I’m researching NYC history and I may have found a connection between Costello and Epstein.
I’m in the process of verifying, but in the meantime writing about what led me to that. It started with a manuscript my great grandfather wrote about the 1930s when he was working for the first pop star ever.
The mob has not been eradicated in Italy unfortunately, nor elsewhere. But a general housecleaning is ongoing at least as it effects Italian citizens. The international drug trade still flows from Africa through Sicily (one of the routes anyway). As you point out much of what we now know was going on since WWII, brought to light thanks to courageous journalists, police, and judges in Italy, was hidden to the extent that Italians weren't even aware of the term "Cosa Nostra." Mafiosi who turned informant were also important to revealing the criminal relationships between organized crime, the government, and even the Vatican.
I started reading Mafia history in earnest as a way to try to understand what is going on in the US based on this bit of logic: trump-real estate-casinos --> money laundering, Jewish mafia. The story of Italy is how deep the corruption can exist and control a nation, while its people feel the pain but are in the dark regarding its cause.
I highly recommend the following sources: Mafioso by Colin McLaren and Midnight in Sicily by Peter Robb.
Very astute catch on the style of Epstein's emails:
"Epstein’s power derived from what people eventually believed he knew about them. The ambient awareness that Epstein was watching, that Epstein remembered, that Epstein kept records — that awareness rather than outright blackmail is what made powerful people self-regulate towards his aims in his presence without any threat being uttered. You can see it in the simpering subservient tone powerful men take with him in their juvenile emails. They want Epstein to like them — the Steve Bannons, the Elon Musks. But Epstein never quite gives them what they want. His responses are short, arrogant. In control. He keeps them nervous, and obsequious."
Your best piece yet. And it is (or should be) the only issue in the 2026 and 2028 elections—the unconscionable wealth gap in this country. Not because it’s all the matters but because of what it has begotten, and it is a issue on which we can all agree (or you know 70-90% of us).
Our culture has an unconscious tendency to commemorate male, criminal, enterprisers as “genius”. When in fact their rise to prominence is easily supported by a culture that views people as “property” (especially women). Their methodology is equal to the rise of power of any ambitious male ie technology, business, banking etc.
This is not “genius”. This is simply rising to the top by accommodating wealth and gathering as much human “property" underneath you as possible. There is no complex thought, no imagination, no ingenuity…just "one trick ponies” using the same repetitive methods of dominance for centuries.
I have said this before. Epstein wanders into an isolated tribe with no reference for his “status”. He starts abusing their children. Is everyone in “awe” of his methods? Curious about his “psyche”? I am presuming not. My guess is they cut out the sickness quickly. A hard spear through the chest and left to rot in a swamp somewhere. The tribe continues on with their lives.
How long do we women have to put up with men being in “awe” of other men, so much so that they even sensationalize each other’s degradation. I for one am sick of it. There is nothing to see here but grotesquerie, the putrid stink of pestilence festering in the homes of the dullest minds.
These people have no character, no complexity, no gift of individuality to offer us. There is no spark of intelligence or esoteric thought beyond what our culture gifted them already. They lost their humanity a long time ago and I am surprised that they aren’t thoroughly grossed out by their own reflection. And I am not talking about individuals who have committed a heinous crime and spend their lives understanding and repenting for the harm caused to others. Life can be brutal and I do not judge their journey.
But that isn’t what this is. This isn’t a "sin of long ago”. We are talking about middle-aged/senior adults choosing to rape children over and over and over again. Adults who had all the riches they could want. Adults who should be a source of wisdom, instead choosing to torture the innocent.
For those crimes, there is no issue here but simple and swift justice.
The US, and the finely spun web of steel spinning across the Atlantic far preceded the Trumps (even if you were to include his father). They've killed presidents. How many countries do they control?
It's a bit like sawing off a gigantic 3 foot gnarly weed, and saying GOT IT!!! It's such a relief right?
But that thing goes further than three feet down actually, and far around in all directions. And it's going to keep growing, even after you take off the head.
I am perpetually impressed with all that you do, Alisa, and I heard your beautiful message of LOVE on your recording first thing this morning, which has contributed magic to my day. If EVER you need a boost, let me know. I have an endless supply for people like you!
There’s such a great quote here that more people need to start thinking. thx! It’s this one: Returning it to the people is simple arithmetic and human decency, not revolution.
Orange freak learnt from humanity's worst. He sucked it all up because he is himself, before exposure to the worst humans on Earth, a vile man and ripe for evilness to fill his every pore. Viva Cuba. Yanquis fuera! Long live the brave Palestinians still under evil murderous occupation and oppression. Fuera isrhelll
Como siempre, excellent write! I love that you pulled Cuba into the mix of this story, which seems to have morphed into an octopus. You’re managing it beautifully and we’ve learned so much from all you research and share.
I would love a different timeline, one where the US would’ve had big enough cojones to see if Cuba could thrive as a sovereign Socialist nation and not impose the economic blockade. (I know, that was never going to happen.) The Blockade has been La Isla’s excuse for everything that’s wrong with the country since. I remember my mom saying once when I was just a wee girl, “I love Fidel Castro but he’s a communist.” I never forgot her words and needed to find out who this man she loved, who was not my father, and more, I wanted to know WTH was communist.
Oh well, we’ll never know how things might have turned out had it been different, and now, Cuba has the prospect of Marco Polo Rubio as their next Comandante en Jefe. 😜Have a great week! 🙏🏽💙🪶☮️
I’m researching NYC history and I may have found a connection between Costello and Epstein.
I’m in the process of verifying, but in the meantime writing about what led me to that. It started with a manuscript my great grandfather wrote about the 1930s when he was working for the first pop star ever.
