The Godfather

 “The Godfather” By Mario Puzo
 
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brains out. That can’t happen. Don Corleone controls all that apparatus. His refusal to 
let us use it is not the act of a friend. He takes the bread out of the mouths of our 
families. Times have changed, it’s not like the old days where everyone can go his own 
way. If Corleone had all the judges in New York, then he must share them or let us 
others use them. Certainly he can present a bill for such services, we’re not 
communists, after all. But he has to let us draw water from the well. It’s that simple.” 
When Barzini had finished talking there was a silence. The lines were now drawn, there 
could be no return to the old status quo. What was more important was that Barzini by 
speaking out was saying that if peace was not made he would openly join the Tattaglia 
in their war against the Corleone. And he had scored a telling point. Their lives and their 
fortunes depended upon their doing each other services, the denial of a favor asked by 
a friend was an act of aggression. Favors were not asked lightly and so could not be 
lightly refused. 
Don Corleone finally spoke to answer. “My friends,” he said, “I didn’t refuse out of spite. 
You all know me. When have I ever refused an accommodation? That’s simply not in my 
nature. But I had to refuse this time. Why? Because I think this drug business will 
destroy us in the years to come. There is too much strong feeling about such traffic in 
this country. It’s not like whiskey or gambling or even women which most people want 
and is forbidden them by the pezzonovante of the church and the government. But 
drugs are dangerous for everyone connected with them. It could jeopardize all other 
business. And let me say I’m flattered by the belief that I am so powerful with the judges 
and law officials, I wish it were true. I do have some influence but many of the people 
who respect my counsel might lose this respect if drugs become involved in our 
relationship. They are afraid to be involved in such business and they have strong 
feelings about it. Even policemen who help us in gambling and other things would refuse 
to help us in drugs. So to ask me to perform a service in these matters is to ask me to 
do a disservice to myself. But I’m willing to do even that if all of you think it proper in 
order to adjust other matters.” 
When Don Corleone had finished speaking the room became much more relaxed with 
more whisperings and cross talk. He had conceded the important point. He would offer 
his protection to any organized business venture in drugs. He was, in effect, agreeing 
almost entirely to Sollozzo’s original proposal if that proposal was endorsed by the 
national group gathered here. It was understood that he would never participate in the 
operational phase, nor would he invest his money. He would merely use his protective 

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