay safe out there and God bless 🙏

From mob boss to content boss , loving the channel, respect to you and your team

Hello Michael!! I've been watching your videos for a while now and I find them very interesting. I am from Argentina, of Italian descent (Calabrian) like many others here. There were mafia organizations at the beginning of the 20th century but they could not prosper as in the United States, which makes it evident that Prohibition was what gave them great power. I really appreciate your videos and I wish you the best of luck on your tour of England. Alex from Argentina!!

Great videos michael, i'm watching from brazil.

Bristol is my home town except it isn't Bristol, England! Hey, Michael asking for travel mercies for you and the family. Blessings!

MR. FRANZESE, HOPE YOU, and YOUR FAMILY HAVE A GREAT TIME IN LONDON, and take care.🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

Please let me know when you’re in Ireland 🇮🇪 my family would love to meet you

Love you Michael God bless brother

Thank for doing a video about "Joe Bananas". His son's Joe Jr and Salvatore tried to muscle their way into a Cadillac dealership back in the mid 70s near where I live. This is also related to the minor charge Joe Sr picked up while he lived in Arizona. Thanks again and God bless!

I hope you enjoyed the 1 week of sunshine we have in the UK, for summer while you was here lol

Ah great Mr Franzese. Safe journey over to the UK. I hope the weather will be nice for you. The UK has nice warm weather in the summer. Have a great time. I know that everyone is going to love seeing you and learning from you. Blessings to you and your family and your team.

On the road to a million 🙌🏿🙌🏿🙌🏿

Looking forward to seeing you and hearing your whole life when you come to Glasgow, Scotland in August. Love this channel and the number one thing….. full on honesty. Salute ❤️

I live for your content Mr. Franzese. Keep it coming!

Genuinely appreciate the content and the fact that I can share it with Anyone, not just enthusiasts etc

Just finished Mafia Democracy very enjoyable read 📚 👍

So looking forward to the gala event and your talk in Hull , see you soon Micheal , safe journey over . Ps bring an umbrella , it rains a lot here in the UK 😁

Man of Honor is a great book. I have nothing but respect for Joe Bonanno....and I fully concur with his belief that the more "liberal" or Americanized mobsters like Luciano, who wanted to bring non-Italians into the mob...did more harm than good to that life and eventually it led to the complete deterioration of the mobs founding principles and the downfall of the Mafia altogether. Funny Franzese wants to take shots at an OG like Bonanno, who has one of the five families named after him...while having one of the most popular channels on YT doing exactly the same thing.

Always be a man of honor! Great video Michael

What it do, Mike? Looks like you’re doing very well for yourself, talking about the life you’ve lead. Cool to see a redemption story. Hope you have fun in Europe! And thanks, for filling in the spaces between the text with the experiences you’ve had and the knowledge you had of how shit worked back then. It’s just so damn interesting. Take care, Mike!

Hey Michael when is Perth Western Australia going to be in your travel plans? Would love to have you here🇮🇹

Great sitdown Michael, keep it up.