Malis sat in a coffee shop sipping her drink of choice, cappuccino. She tucked a piece of her hair behind her ear as she turned to look out the window. It was a warm night for middle of September in Philly and it looked like many were taking advantage of it. Malis watched the people pass the coffee shop. Some were young, some were old. Some were alone, while others were coupled up. Some looked like they were up to no good and some looked like they completely ran these streets. Malis finished her coffee, placed her purse on her shoulder and joined the general public. 

As she walked down the sidewalk she noticed that there were a lot of people out and about, none of them were really saying anything. Now that she thought about it, the coffee shop had been half full, but no one was really saying anything. Had the last regime really muted the population this much? Malis thought about this as she continued on her way. She had planned on hailing a cab as soon as she was out of the coffee shop, but had changed her mind. Winter would soon come and she'd miss these nice fall nights. Now, as she walked and thought, she may be out on the streets a bit longer than she had bargained for.

Malis just hoped no one tried to speak to her directly and heaven forbid they try to stick their hands in her pockets. Didn't people understand she was a Queen and didn't enjoy being pawed my grubby man child hands. Reaching her goal, the empty lot just down from the coffee shop, Malis found an old soap box and took at stand.

While I walk down these streets of ours I can see people and some action, but I hardly hear anyone's words. 

Malis smiled to the crowd that was gathering. Of course they were gathering to hear what she had to say, she was the best.

I know that our world is recovering from a suffocating regime that is now gone, but none of you, specially the leaders of our worlds, have time to come grace us with your opinions? 

Malis tossed her hair over her shoulder before continuing.

You've caught me. I'm here to tell you all my opinion of street prescence. But, what may surprise you, I'm not just here to call out the leaders. Because really, is it our leaders responsibilty to bring life to our streets or is it everyone's responsibility?

She raised her hand to the crowd as if someone dared to interrupt her.

I've heard a few side comments that if leaders are mute our streets will stay mute. A few mumbles here and there that our leaders are too quiet and we need more of a presence from them in the streets. Or simply that our leaders are all mutes. I disagree with these comments. As we rebuild from a regime that had such a strong hold over our world those leaders are working around the clock to bring our world back into the light. 

I believe that the life of our streets comes down to each and every one of us and not just those in bold suits. The old regime is dead. Six feet under. Our community should embrace this and embrace our streets once again. 

What do you think?

Do you feel like we should hear more from our leaders?

Do you think the life of the streets should be left on the shoulders of those in bold suits?

Do you think that every member of this community has a responsibility of kissing life into our streets?

Malis did not step off the soap box because she's a Queen, but she did open the floor to hear others opinions on the subject. 
 

Mr Agdgdgwngo was on his way through town in the morning to see a man about a dog. Quite literally, the rather large African man was very fond of dogs. And since he had just moved into his new HQ located in Bella Vista, what better to buy than a few Guard Dogs for the place. He noticed Malis and a group of other people standing around listening to the woman giving a speech of some sort, interested he stopped by for a minute to listen in. After she and the other Gentleman was done before him, he piped up with a very, very think African accent. Would any of them understand him?

Gooooooooooooooooood Afternoon.. He said, this was his trademark opener for any conversation.

I think this particular topic, is an age old one. And it really does come down to opinion like you said at the end of the day. While I do agree, Leaders do play a role in helping maintain the streets liveliness, it shouldn't just come down solely to them as well. There's only so much one person can talk about, BUT.. I also know that there are some Leaders that do prefer to live their lives away from away from the hustle and bustle of the streets. And to tell you the truth, that doesn't really bother me. But I would definitely say that it's better when they do pop by and let you know where they stand on things once in a while, it helps you get a better understanding of who they are. A feel for what kind of person they are, and sometimes their morals and beliefs given the right topics put to them. 

But I've also noticed of lately that the street presence is.. lacking should I say? Personally that's how I am seeing it. Not just from Leaders, but people in general. I had a quick browse earlier and the responses, other than to a few stories being told, and a couple of celebrations, other than that is little to none. So I think at this moment in time, the community, the whole community should be trying to get out here and liven the place up a bit. It will take more than just a handful of people to get this place back to what it has been. My ancestors have been around here many years and quite often recall the streets being a very, very busy place indeed.

And yes, I do always enjoy reading the newspapers that occasionally pop up, some of them are very entertaining! If some of you publishers happen to be reading this, what are you waiting for?! Get writing!

I agree with Mr. Agdg... Mr. George, here. Everyone that can add their two cents to the streets, should do so.

The streets shouldn't just be a stage for our leaders to tell us what they are all about. It should be a place where healthy dialogue manifests between who-ever. The gangster shouldn't lurk in the shadows and wait for the blamage of a leader. Those with a daring opinion shouldn't remain silent until they are the most ruthless person in this world. The streets is not some invisible border that separates those in power and those without. It's where everyone should merge and become us.

And I don't think that should be some happy-handholding 'us'. It should be challenging, but to me it only makes sense that it does. I don't really buy the apparent attitude of everyone agreeing with eachother. No one does I think. But there is apparently an attitude that prevents people from publicly disagreeing. I'm not sure why that is, perhaps it's a misinterpretation of what respecting hierachical structures means. Any way, the responsibility is with everyone to make the streets a lively place. To me, regardless of the contributed content, everyone that engages in the streets in a respectful manner is a winner in my eyes.

I do disagree with that there is only so much to talk about though. If we dare, there is a truckload of topics to talk about.