TM, Im a little concerned. Giving an IA list to anyone who buys it could cause alot of havoc! I know a number of leaders try and withhold lists from those they dont trust. Did you consult the Godfathers before this brash move?

The Hammer, seeing a bloodthirsty crowd harranguing TM on a Street Corner, hurries over.  After all, a fellow New Yorker in need is a friend indeed...aren't they?  With shock and dismay, The Hammer gradually realises many of the faces snarling and spitting at TM are also New Yorkers.  The Hammer asks for silence, but to no avail.  Turning to TM, he hurriedly asks for a summary of what has caused such outrageous behaviour.  Filled in on the argument, and his face a deathly shade of pale, The Hammer turns back on the mob, a cold, hard look on his face.  Pulling a .45 from his waitband, he fires a shot into the air, and screams for attention...

SILENCE!

What are we, animals?  Or children?  That we come here, into the Streets, to tell a leader of a family, a Tribute-payer to ThomasRourke no-less, that his move has been unwise, suicidal, worthy of death?  Well, as you have brought the argument into the Streets, for all to see, I will have to be heard here as well, it seems.  There must, after all, be one voice of reason.

Let us start, firstly, with the idea itself.  TM is opening a business, selling lists of those mafiosi who are too lazy to earn a decent living; who pay no tribute to the families, and who may even have slipped into a coma for all they bring to this world.  What is so offensive about selling this information?  Personally, I wouldn't buy it, because the information is freely available, to anyone who takes the time to look.  But as the information is freely available, and relatively easy to find, why shouldn't TM make a profit out of those too lazy to do their own research?

That leads me on nicely to my second point...many of you have argued that TM is somehow opening up the IA hunting grounds to people that should not have them available.  My first observation still stands...TM is not giving them anything they do not already have access to; he is simply making it easier for them, by providing an administrative service.  My second observation also pertains to this point; if you are concerned that somehow TM is going to be assisting unknown or unworthy hitters, ask yourself this...if a hitter is too lazy to do their own research, are they really going to be hard-working enough to rack up much of a hit-rate among the hunted?  I doubt it.  They'll arrive late, poorly equipped, and be beaten to the puch by the professionals.

There is a third point worth making.  Lists of dead-beats are not a new thing.  To the best of my knowledge, the first widespread use of them was made by the hitters of the Naked Rodent Liberation Front.  A smooth operation was set up by a distant ancestor of mine, that supplied each member of the family who had a gun with their own viable targets.  This ensured that the family's hitters did not all go hunting the same lame-ducks, but were spread out over the 5 cities (as they then were), and each had a target of their own.  It helped keep a disciplined unit together, and also enabled that unit to feel a part of something larger than just a collection of loose-cannons under one roof.  So, ask yourselves this...if TM is successful in selling a list of persons-of-no-repute to a member of your family, isn't this a failing on your part?  Shouldn't you have already provided those who asked for it with an opportunity to prove themselves, and given them targets yourself?

Finally, I would like to end by discussing the way in which the word Omertà has been bandied about today.  Omertà refers to the well-established practice of remaining silent when questioned by the authorities.  It refers to not acting like a stool pidgeon, even when accused of a crime you are innocent of.  Now tell me...where has TM broken Omertà by talking to the police?  That's right, he hasn't.  Of course, I am aware that some, who are not of true Sicilian descent, confuse this word with some overarching ideal of a Code of Complete Silence; but even so, has TM broken any such evasive and effervesent a concept?  Not that I can see!  He has not spoken of family business outside of the family.  He has not publicly criticised another New Yorker, when the correct course for such criticism might be to their immediate superior.  So even if you have some confused and decidedly un-Sicilian definition of the word, that might involve general secrecy, silence, and honour, it seems to me that the only people dishonouring themselves in this way are those who do so publicly; the whole world can now see your actions, your lack of restaint or respect, your lack of silence.

It seems I can finish with an observation that is all too often true.

If someone has failed themselves, their family, their city or Cosa Nostra, you don't need to point those individuals out to others in this thing of ours.  Cosa Nostra sees and hears all, and she passes judgment on the unwise without our assistance.  Monkeys would do well to remember that their wise cousings see no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil.  Only their foolish cousins play monkey-see, monkey-do.

