Strolling through the morning streets Tyrion pondered several issues about the community that concerned him. On this morning however, one in particular kept coming back to him. Who are these people? He walked past a boss and it occurred to him he had no idea who he was. A Boss! A high ranking member of a respected family in his own city and Tyrion had ever heard him say so much as a word in public. He passed another Consigliere and a similar realisation hit him. Then a Capo, then another, then a Don! What the hell was going on?

He sat down at a nearby café an pondered the issue over a cappuccino. Eventually he decided that these were the people around him and their opinion should be considered, after all his own perspective was just that, one point of view, nothing more. He stood up and called for some attention.

There is a phrase I have heard many times in relation to some businesses. "Ten percent of the people doing ninety percent of the work". Our current situation seems to reflect that, at least in terms of public voices. I come to these streets every day and listen to the various speakers, many of whom I am familiar with due to their regular appearances. I also notice there are many members of our community who have never said a word.

A few private mutterings in the confines of headquarters or a friendly bar aside, too many established members of our community seem to be utterly mute. Ironically the only actual mute in our community has proven capable of making a most articulate and accurate point even if he had to conscript someone to read his notes in order to make it possible. I see some young mobsters giving their all to get involved while supposedly 'respected' Bosses stand silent. Where is their voice? I mean, the voices of the mutes with tongues. 

I know of a couple of notable silences. If Godfather Iota for example, were to come here and speak I'm sure you'd see several people faint with surprise but he has turned that into something of a calling-card and I am told he struggles to get around as freely as he once did. My dear friend Sherminator never speaks in public but that's something we are working very hard to correct. His grasp of the language is improving but alas is still very limited and his fondness for rude words can prohibit effective communication. I can assure you all we will make him speak as soon as we are able. There are other examples of silent members I could list who have either stated why they chose silence or have had their reasons made clear by others. But what about the rest of you? 

What concerns me is that the vast majority of people say nothing at all. Why is that? Do you people not care? Are you afraid? Are you content with the life of a sheep, going with whatever flow is put in front of you? Are you just dust in the wind? What is it?

Far be it for me to assume my view as absolute, I would very much like to hear opinion on the matter. I would dearly love to hear from those that don't speak and find out why they as an individual shy away from public discussion and communal activities. You may have good reason, I am not assuming anything. I hold a personal view that a strong Mafioso should be connected to the community they exist in and participate in it on every level, but hey, that's just me.

Sitting back at the table he takes a sip of his cappuccino and lights a smoke.

So tell me, what's your opinion?

Personally, I would never give anyone their button unless they had demonstrated that they knew how to speak properly in public... I know this isn't everyone's approach, but it has long been the belief of my family that the streets are the heart and soul of this thing of ours, without them, well, there's precious little point being here. That said...

At the moment the boss has me studying to become an accountant, she needs to hide her income from the tax man, and I have been delegated to commit endless hours studying the various national and international accountancy standards so that I can help her do this. That aside, I have a child who needs caring for, friends to have drinks with, family to see, shopping to do, hell, I even clean my own damned house from time to time.

All of the above means that I don't have the time to dedicate to this aspect of my life any more. I still commit a few robberies every day, just to keep my hand in. I check mail and chat with friends and the boss. And I do try to catch up on everything that's been happening out here in the streets, although if I am honest, that is toward the bottom of my list of priorities at the moment.

Another aspect of the lull in activity is this: There is nothing new under the sun. Every conceivable debate (including this one, tbh) has been had many times before. Most of us have family going back many many many many generations, who have participated in untold discussions on the 48 hour rule, pickpocketing, respect (or the lack of it), the meaning of rank... and so on. Frankly I think many people are just a little bored, a little jaded, and here merely out of habit, friendship... and that Success! feeling, of course.

The saddest part is that when a newcomer to our shores sees that you can make it to the top without being active out here, for the most part, they do not feel the need to learn how.

Saul listens to Tyrion.

I think this is a great point you have brought up Tyrion, Why don’t most of us come to the streets. The reason I don’t talk a lot is because when I come to our streets to see what people have to say, I always see that many people have already commented to them. Most of the time I would agree with a few people but would not like to sound like a parrot saying the same as everyone else, or even a 5 word sentence such as I agree with whoever. As you can see I also need to improve more on how I speak and am trying to do so.

