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See my Post #9......The Medici, and other families at that time, carried with them many of the societal traits of the Italian/Sicilian Mediterranian ethos, one of which was what we today would characterize as Mafia-like: Nepotism, only a trust of close family members and the installing of them into positions of power, murder of rivals, etc., etc. (ie. very 'Godfather'-like, or the Baathist party of Saddam Hussein, for that matter).

The Hatfields and McCoys might bristle at the comparison

Italian/Sicilian Mediterranian ethos, one of which was what we today would characterize as Mafia-like: Nepotism, only a trust of close family members and the installing of them into positions of power

huh - go figure

Dad and Gramps used to call it "a loving family".

The family unit you describe is patriarichal, and is consistent with communities and societies not having been adulterated by the melting pot of American societal influences.

The contention of a murderous ethos on the part of mainland Italians and Sicilians is broadly bigoted at best - but then you top it by comparing us to the Baathist party of Sadaam Hussien

Simply charming

Things have gotten better. The comparison, however, was apt for almost all the members of the European "leadership elite" of that day. The next century saw even worse with the rise of opposing Catholic and Huguenot factions in France.

There's a lesson in this somewhere.

".....Baathist party of Sadaam Hussien....."

Saddam was a BIG fan of the 'Godfather' series. His regime has been characterized as Mafia-like, in that he appeared to 'parrot' some of the movie's philosophy.

"...broadly bigoted at best..."

No, I don't think so: From my Post #9, a point which was not pursued in the previous Posts..........{"...what they did (both good and bad)..."}.......that you have seemed to overlook.

They weren't all bad, my thin-skinned friend. They also are considered responsible by many historians, because of their patronage of the arts, for the Rennaissance!!!!!!!

One must also remember that this was the age of Machiavelli's THE PRINCE. THAT is maybe the point: Looking back on them now they are filled with the inconsistencies of not only their age, but of ours too, ie. ruthlessly pursuing power and wealth while cultivating a refined appreciation of the arts and civics. Maybe you could also consider them to be the Rockefellers of their day.