The Godfather Thesis

The fabled “Land of Opportunity” where the government is one “...of the people, by the people, for the people.” (Lincoln) where the streets are paved with gold and every one has the chance to make his one’s life to be a spitting image of a legend. A land where everyone has the fortuity of becoming so powerful and influential where he could make a god kneel at his feet. A land where rights are given, not earned, and one is ensured life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness just from mere residency. A land where regardless of one’s name, culture, religion, race, or character, they are subsidized with all they need to achieve the unachievable. A land where everyone feasts like royalty and where poverty has been a thing of the past. A land that

The U.S.A. also claims that everyone can succeed and improve their character though opportunity. Indeed, everyone has the opportunity to achieve, but there’s a catch, everyone starts that pursuit at a different point. In the classic crime novel, The Godfather, the story begins with an Italian immigrant who works as an honest undertaker whose daughter was assaulted and immobilized by 2 boys who are let free on suspended sentences. This leads him to say these powerful words “‘You will weep as I have wept– I will make you weep as your children make me weep,”’ attempting to rationalize he breaks down, “the linen at his eyes now. The defense attorneys bringing up the rear swept their clients forward in a tight little band, enveloping the two young men, who had started back down the aisle as if to protect their parents. A huge bailiff moved quickly to block the row in which Bonasera stood. But it was not necessary. All his years in America, Amerigo Bonasera had trusted in law and order. And he had prospered thereby. Now, though his brain smoked with hatred,though wild visions of buying a gun and killing the two young men jangled the very bones of his skull, Bonasera turned to his still uncomprehending wife and explained to her, ‘They have made fools of us.’ He paused and then made his decision, no longer fearing the cost. ‘For justice we must go on our knees to Don Corleone.” (Puzo) Though the novel is fictitious, it exhibits themes that are very real. In the early 1900’s, when many immigrants came from all over the world to America from all continents for many reasons whether they be: fleeing from past or future persecution based on race, religion, nationality, and/or membership in a particular social group or political opinion, widespread conflict or violence, to find refuge after natural disasters and environmental