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A bigger problem than numbers, however, may be the quality of the protection they offer. Chicago Sun-Times Reporter Michael Cordts, who went undercover and became a Guardian Angel recruit, drew a disturbing picture of his three-month training. Among his charges: recruits were poorly trained in citizens' legal rights; two violence-prone youths were graduated simply to bolster the size of the chapter; the group was racked by a power struggle between co-leaders dubbed by the rank and file "Mr. Ego" and "Mr. Mouth."
Sliwa calls reports of problems "exaggerated," but some Angels are less reluctant to acknowledge troubles. Admits Rahni Fiduccia of Chicago: "Most applicants think the Guardian Angels are a glorified Bruce Lee squad and they just want to go out there and smash heads." Says Boston Chapter Leader Susan Piver: "The idea should never have been to blitz Boston. We are limited by manpower and we are limited by funds." Growing pains are inevitable, but if the Guardian Angels fall short on their promises, they will undermine their potential effectiveness. Says Piver: "We've got to build from the ground up and that takes time."