With that, The Hammer shakes TM's hand.   I think you can take it from here, Sir.  The Hammer strolls off into the distance, not once looking back, aware that 5 Purring Tiger sharpshooters are watching his back for him, and thus having no need to turn around to watch his own. 

Many moons ago, I became a Godfather to the city of New York. Instead of sitting around ho humming and preening in the mirror (okay, that still existed but only took up a small portion of my time), I began making money. I allowed people to set up in my city, promoted them, whatever I could to get paid. That's a key staple in why we are here is it not? New York has always been a city of industry, and if anything TM is just following in my footsteps, gigantic they may be.

The fact that there have been people speaking negatively against him sickens me. I won't tolerate it. Anyone who has said anything REMOTELY negative to him here today has 24 hours to offer up a heartfelt apology, if you do not you will be dead by tomorrow. I will not consult your city, your crewleader, you will just be dead. Maybe you forgot who I am, let me remind you.

I am sorry TM, I have spoke out of turn. It is not my place to speak.

I am deeply sorry, Mister Montana. Like I said earlier, I am glad to have been wrong and seeing that you do indeed have started a great idea here.

I wish you the best of luck in your new business venture.

Solvent looks up from the crowd and approaches God Father Thomas Rourke.

Excuse me sir. I know I am probably speaking out of turn here seeing that I am not of the same esteemed rank that you are sir. Well tbh I am only a wise guy, but are people not allowed to come out in the streets and question new ideas? I believe that by questioning and getting clarifications to how others feel and yourself then maybe those mafioso that walk these streets that might possibly disagree with the new idea might become more comfortable about it.

Solvent looks up and tries to smiles as she looks at the upset God Father.

 I do understand your feelings on respect, but is questioning so that people can become a little more familiar and see others reactions really disrespectful?  I know recently we have seen others that have come into the streets with a new idea that got put down till those it actually regarded stepped up and come to find out it wasn't such a bad idea. Still those people were able to speak their opinions.

Solvent takes a step back and shrugs.

I am sorry if you feel I have been disrespectful towards you as well. I don't mean to have come off like that at all. Its just well sir... I like to see these streets active. People coming out with new ideas, people voicing opinions, and well people not afraid to be.That's just my opinion might not count as much since well I am only a wise guy but take it as it is worth. I know recently we have seen others that have come into the streets with a new idea that got put down till those it actually regarded stepped up and come to find out it wasn't such a bad idea. Still those people were able to speak their opinions.

Solvent bows her head respectfully and steps backwards a bit more.

Godfather Rourke and TM, I would like to apologize on behalf of myself and all the members of my city if anything they said came a cross as disrespectful or belittling. I'm certain that wasn't the intention. I sent my payment to Mr. TM immediately following my reply and am eagerly awaiting my reply from him.

The term negative is a bit broad however, and I would love to have a talk with you offline to discuss your views on what is and isn't negative.

I encourage my family to be active in discussions on these streets whether they share the views of the speaker or not. I also encourage them to be respectful as well.

Perhaps debating on this specific topic was best left for another corner, maybe getting into a discussion right here where TM is providing a service isn't the best place. Again, for that I apologize.

I dont feel, that anyone from my city spoke negatively, to Mr TM. They gave their opinion and I am okay with that. Again, if it was taken as negative...again, my apologies to you TM, it wasn't intended to be.

Now on to business, Mr. TM I sent you some money earlier today, when ever you are ready to discuss our business transaction I am ready to go. Looking forward to hearing from you.

I agree with Stifmeister on what he said

grins at Godfather Rourke and steps around a few guys on their knees so that he can take a seat on the bench

thinking to himself, "I guess I thought right on this one"

lites a joint and ponders should he be a lazy azz and purchase a list as well, the ganja just won't allow Marley the time. So purchases one as well.

sad face

puffs his joint

happy face

I do agree with Mr. Marley on this one. This is a good business decision for the TM family but will it eventually affect all of us in one way or another? This is a good idea to me but i would never pay that much money a week just for that kind of information.

