Politicians who take themselves too seriously can be a real drag. But when elected officials joke around too much they risk a reputation for being frivolous.
Del. Sal Iaquinto learned that lesson this week when several members of the Virginia Beach Roma lodge took umbrage to the theme for his upcoming fundraiser. In his three years as a state lawmaker, the delegate has taken his job seriously, and that's what should count with his constituents.
The event mocks the Oscar-nominated movie "The Godfather III," and invitations include a photo of Iaquinto channeling Al Pacino as well as references to zoot suits and cement shoes.
Iaquinto should have been smarter about his choice of fundraising themes, especially given his Italian heritage. But leaders of the Order Sons of Italy in America Roma Lodge #254 were mighty quick to pull the trigger on a protest. Iaquinto is an approachable and intelligent young leader, not given to offense. His judgment was bad, not his intentions.
Albert Marra, who first raised the issue with fellow lodge members, acknowledges that generational differences may explain why he and Iaquinto don't have the same reaction to the "Godfather" films. Marra is 60; Iaquinto is 20 years younger. Marra recoils at the depiction of Italians as violent and ruthless, while Iaquinto sees in his spoof of the movie an opportunity to fatten up his campaign bank account.
But first he's got to mend some fences with the lodge.
Iaquinto never has been shy about his sense of humor. He's already put on two pirate-themed fundraisers and his aides once erected a statue of Michelangelo's "David" in his office during the General Assembly's St. Valentine's Day decorating contest. In the meantime, he's wisely considering a safer theme for his next fundraiser, "Star Wars."
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Italian on my wife's side
I am Sal's brother-in-law. However, in the 20 years I've been married to his sister, I've never been made to feel like an "in-law". I have always been treated as a son of his father and a brother to him. I know Sal's passion for movies. I remember visiting the Iaquinto home and seeing Sal's room, every wall full of movie posters. He worked at a video store in high school. He worked at a video store in college. When he was a child, his father would take him and his sister to movies all the time. This was their favorite pasttime, and I'm sure some of their greatest childhood memories are of visits to various movie theaters.
Sal should not have to apologize to anyone. The man got creative and drew from something he enjoys. Whether it's Pirates of..., or Godfather, or whatever else he draws from, I can assure you, it's not out of disrespect or malice. It's all in fun. For whoever said they were offended, meet S
Godfather spoof tests humor's limits
Contrary to how you, personally, feel, Del. Iaquinto has NO "fences to mend", to use your terminology. Del. Iaquinto insulted neither Roma Lodge OR Italian persons. It was all about The Godfather movie. As far as I'm concerned, he owes nobody an apology or a mended fence.
Humor is Good
I commented when the story came out, and I feel that I must comment again now. Sal Iaquinto's flyer in no way offends me. In case you didn't read my posting there, I'm three quarters Sicilian, one quarter Italian, and I fully support Sal and his sense of humor.
For those thin-skinned politically correct, pains in the posterior, get over it.