Play Book Tag discussion

Of course I had heard of Jimmy Hoffa. His disappearance and guessing where he ended up but I truly had no idea of the full story of Jimmy Hoffa, the Teamsters and the reach of organized crime in the US. Frank, the Irishman, Sheeran is Catholic and on nearing his end of life when he decides to make his confession to clear his conscience. The story is part interview and part research and context provided by Brandt who masterfully weaves them together for an engaging story.

Frank grew up during the depression years with little money and more incentive to work than to go to school. He joined the army before the US entered WWI and managed to volunteer himself into combat, unfortunately into the "killer division" and saw about 5 times as much combat as the average soldier. He came back different, understanding the need to follow orders, make quick life or death decisions and to do what needs to be done to fix the problem. Frank tried to make a normal go of it but also learned in the war to take what he wanted and soon found ways to supplement his income at the loss of his boss. Finding his way into the group of organized mob, mostly under Russ Bufalino, Frank was known for doing what needed to be done and doing it quietly. He was 100% loyal and also grateful when he was introduced to Hoffa and got started on work for the teamsters.

This story is so fascinating. I knew that unions were strong and not as much an more. I had realized that the organize crime syndicate managed to use the unions to bankroll loans and projects. I really hope this isn't the case now. It is terrifying to understand how much the mob was involved in the governance of the US at the top levels. I learned of Bay of Pigs in school but certainly not through this perspective. My eyes are opened.

Steeplechase: Mafia x 50; Crime x 164
BWF Tenacious Trailblazers: Letter I bonus