I apologize for my coments TM and this will not happen again.

TM, Your IA idea is one that makes me wonder in many ways. However New York is a city of buisness and just like what Godfather Rourke said all you are doing is following in his footsteps and this is by far a good place to start. One thing I must say is that anyone who thinks this is a bad idea.

Yes you can and should share what you think however Mr Montana has been around for a very long time. Most of his offsprings make it to Crew Leader status so Im 100% sure he knows what he is doing. So don't argue against what he has done because whats done is done and he won't and shouldn't have to rethink of what he has started.

So Mr Montana you go and show these mobsters that they are wrong in keep questioning your ideas. That is the best thing to do, go show these fellow mobsters that this idea will rise above most of your own and that you will make some money from it. As im pretty sure you will.

DK walks over to TM and shakes his hand

I find it strange that  apologies are being requested regarding negative comments, rather than the outright disrespectful ones. Obviously I'm not trying to question you here, as you're the Godfather of my city and it's because of you I earn my crust; but surely my point is a valid one?

Regardless, that is a debate for another day. For now, I will do what my Godfather asks of me and make amends for my behaviour. TM, I apologise. I acted in a sarcastic manner unbefitting of my stature, particularly when addressing a Crewleader.

I will not hide my opinions on the matter for that is not the sort of person I am; but regardless of whether I think this is a good venture or not (again, my opinions have been made clear) is frankly irrelevant, I spoke in an inappropriate manner, and it shall not happen again for obvious reasons!

Some say this is a bad idea others say it's a good idea. For a business idea, very good move TM. I honestly can say that I would have to agree this can be very good for bringing in money. For those that say "Well you're making it easier for everyone to train a gun AGAINST you."

Well I'm pretty sure he'll have his own hitters using them otherwise why would he sell these? Plus it can give him an idea of who is a hitter by those that buy them another plus. Also it brings new hitters into things a little and keeps the labor down for the hitters out there that are sick of making their own IA lists.

When I read back through journal entries of my ancestors hitting has always been down in the dark alleyways and a trade secret. Now it's as common as pickpocketing. If you're not one step ahead then you're behind already. Not a bad business move TM, good luck with this endeavor.

Before I grace you all with my opinion, I'll first comment on something I saw from FlyingMonkey. He brought up a great point. People need not apologize for respectful disagreements. Those who don't allow respectful disagreements make disrespectful problems inevitable.

Now. Onto my opinion on the matter. First of all, "hitting" has been one of the bright and shining reasons that some people enter the mafia. This is their place in their family, and they earn their worth by protecting the family. Honestly, I expected this to be a lone effort, but who doesn't like seeing a new industry popping up?

Secondly, I have to politely oppose this business proposition. As some of you may've noticed, "hitting" as been extremely simplified over the past few years. This is just another step in the wrong direction. This makes it incredibly easy for anyone with half a brain to start shooting. However, I am nowhere near being in control of what occurs around me. So, I'll leave my thoughts on the matter and depart.

At the end of the day chaps, following on from Bokrug's contribution where he claims that it's incredibly easy for anyone with half a brain to start shooting, it is up to the crew leaders who within their family does the shooting. If the CL of the "half-brained" Mafioso does not want the individual concerned shooting for obvious reasons, then he will say to the person "If you shoot your gun then you will die". Problem solved. I fail to understand this semi-panic about apparent uncontrolled Mafioso running amok with guns they don't know how to use. That is not the case now, and will never be the case as long as good crewleaders are in control of the situation as they are now.

There is an opinion to be had, of course there is, but it is how you present the opinion that matters. That's the moral of the story, and I hope everyone concerned, and everyone who considered making this their final contribution to a speech, bears that in mind.

Aside from that, good luck with your venture TM, I imagine it will prosper fairly well my friend.

TM walks out of the office and posts somthing for everyone to see it reads

Weeks list under construction buyers will be informed when it is ready. 

Thank you

-Managment.

I was sitting in the coffee shop after hearing a speech with the same idea as this one, luckly someone had a written poster of this, so i can read back over it.