Saul takes a step back into the crowd.

The saddest part is that when a newcomer to our shores sees that you can make it to the top without being active out here, for the most part, they do not feel the need to learn how.

I fear that may be a disturbingly accurate summation of an emergent problem Sheriff. One I would hope the community and leaders seek to address and attempt to reverse. You and Saul both highlight the issue of originality. Repetition is an understandable block for many who's blood have lived to see the inevitable cycles of discussion. Of that there is no doubt. However I feel the two are inherently linked. If more emphasis was placed on public speaking perhaps that would see fresh stimulation and alternatives to what may seem to some, tired old topics. I know that in New York we have a condition (among many others) that a person can not receive their button unless they can demonstrate a very basic level of public speech. Maybe a harder line on this rule or more widespread use of it could be at least a step in the right direction?

Personally I would find participation more important than innovation in our current climate. As a starting point at least. But I am completely open to suggestions.

Chuck really waits for this issue to come out because he is half mute too. It is now time to speak out what really are the reasons. He squeezes his way in the middle and speaks with honesty.

This really are the reason why I am rarely seen in the streets or in short half mute

1. The Streets have a wide variety of happenings that I dont feel like or necessary making a response of. It is either auth of a certain individual of whom I didnt ever know or a tale of story about their life, their challenges with himself or the two of them or group of them.

2. My point of view has been taken already!!

Just like my man, Saul_Silver here has already stated. Several discussions and debates which I loved to participated had been participated by a lot of well intelligent mafiosi whilst they have stated what I was thinking so there is no point in speaking out. Sorry Saul if I repeated what youve said like a parrot, I just want to exemplify there reason.

3. The Streets too, have some shares of trolls and nonsense human beings

My last reason, There is some dude who ask a question with respect and addresses it to the Crewleaders. Then some person speaks way out of the question and insults in some form which really pisses me off and which anyone of you does not care too.

After Chuck speaks out and he give some kisses and hugs to the ladies who are watching and walks off.

Unfortunately, we can't all be eloquent debaters. Some choose to spin yarns or recall ancestry. Some can barely offer that, due to a glaring lack of education. Perhaps these people don't care to have their inadequacies pointed out to them in such a public manner.

There are also those that are so highly opinionated that they find it best to keep their mouths shut, because they don't want to see their own blood flowing through the gutters, even if it was never their intention to offend someone higher on the food chain.

What I have noticed in my time here as for the streets is a stretch

from one extreme to another that is fueled by critics and sinical views.

Which to me is fine, given that our streets are the center stage for important

debates, announcements and the occasional good story. What the mainstream

population in our world knows and see's is light years away from that of an

aspiring mafioso or new associate. That being said, the killings of those who

came to the streets respectfully and spoke their minds voicing an opinion has

led to a continued decline in appearances. Now, the other side of that coin is 

that the streets are not always the place for just any random - questionable way of

our world by those less experienced and they shouldn't be taking issues in the streets

without first gaining the knowlege through experience and family.

Well honestly I think debating in the streets is an art, and people play this game from all over the world, and to debate on any particular topic the first tool you need is the "Medium of English Language " and it is not necessary that everyone must be knowing "English" language, and you can't communicate in these streets in any other language, so sometimes there can be a language barrier.

secondly it is like that in the real world as well every company or institution has a person or group of people who present the view point of that particular company or institution to the masses " like media coordinator", like that every family in our this world should have a set number of mafiasos who should speak on behalf of that family and present its point of view in any particular thread to the masses.

Because speaking in the streets can sometimes be risky, for example if you disrespect someone even not intentionally then the consequences for that are not good.

..the killings of those who came to the streets respectfully and spoke their minds voicing an opinion has led to a continued decline in appearances.

I'd have no doubts this WOULD lead to a decline. However, when we see a decline in street appearances when nobody has ever been killed for 'respectfully' coming to the streets, that's an issue.

