9450: Herman Cain’s Mob Ties…?

From The New York Post…

Italian-Americans rip Cain-firm ads

By Carl Campanile

Italian-American leaders have blasted the Godfather’s Pizza chain — once famously headed by Herman Cain — for making dough off negative stereotypes of Italian-Americans as mobsters.

Godfather’s has a “Godfather’’ mascot who looks like a mobbed up, glorified gangster right out of Mafia movies.

The firm’s motto talks about satisfying “wiseguys” and “the mob” with “pizza you can’t refuse.’’

“It’s a negative portrayal of Italian-Americans,” said Anthony Tamburri, head of City University’s John Calandra Italian-American Institute.

“I’m old enough to remember ‘Amos & Andy’ episodes,” he said of the radio and TV show that stereotyped blacks. “We wouldn’t have an Amos and Andy restaurant chain today.”

Frank Fusaro, president of the Columbus Foundation, said Italians were the victims of double standards. “It’s offensive. No other ethnic group would stand for it,” he said.

For his part, GOP presidential candidate Cain brushed off the criticism.

“Mr. Cain often says that America needs a sense of humor. I’ll second it,” said Cain spokesman J.D. Gordon.

Godfather’s Pizza declined requests for comment.