As Richard Annotico reported it has been a good week for Italian
    Americans.  Certainly the story of Jennifer Capriati continues to be an
    inspiration.  I am a firm believer in redemption.  That we all make
    mistakes and how we deal with those mistakes is a sign of our
    character.  Somebody once told me that experience comes from bad
    judgment and good judgment comes from experience.  Jennifer Capriati
    has shown us great wisdom and courage in her remarkable comeback.
    Certainly she has found her strength from her family.  The family, a
    cornerstone of our Italian heritage and something that Jennifer embraced
    to pull her out of her slide.  

    CBS continues to go out of their way to promote positive shows about 
     Italian Americans and is one of the few television networks that understands 
     you can make money on Italian Americans without having to portray us as 
     criminals.

    On the negative side we still have a long ways to go.  TNT has
    repeatedly played on their network these past few days "Analyze This."
    One of the most offensive Mafia minstrel shows I have ever seen.  "Key
    Largo" is on PBS tonight.  Edward G. Robinson was a fine actor, but he
    became famous by portraying Italian Americans as some of the most
    repulsive people I have ever seen.  Johnny Rocco is a classic negative
    portrayal of an Italian American in unfortunately a brilliant little
    film.  When the story is well done, and the Italian American is the
    villain, it hurts us even more.  "Key Largo" is a clear message on the
    evils of immigration and is a brutal attack on Italian immigrants.  

    On Fox just a few days ago they featured the current leading D.M., or what
    I call Designated Mobster. Vincent Pastore has replaced Joe Pesci as
    televisions favorite D.M.  "Big Pussy" is making a living by selling
    his olive skin over and over again.  On this Fox comedy he played the
    same wise guy he has always played.

    I am so tired of seeing my heritage trashed over and over again. We
    still have a long ways to go.   Since "The Sopranos" premiered 3 three
    years ago, they must have added another 1,000 miles to the road.  I guess
    we just have to quicken our pace and strengthen our resolve, but we will
    get there eventually.