The way you casually tossed that in there almost looked like you were suggesting it was a fact or had happened. Given that I'm one of the older members of our community and have never seen it happen, I have to doubt the accuracy of the statement.

Well, this is a common subject that we as a community speak on. Usually you will find that the "Active" mafioso come out here and share their views, and these "Mutes" either Ignore it altogether or sit silently in the back.

But as you have said, some have their own reasons behind not speaking publicly. Maybe they don't feel they are ready to address the public without given reason. Some people find it hard to find a subject worth talking about. So often we see the same speeches with different words here in the streets, that is why new events are a good thing.

As FlyingPig once mentioned in a speech some time back, we seem to be living in an era where most guns remain unused. Wars are avoided at all costs and generally the populace gets into the habit of robbing old ladies in the street without any sort of risk from other mobsters wanting to "take power" (As is one of the main reasons for war).

http://mafiareturns.com/comm/thread/86449

Misery looks at those that are worried about the fact that some don't come out and speak.

I know that many from my family have not yet to venture out into these streets to speak among the masses, and trust me I am well aware I don't venture out here that often. Some feel that it is a critical point to do this, but as it is my feelings on the matter they are important but at the same time they are not.

I see it personally as something not everyone is comfortable doing. Someone might be a wonderful speaker and love to come out and express opinions to everyone, while a lot well are a bit more on the shy side and tend to turn away from it.

Some say that in order to get a made man then you must do it, but I wonder because as my family knows and I preach to all of them day in and day out that it's what and how you treat those in the family and you show you can do with in the family and for your leader that are most important. My view might be a little skewed here but I would much rather have a made man that is 100% in ability to help aide those in the family, and work hard for me. To me if they are able and want to go out and verbally speak about an issue, or comment about something in these streets then it is a bonus, but not something that is of utmost importance.

Aren't most of those in the mafia actually a bit more on the quite side? Misery shrugs I'm sure that my perspective on this issue is like I have said a bit different then most, but to each their own. Every leader does things a bit different and what they do works for them!

Misery nods and then pulls out a smoke before she turns and ventures down the street.

Godfather Deimne, I may have used the term "Respectfully" loosely. One's idea of respect in speach differ's from another's with numerous variables being the reason(s). My point is that there is a thin line between allowing someone who may have spoke out of anger, emotion, lack of experience or plain ignorance a chance to be corrected by his/her peers and killing them. I can recall just recently a man loosing his life over his views on the subject of member whoring. Though I do not know the extent of his actions, the post in the thread suggested that he spoke out of line after sharing his view and he apologized.

I am not suggesting anything of any killing's as it is up to the respective families to handle. I am suggesting my opinion however on one reason (or two) that you do not see the average newcommer out in the streets sparking a debate.

While there is an element of subjectivity to it, it is a huge leap to go from accidentally offending someone to disrespecting in a manner that results in death.

The previous event you mentioned is a perfect example of this. This man didn't give his views on the subject of member whoring as you suggest. He first suggested that each and every one of the LV CL's had lied to all of us, which is a blatent lie and a huge slap in the face to each of these LV CL's. He then went on to say that he disagreed with the current stance on member whoring, something I can assure you had nothing to do with his death... honestly? do you think I really gave a rats ass on what his opinion was? but decided to go on and insult each of the city leaders who introduced this rule saying that they only did it due to lazyness.

He went out of his way to insult people, one of those people being me, so he died. If he had given ANY effort to thinking about what he was saying or the manner in which he was saying it, he could have raised all the points he made but in a manner that would have offended nobody. He died for his stupidity and ignorance, not for his opinions. That wasn't someone trying to be respectfull, it was someone who went out of his way to be disrespectful.

I understand. It is always unfortunate when someone such as that person doesn't take heed and purposely acts in such way's. I also understand that you for one, Godfather Deimne try to resolve minor instances or unrealized acts without haste as seen by the recent post made by yourself concerning Las Vegas. I respect this quality of leadership you possess.

I think that new commers or experienced members who do not feel they have an ability to respectfully speak in the streets should maybe be given a written code of ethic's to help guide them if they wish to participate in debates/current issues. Again, my quest here today is the appearance of the streets to those new to this world. 

