VIRGINIA BEACH
Albert Marra was shocked by the political fundraising flier he found in his mailbox last week.
It was a picture of Del. Sal Iaquinto, in a dark suit, hair slicked back, hands clasped in a prayer position, evoking Al Pacino in the movie poster for "The Godfather Part III."
"I found it utterly offensive," said Marra, an Italian-language professor at Old Dominion University. "It perpetuates the kind of stereotypes we're accustomed to getting from Hollywood, not our elected officials, especially one that has Italian roots."
He took the flier to the weekly dinner of the Order Sons of Italy in America Roma Lodge #254 in Virginia Beach and showed it to the group's president, Bruno Cardo, who criticized it publicly at the meeting.
Cardo said he found in especially poor taste the part describing dress attire for the Sept. 16th "Join the Family" fundraiser. It says: "Zoot Suit or Business Casual. No Cement Shoes."
"This is totally inappropriate," Cardo said Monday. "What are we, a bunch of gangsters around here?"
The flier takes the Mafia theme further, listing donor levels such as "Godfather" ($2,000), Don ($1,500), and Consiglieri ($1,000), which can be translated as "trusted advisor."
Iaquinto, an Italian-American Republican who represents the 84th District in Virginia Beach, said the flier was supposed to be humorous and an attempt to distinguish his event from the typical "rubber chicken dinner."
He said he was trying to celebrate the movie, not the culture of organized crime.
"This isn't a Mafia thing," he said. "It's a movie thing."
Iaquinto noted that last year, he threw a fundraiser based on the movie "Pirates of the Caribbean," complete with a roving band of pirate actors.
"I by no means condone the activity of organized crime, and I don't condone the activities of pirates," he said. "I do apologize if I've offended anyone, but that was not the intention."
Marra said that wasn't the kind of apology he and his group wanted to hear.
"Always the caveat, 'If I've offended anyone,' " Marra said. "He has offended. Saying that means he doesn't really see it as offensive, and he needs to see it as such."
Iaquinto, who is a past member of the Roma lodge, said he will try to talk to group members.
"I'm sorry that they feel this way," he said. "It was just an homage to a good movie."
Aaron Applegate, (757) 222-5122, aaron.applegate@pilotonline.com
Delicious
Digg
Reddit
Facebook
Google
Yahoo
my brother Sal
Let me first say that as Sal's older sister I speak from experience when I say this... Sal is quite frankly one of the most sincere people you could ever have the pleasure of meeting. I will forgive those of you who are talking bad about him as I am confident that it comes from the ignorance of not knowing him. I have however had the great honor and privilege of knowing him his whole life and if I had an unlimited amount of time I could tell you one story after another of his love and devotion to his family and friends. Sal is not only the epitome of an Italian hero he is what every American man should strive to be. God, Family and country are what he stands for. The funny thing is I do not always agree with the republican party but would over look any differences I could have just to have the chance to vote for a leader with the morals and dedication that Sal has.
PS. Sal if you read this... I think your next years campaign should be "Star Wars" as I know it is not only one of your favorite movies but your boys would love it also. Think of the poster, you could dress the boys up as yoda and ewoks. Gosh, I hope people don't think that you are condoning intergalactic ba
Political correctness at it
Political correctness at it again. Get over it.
P.S.
Dont just take my word for him being a nice guy, check out what his students have said about him over the past years on ratemyprofessor.com and trust me we for sure bash professors on this site, but his really students think the world of him.
Former Student Professor
I took a course in Introduction to Italian with Dr. Marra at ODU few semesters ago and honestly the guy is nice and very liked by his students. He was always reasonable with grades and always willing to help if you had questions or problems. He taught us lots of great things about the Italian language and the cultural as well. I think alot of you guys commenting on here bashing him arent being fair. The guy can have his own opinion, this is America right...
The flier MAY offend some...
...but Sal looks so good doing it, who cares!
DonVAbeach response
Hey DonVaBeach, have you checked with Sal's on S. Independence, just past the Lynnhaven intersection? It's been some time since I've had their pies, but even this Irishman can appreciate good Italian food. If they don't use wood burning stoves, maybe the taste will at least partially make up for it. Best of luck to 'ye.
For someone that claims to
For someone that claims to be from the Bronx, poster "borninNYC1958" apparently didn't learn how to refer to people from Long Island. People grow up ON Long Island, not IN Long Island. Sheesh.
Signed -- a gal born and raised in Brooklyn.
What good stuff has Sal done lately for us?
NYCborn58 you asked: "All that aside can anyone honestly tell me anything worth while that this shmuck has done for our district over the past few years, I can't think of one, and I voted for him back then!!!" Yes, I can. Sal was very critical to the crafting and lobbying of a compromise bill in the last special session of the GA that would have brought us a much better funding solution for our transportation improvements than that mess that Governor Kaine offered or HB 3202. In Sal's bill the port would have paid for much of what the port wants in the way of new highways. It would have saved us locals over 6 Billion tax dollars. A vast improvement over the other Tidewater transportation bills.