The mob has not been eradicated in Italy unfortunately, nor elsewhere. But a general housecleaning is ongoing at least as it effects Italian citizens. The international drug trade still flows from Africa through Sicily (one of the routes anyway). As you point out much of what we now know was going on since WWII, brought to light thanks to courageous journalists, police, and judges in Italy, was hidden to the extent that Italians weren't even aware of the term "Cosa Nostra." Mafiosi who turned informant were also important to revealing the criminal relationships between organized crime, the government, and even the Vatican.
I started reading Mafia history in earnest as a way to try to understand what is going on in the US based on this bit of logic: trump-real estate-casinos --> money laundering, Jewish mafia. The story of Italy is how deep the corruption can exist and control a nation, while its people feel the pain but are in the dark regarding its cause.
I highly recommend the following sources: Mafioso by Colin McLaren and Midnight in Sicily by Peter Robb.
I feel like i need to really buckle up now
As many know, Luciano was the model for Don Vito Corleone in The Godfather.
quite interesting.. thanks!
Very astute catch on the style of Epstein's emails:
"Epstein’s power derived from what people eventually believed he knew about them. The ambient awareness that Epstein was watching, that Epstein remembered, that Epstein kept records — that awareness rather than outright blackmail is what made powerful people self-regulate towards his aims in his presence without any threat being uttered. You can see it in the simpering subservient tone powerful men take with him in their juvenile emails. They want Epstein to like them — the Steve Bannons, the Elon Musks. But Epstein never quite gives them what they want. His responses are short, arrogant. In control. He keeps them nervous, and obsequious."
Your best piece yet. And it is (or should be) the only issue in the 2026 and 2028 elections—the unconscionable wealth gap in this country. Not because it’s all the matters but because of what it has begotten, and it is a issue on which we can all agree (or you know 70-90% of us).
What I would say here is this:
Our culture has an unconscious tendency to commemorate male, criminal, enterprisers as “genius”. When in fact their rise to prominence is easily supported by a culture that views people as “property” (especially women). Their methodology is equal to the rise of power of any ambitious male ie technology, business, banking etc.
This is not “genius”. This is simply rising to the top by accommodating wealth and gathering as much human “property" underneath you as possible. There is no complex thought, no imagination, no ingenuity…just "one trick ponies” using the same repetitive methods of dominance for centuries.
I have said this before. Epstein wanders into an isolated tribe with no reference for his “status”. He starts abusing their children. Is everyone in “awe” of his methods? Curious about his “psyche”? I am presuming not. My guess is they cut out the sickness quickly. A hard spear through the chest and left to rot in a swamp somewhere. The tribe continues on with their lives.
How long do we women have to put up with men being in “awe” of other men, so much so that they even sensationalize each other’s degradation. I for one am sick of it. There is nothing to see here but grotesquerie, the putrid stink of pestilence festering in the homes of the dullest minds.
These people have no character, no complexity, no gift of individuality to offer us. There is no spark of intelligence or esoteric thought beyond what our culture gifted them already. They lost their humanity a long time ago and I am surprised that they aren’t thoroughly grossed out by their own reflection. And I am not talking about individuals who have committed a heinous crime and spend their lives understanding and repenting for the harm caused to others. Life can be brutal and I do not judge their journey.
But that isn’t what this is. This isn’t a "sin of long ago”. We are talking about middle-aged/senior adults choosing to rape children over and over and over again. Adults who had all the riches they could want. Adults who should be a source of wisdom, instead choosing to torture the innocent.
For those crimes, there is no issue here but simple and swift justice.
Good insight and analysis. But Trump's not it.
The US, and the finely spun web of steel spinning across the Atlantic far preceded the Trumps (even if you were to include his father). They've killed presidents. How many countries do they control?
It's a bit like sawing off a gigantic 3 foot gnarly weed, and saying GOT IT!!! It's such a relief right?
But that thing goes further than three feet down actually, and far around in all directions. And it's going to keep growing, even after you take off the head.
I am perpetually impressed with all that you do, Alisa, and I heard your beautiful message of LOVE on your recording first thing this morning, which has contributed magic to my day. If EVER you need a boost, let me know. I have an endless supply for people like you!
I had goosebumps reading this. Another angle to ponder. Thanks, Alisa!
There’s such a great quote here that more people need to start thinking. thx! It’s this one: Returning it to the people is simple arithmetic and human decency, not revolution.
excellent reporting, appreciation
Orange freak learnt from humanity's worst. He sucked it all up because he is himself, before exposure to the worst humans on Earth, a vile man and ripe for evilness to fill his every pore. Viva Cuba. Yanquis fuera! Long live the brave Palestinians still under evil murderous occupation and oppression. Fuera isrhelll
Como siempre, excellent write! I love that you pulled Cuba into the mix of this story, which seems to have morphed into an octopus. You’re managing it beautifully and we’ve learned so much from all you research and share.
I would love a different timeline, one where the US would’ve had big enough cojones to see if Cuba could thrive as a sovereign Socialist nation and not impose the economic blockade. (I know, that was never going to happen.) The Blockade has been La Isla’s excuse for everything that’s wrong with the country since. I remember my mom saying once when I was just a wee girl, “I love Fidel Castro but he’s a communist.” I never forgot her words and needed to find out who this man she loved, who was not my father, and more, I wanted to know WTH was communist.
Oh well, we’ll never know how things might have turned out had it been different, and now, Cuba has the prospect of Marco Polo Rubio as their next Comandante en Jefe. 😜Have a great week! 🙏🏽💙🪶☮️
Alisa, this is a great article as always!