Alfonce, Most leaders provide teaching options for every new member they accept, this of course requires effort from the new members. It's just a pity that some (most?) of them are not interested in learning, they simply prefer to stay silent with little effort.

Seeing that the conversation was getting off point Gaius decided it was time he entered his two cent for what they were worth

I agree that I don't visit these streets often enough, personally I find the decline in discussions to be redundant. Anyone that has been here for a decent amount of time has heard the debates and its the same one's over and over. I know I know... Gaius raises his hand in their protest I should do something, change something if I'm merely bored with the same debates. However, I admit that I'm not the most creative individual to walk these shores, I'm just a mafioso that looks to two things, my family, and cold hard cash.

Where is the profit for me or my family by coming out and debating in these streets? Knowledge? Surely, but you must agree with me Mr. Tyrion that most of the rubbish thats discussed in these streets is meaningless. Gaius could see Tyrion's objection and held up his hand begging for the man to wait until he finished. Please old friend, let me finish.

I do agree that once in a very rare while there is a discussion that isn't completely meaningless, things DO change. However, until someone with the ole line behind em says it, nothing changes, and for me personally I haven't seen a debate worthy of my time. I'd much rather hang out at your bar, or relieve the local post office of their newest shipment.

Gaius pulls a cigarette from his mouth and flicks it onto the ground before reaching in his pocket and lighting another one

:George nods:

Mr. Gaius is exemplary of the point that came to my mind.  Many of us here are simple criminals.  Not sophists.  Not master debators.  We come to earn a living and serve our family.

We may live in a world with its origin deeply rooted in the art of the written and spoken word, but putting one's self in the public eye is not ar equirement of this.  To be honest, if every individual were on the corner giving a speech, it would take me hours to get to my office, and it would certainly drown out the voices of those skilled in the art or who have somethign important or meaningful to say.

It's true that making one's self public helps one create an image and to fully engage in the community, but that style is simply not for everyone.

I wouldn't consider myself to be a mute, though I agree with many of Chuck's points and would like to extrapolate.

As only a second-generation mafioso, I can say from a fresh perspective that my first impression of the streets, as an avid observer, has been something reserved to the opinions of the elite. By the elite, I loosely refer to crewleaders, admins, and bloodlines that have ridden on their own fathers' successes. Forgive me for my generalizaiton, but I too, have seen many lesser-known mafiosos with decent opinions face a sort of discard when they voice their opinions.

From a personal perspective, I can say that I once asked a rather innocuous question only to be received by criticism from multiple directions insinuating my inability to figure things out from the get-go.

To put it simply, I believe the main reason most of us remain silent is not due to our shy demeanors (I'm definitely an outspoken one myself), but rather due to the fact that those of us who are less-privileged feel intimidated by many of the voices of the streets. Therefore, I've expressed my talkative nature more privately, making more intimate conversations with my fellow mafiosos.

you must agree with me Mr. Tyrion that most of the rubbish thats discussed in these streets is meaningless

Oh I do Gaius, I do. And I agree it is very rare to see a unique or original discussion. However its also important to encourage people to speak even if there is the risk of repetition. As I explained a while ago using Nikola Tesla's 'coils', some repetition is inevitable but individuals must be allowed some room to develop their skills as a public speaker or their chances of ever saying anything original get snuffed out completely.

From a personal perspective, I can say that I once asked a rather innocuous question only to be received by criticism from multiple directions insinuating my inability to figure things out from the get-go

Ritzo this is a fact of life. Any action made in public is open to ridicule. And any shortcoming will almost certainly get pointed out and even jokes made at the mistake maker's expense. As Chris pointed out in his speech the other day, this isn't the Velvet Mafia, you need a thick skin. You mention "bloodlines that have ridden on their own fathers' successes" but honestly, you think they were immune to the same ridicule and being the but of the same jokes? Hell no! Everyone will make mistakes with anything when learning, no matter what it is. Its inevitable.