What a Hoot
This is the funniest political flier I've ever seen. Good for you, Sal. Don't let the spoil-sports get you down.
Dixieland757's comment about disliking New Yorkers
What a ignorant thing to say, seriously!! Obviously you have wayyyy too much time on your hands at your boring little job. Although the reason you probably feel that way is partially because of characters like this guy Sal, or "The Godfather", lets call him. You've got the impression that all New Yorkers and Italian Americans are like this guy. I think we all would expect more out of a elected offical then throwing theme party fundraisers, and expressing himself as the self proclaimed John Gotti of VA beach. I believe the reason this Professor Marra and the Suns of Italy organization spoke out, was not only because they were some what offended that one of there own (who should act like a delegate and not a moran) was portraying himself as "The Godfather", but also because I'm sure there are much better things that our Tax dollars could be going to then his "Theme party" fundraisers. In closing, New York doesnt like you either Dixieland!
To all you Italians and Sicilians....
Politics? Forgetaboutit! As for Sal Iaquinto, he has a good sense of humor, and I hope he wins. The best politicians are those who are brutally honest, can't be bought, and aren't afraid to laugh at themselves a little. Give the guy a break...he's Italian...he's not saying we're all connected...he's just having a little fun.
As a transplanted guy from Jersey, whose Father came from Italy (Pignataro Maggiore, Caserta, Campania), I have one question: is there any pizza parlour in Virginia Beach that has a genuine wood-fired brick oven? These stainless ovens just don't do it for me. I'm still waiting to find my first decent pie.
Thanks, guys....and good luck to you, Sal.
sal iaquinto's political flyer
I think there is a bigger issue here. Did anyone check out this guy's web site? It looks like something from My Space or Facebook. There is more information on his latest "bashes" than what he accomplished for his district. This guy needs to grow-up and act his age. Theme parties - what's next, a keg party? If he wanted to do something Italian - how about a "black tie" featuring Italian opera.This man has no class and a lot of time on his hands to pose for mob portraits.
I agree with Don M
I agree with Don M. This is much ado about nothing. I'm sure Sal isn't that bad up until today I didn't even know he was italian (thought he was hispanic) I'm just bored at work and I don't like New Yorkers!!!!!! Aren't there any politicians from Virginia representing Virginia anymore?? I mean an itailian from new york in Virginia... i mean come on he's asking for it.. j/k
More roughage in your diet Professor...
This one "special" person....Ivory Tower Professor....got his name in the paper...why?...because it was a low real news day....I think more roughage will relieve his constipation....and I enjoyed everyone's comments
Funny Bone Deficiency
It is painfully obvious that many in Hampton Roads have completely lost their sense of humor. There was no malice intended in his actions, and therefore the whole situation has been blown way out of proportion. There is nothing more pathetic than that.
It would be as if I were to print a front page story about how Sal is a big jerk because he didn't wave to me as he passed by while driving through my neighborhood. Not the same you say? Apples to oranges? Oh yes my dear friends..it is the same. It all represents "Mountains out of Molehills".
Nice to see a politician with a sense of humor
The "Godfather" styled flier shows that Sal has a good sense of humor and he's not afraid to poke fun at himself. It's hard to believe that Mr. Marra could have been so deeply offended by this. Mr. Marra's protests make me wonder if he's got some other political motivation or ax to grind. Anyone who wants to knock Sal politically with this flier would accomplish just the opposite because most clear-thinking people can appreciate the humor.
Thanks Carolisha
I may have been wrong about the name history, but the rest is accurate. I guess good on Sal for keeping the family name, but I think he should stick with insurance defense work.
Sal - Keep Up the GREAT WORK
As someone who's three-quarters Sicilian, and one quarter Italian, I can appreciate some of the sensitivities that have been expressed.
But as a wise guy (in the smart-alec sense), I can TRULY appreciate Sal's sense of humor.
You thin-skinned, politically correct pains in my posterior, GET A LIFE!
Sal, I love the flyer, and you, paisano, have my vote!
Lighten Up!
I think this ad is very creative and fun. It grabbed everyone's attention...exactly what it was supposed to do. I do not believe Mr. Iaquinto was meaning to offend anyone, he was simply making it fun and entertaining...more folks in politics should do the same. Good for him! He's got my vote!
Theme party's are where its at...
