Although Rudolph Giuliani may be as deserving as any of the other nominees, I intend to withhold expressing my support for him, since he does not take Negative Stereotyping of Italian Americans seriously, which is a VERY serious matter to me.

It is puzzling. Giuliani's father was alleged to be a "petty" bootlegger, (not an alleged BIG time bootlegger like President Kennedy's father). Yet Giuliani was a legendary Prosecutor of all types of criminals. On the other hand, he not only enjoys watching all gangster movies, and is a fan of The Sopranos, and enjoys attending costume parties as a "mobster", but dismisses I-A Activists as being too serious.????

I have respect for Giuliani's work as a Prosecutor, and his Leadership as Mayor of New York in the wake of the 911 Terror Attack, and I will always try to support a fellow Italian, and I am never a "one issue" person, but...
  
This is a decision each of you will make for yourself. 
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NIAF SUPPORTS GIULIANI NOMINATION FOR NOBEL PEACE PRIZE

(WASHINGTON, DC- OCTOBER 8, 2002) The National Italian American Foundation (NIAF) objects to the remarks made by Rev. Al Sharpton referring to former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani.  Rev. Sharpton asked the Nobel Peace Prize committee not to consider former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani for the Nobel Peace Prize because it would present "a distortion of history."  

According to NIAF Chairman Frank J. Guarini, " We are proud of Mayor Giuliani's leadership during 9/11 and days following the attack on the Twin Towers in New York.   The mayor immediately communicated to the people of New York reassuring them and calming their fears and concerns.  He was in constant communication with both the Governor's office and The White House and made immediate decisions on security and rescue operations.  He toured the city and was an indomitable figure who held the people of New York City together during these terrible times."

As mayor, Rudy Giuliani returned accountability to New York City government and improved the quality of life for all New Yorkers.  Under his leadership, overall crime is down 57 percent, murder has been reduced 65 percent, and New York City has been recognized by the F.B. I. as the safest large city in America for the past five years.  As the grandson of Italian immigrants, Rudy Giuliani learned a strong work ethic and a deep respect for America's ideals and values.

The committee has already chosen this year's winner and is to announce its decision Friday, October 11, according to newspaper reports.  Others nominated for the $1-million peace prize this year include: Afghan President Hamid Karzai; President George W. Bush, and British Prime Minister Tony Blair.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    

The NIAF is a non-profit organization based in Washington, DC and dedicated to preserving  the heritage of Italian Americans.  
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Elissa Ruffino 
Director, Communications & Public Relations 
The National Italian American Foundation 
web: www.niaf.org 
email: elissa@niaf.org
main: (202) 387-0600
direct: (202) 939-3106
fax: (202) 387-0833