I know from journals that a couple of my ancestors took a great deal of public abuse for clumsy and ill thought out speeches they made in the streets. Some of it was brutal. In hindsight though, they realized that as harsh as it was a lot of it was warranted and more upsettingly, accurate. That's a tough cookie to swallow. Being willing to man-up and accept our various weaknesses is a vital step toward overcoming them and developing into something stronger. Its hard yes, but critical to do so. Its essential not to get bogged down in feelings of rejection or resentment, to sift through the comments and responses, to see what was true. Some of that brutal abuse may be key to realising your mistakes and it may end up providing the answers as to how not to repeat them. Its all part of evolving.

You need a thick skin. If you are going to run away and never try something again, every time you get your mistakes highlighted, you will struggle to ever grow into one of these "elite" mafioso you mentioned.

Chris steps out of the assembled masses and raises an appraising eyebrow, quickly scanning the throng to sort the real men from the jabronis. After a moment he removes his sunglasses and speaks.

Finally, The Rock, has returned... to the streets. Tyrion, Firstly the Rock would like to thank you for mentioning him by name and making reference to the so far vastly overlooked diatribe that he delivered to the streets. It warms the Rocks heart to know that you count yourself amongst the millions... and millions of the Rocks fans.

The Rock looks around the streets and sees that the vast majority of mafioso aren't fit to shine the Rock's boots. the Rock sees that the vast majority of mafioso fall into the ranks of the silent masses. The Rock sees that should he come to the streets and call many of our highests ranked mafioso a steaming, stinking, steaming pile of monkey's crap then many of those self same mafioso would never know because the only time they come to the streets is to buy a burger and fries when in fact they should be serving a burger and fries.

"you want to go large jabroni?"

The fact of the matter is this. The steets have always been populated by just a handful of the best and the brightest. Too many jabronis sit there looking dumb and come up with excuse after excuse as to why we never see them in the streets. For years the Rock has seen candy ass after candy ass hide themselves away behind the doors of their HQ, their Boss's HQ, their boss's dog's HQ and say nothing. Well that suits the Rock just fine, because it means there is more for the Rock to say. More time for the Rock to entertain the People. More Time for the Rock to lay the smack down on some big, fat, ugly hermaphrodite.

The rock smiles a dazzling smile and raises his chin slightly before continuing, ensuring that his fans can see his best profile.

Effective communication beyond that necessary for survival is what seperates us from the lower forms of life, like birds, like fish, like insects and laughing cats. You don't see otters reciting poetry or writting plays that will last a thousand years. All you see is the same old faces, and all you hear is the same old tired excuses.

Chris mimics a whinny voice before continuing

"English isn't my first language. I'm only a kid. I'm the biggest roody-poo bug-eyed milk-drinking suck-ass kiss-ass 100% Grade A candyass the Rock has ever seen. My lips are too big like Gwarble's and I'm afraid if I run my mouth in the streets I'll swallow my own head. My parents were hermaphroditic siamese twins and I'm too deformed to be seen in public."

It doesn't matter! Excuses are for the weak, and for failures. So are you weak or a failure? Well it still doesn't matter what you are! All that matters is that you tried. How many of you Jabronis are going to come to the streets and say, 'Rock, you got it wrong! Rock, you misjudged me! Rock, look, I can speak what's on my mind. Rock, I'm not as great or as Electrifying as you but I tried!'

When all is said and done, and you are lying on that morticians slab, with the Rock's size 13 boot suck half way up your candy ass, at least you can look down from heaven, or up from hell, or sideways from Limbo you can finally say 'I tried, Rock. I tried. I gave it my best shot.' That's what seperates the great and the good from the two dollar-no-fifty cent-no-aw take all the quarters nickels dimes and pennies, put 'em all in a bag and stick 'em straight-up-your-candy-ass sluts!

So this goes out to all the silent masses and their candy ass excuses. Some time, some place, you'll be walking down Know-Your-Role Boulavard, smoking on a fat Cuban, and The Rock doesn't mean a cigar neither jabroni. Then Bam, The Great one himself will lay the smackdown on your candy ass, smack the taste of that fat cuban clear out of your mouth. Take that fat cuban, shine him up real good, turn that sumbitch sideways and stick him straight up your candy ass! When that day comes, will you be the one saying at least I tried, or will you be the one crying that you mised your chance?

If you smell, what the Rock, is... cokin'!