I tell you, some of these comments are so out there. This is all for fun, and very creative away to throw a party. Sal did not make this with the intent to hurt anyone or to make Virginians look bad he did it looking for a creative party idea. I'm sure you guys have either been to or thrown a Hawaiian Luau and dressed in grass skirts with coconut bra's or put flower leis around are necks, but are we in anyway trying to make fun of or hurt Hawaiians feelings by throwing Theme party around Hawaii. I mean really this is all for fun!
SAL YOU ROCKS!!!
Always have my vote...
Hey Peter
Peter- I thought you italians were trying to shed that image guess I was wrong about that. TR makes a great point in his comment! I for one am not gonna give any money to this italian and if his intent was to intimidate good Virginians he got another thang coming Peter!!
Get your facts straight...
This is to Yuhmama:
Its apparent by your comment that you actually dont know Sal at all. When his family came over to America his named was changed to "YoQuinto" and since he is proud of his Italian background he had it changed back to "Iaquinto" which is the original and correct spelling of his name.
Are you upset because you didn't get an invitation?
I think Sal looks great in that photo!! He's got my vote :)
This guy only wishes he was Michael Corleone
Being an Italian-American who grew up in the Bronx, NY around hardworking Italians and also "connected wise guys" I could state the claim that this guy only wishes he was Michael Corleone. Is it not ironic that he is portraying himself as the most powerful fictional gangster of all time, who had every law maker in his pocket. I'm really not offended that he portrays Italians as "goodfellas", I mean he can throw his mafia theme party as a fundraiser (even though I think its something we did as college kids). I just think hes a real moron for doing so. In all seriousness, isn't it quite unprofessional for an elected offical to mail flyers of himself dresed up as Al Pacino. Sal, your not a "tough guy", you grew up in Long Island and you're not a good politician either, you only wish you were both. All that aside can anyone honestly tell me anything worth while that this shmuck has done for our district over the past few years, I cant think of one, and I voted for him back then!!!
I used to work with Sal
and he used to be known as Sal "Yoquinto". What gives? If he's so proud to be Italian, why did he change the spelling of his name?
He's a Regent Univ. Grad, Bob McDonnell protege, and just as much a conservative as good old Bob. Mark my words, when Bob becomes governor, which he will, like it or not, Sal will be a consigliere of his staff.
I'm Italian and I think this Godfather rip-off is cheap plagiarism, not amusing and an offense to hard-working Italian-Americans.
I used to work with Sal
and he used to be known as Sal "Yoquinto". What gives? If he's so proud to be Italian, why did he change the spelling of his name?
He's a Regent Univ. Grad, Bob McDonnell protege, and just as much a conservative as good old Bob. Mark my words, when Bob becomes governor, which he will, like it or not, Sal will be a consigliere of his staff.
I'm Italian and I think this Godfather rip-off is cheap plagiarism, not amusing and an offense to hard-working Italian-Americans.
Seeing the validity of either side
is needed in a situation such as this. Being an ethnic minority, I've often seen my group stereotyped in attempts at humour. Some of these attempts have been funny, others out & out nasty & offensive, to anyone with any couth. It's a thin line between satire & insult, when dealing with religious, racial, ethnic & gender groups, among others. If some, especially of Italian descent, find the flier offensive, I don't question their sincerity. If other's, especially of Italian descent, find it amusing, I don't doubt their love of self. Humour, is often a complicated issue.
General Assembly = organized crime?
Isn't being in the General Assembly the same thing as being a member of organized crime? Anyone read HB 3202 - and the VA Supreme Court ruling regarding HB 3202 and the HRTA; a 7-0 ruling that proved the General Assembly and Governor viotaed their oath of office by violating the state Constitution?
This poster makes perfect sense!
Freedom of Speech and Expression
I am part Italian and born in the United States. Sal is Italian. His next political fundraiser has a theme. It is called marketing people. You get customers through marketing. He ran unopposed in his last election. There is no urgency to attend his fundraiser now, so he needs to do something new to bring people out. I am a member of Roma Lodge. I am not offended by Sal's action, but I do understand the complaints. He has taken a hit for this and learned a lesson. I encourage readers to attend the Italian Festa in Virgina Beach on September 19 - 20, 2008. Be happy and celebrate Italian heritage. Thank you City of Virginia Beach, Live Nation, and Beachevents for hosting Festa Italiano for another year.
http://www.beachstreetusa.com/festivals-and-events/festa-italiana
I hope to see you there Sal.
So Sal is equating...
... donations to his campaign with Mafiosa 'family' positions. Didnt the mafia extort 'contributions' from local businesses by offering 'protection' to those businesses? Sounds like Sal is telling it like it is.
I'm not Italian
I'm not Italian so I'm not offended. But seems really corny and totally lame especially for an elected official. I would be embarrassed if I voted for this guy. I don't know why italians are so mad though, organized crime is a part of their culture and this proves it. Here you got an elected official of italian descent and he wants to be thought of as the godfather... lol....