Bill takes on the Mafia! It's Mob Week

So far the 3 episodes of Bill Maher's "Mob Week" aired on his "Politically 
Incorrect" 5 part series, has been a "Tower of Babble". 

There are very few "knowledgeable" guests, some comedians, and rappers, (What 
in God's creation do they have to contribute?) and "shills" from "The 
Sopranos". 

Maher has an outline for each episode, but the show seems to "spiral" into 
the ether, quickly after each segment's question/statement.

Two items however are clear. Even though it is agreed that any Italian 
American Mob is History, the program although not using the term Mafia very 
frequently, and supposedly attempting to focus on America's fascination with 
Violence, speaks almost exclusively about Italians, and plays Italian Music 
to phase in and out of segments.

Make no mistake, This Series is an orchestrated "crucificition" of the 
Italian American Community. 

I will be rooting for John Calvelli on Friday, who has the "deck stacked" 
against him,
with the self proclaimed, Maher "The Mouth" usually ridiculing and cutting 
off guests who disagree with him.

How many of you know that BOTH "The Sopranos" and "Political Incorrect" are
produced by Brad Grey Television Entertainment and HBO Downtown 
Publications?? Suprise??? 
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ANNOUNCEMENT FROM FIERI:

FIERI founder John Calvelli will be appearing as a panelist representing the
National Italian American Foundation on Politically Incorrect Friday, August
3rd at midnight on ABC.  The topic discussed is Italian American stereotyping
in the media.  Check FIERI International's website after the show is aired
for a link to a bulletin board where you can share comments about the show,
John Calvelli's perspective, or the issue of Italian American portrayals in
general.   FIERI's website is www.fieri.org

My understanding is that in prior television discussions (eg.  CNN) on this
issue, there was at least one panelist who was invited who trivialized the
issue (e.g., Pat Cooper) in what was supposed to have been a serious
discussion.

Politically Incorrect's setup is supposed to be inherently outlandish.

Nonetheless, the show was structured such that John was left to argue that
there are too many negative media images of Italian Americans and no
opportunities for positive portrayals while all the panelists and the host
opposed him.  And perhaps the entire audience was stacked against John,
until he began to convince people during the show.

Take a look for yourselves and comment.

(John Calvelli is also Chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major
Italian American Organizations, and NIAF Board Member)

From: Roberto Ragone, President, FIERI International
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If You Wish to Review the Transcripts of This Weeks Series, Go To:
<<http://abc.go.com/primetime/politicallyincorrect/popup/pi_transcript_frame.h

tm>>

If that is not successful Go To: the "Politically Incorrect" Home Page:
<< http://abc.go.com/primetime/politicallyincorrect/pi_home.html >>
Then look for "Transcripts" about half way down in the Right Hand Column
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"Mob Week's" Guest List for Bill Maher's "Politically Incorrect" is:

Monday, July 30 : Bill Bonanno- son of crime boss, Joe Bonanno, Pat 
Cotter-Former Mob Prosecutor, John Jacobs-District Attorney, Ann 
Meara-Actress/Playwright

Tuesday, July 31 : Actor Steven R. Schirripa; Ganglandnews.com's Jerry 
Capeci; Rosanne Massa, (brother was killed by Sammy "the Bull" Gravano); Mob 
Attorney Murray Richman

Wednesday, August 01 : Comedian Gilbert Gottfried; Recording Artist KRS-ONE; 
Defense Attorney David Breitbart; Former Mobster/Author Sonny Girard

Thursday, August 02 : Actor/Comedian Adam Ferrara; Author Lorenzo Carcaterra; 
Former FBI Supervisor/Union Consultant Bruce Mouw; Cindy DiBernardo (father 
was killed by Sammy "the Bull" Gravano)

Friday, August 03 : Host/Author A.J. Benza; Actor Vincent Pastore; National 
Italian American Foundation (NIAF) board member, John Calvelli; Author/Former 
"wheel woman" for the Mob Georgia Durante