Boner steps up to the podium... box... sidewalk, and waits for people to notice him doing an irish dance. When a suffice amount of people had gathered, he sat down in the middle of them and lit a big ol' fat Cuban, and puffed away slowly as he started to talk.

All too often these days we've seen thugs, petty thiefs, gangsters, and a variety of other no named c's running around here like they own the place. Just today, a member thought it wise to verbally abuse my leader and challenge them. To this I had to change my pants due to pissing them from laughter. What it is with people these days? Seriously, shut the fuck up, get your head out of your vagina, and learn to cope with the way things are.

There are a few simple rules to surviving around here, yet the bitterness of losing fathers, sisters, brothers, or third cousins twice removed who once claimed to sleep with a goat, overrules all of this. Forget, forgive, and move on. I'm not saying to not hold a grudge, but really, what is the point in bitching whilst you can do nothing about it? If you want someone dead, shut the fuck up(I like that phrase today,) rank up quietly, and kill them yourself.

Sighing, Boner inhales a bit of his cigar, and takes a deep breath. This was already getting his blood boiling. More people had gathered by this point, and Boner took that as a cue to continue.

Another thing that's been so to speak "grinding my gears" is the term 'return to our former glory.' Really? Honestly? Who the fuck is to state what glory any particular person is at. We've had more people attaining massive amounts of BG's, money, and connections in the past six months than in the past six years COMBINED. So really, nitwits, what glory are we returning to?

Is it the personal glory of 'Oh, holy shit, I reached X amount of kills'? If so, unless you're reaching kill counts up near the five, six, seven or eight hundred mark, please take your own gun and bite the barrel. With cannons around here such as Deimne's(GRHS,) Gwarble(RIP,) and TheDean's, it kills me to see people tooting their own horns over nothing. So again, I ask... What fucking glory are we going back to? We're in a new age now people, it's time to stop living in the past and thinking that things that were great back then are also great now, because they're not.

Things that need reform as previously mentioned are the extremely slacking standards given to ourselves as young mobsters. Back in the day so-to-speak, people would get big ol' shots of OOC-itis medicine by Iris for spewing such bull shit out here as "game" "thread" and so on. What games are you playing? And fuck if I care what threads you're wearing, mine are all stained anyhow.

Boner shakes his head at a Wise Guy who had just recently been reprimanded for asking if his promotion was in. Pointing to the Wise Guy, Boner decides to rant some more, feeling a bit like he'd imagined FlyingPig does when he's pissed.

And you! Little nonamerjohnnygotnoballs, what the fuck are you thinking? You're lucky to still be alive. I'm glad your leader held back your promotion. It seems to me as if today it's as easy as kicking a few million dollars up, and not saying anything retarded in the streets to get Made. I've heard from past folk in this thing of ours when there was a time that obtaining that rank actually MEANT something. I must only take their word for it, because for the vast majority of the time it would seem that now it doesn't really mean much other than being able to set up your own crew, and running organized crimes around the cities.

Now that's not to say their aren't some out there who deserve it. Hell, I'm sure there's plenty of you button men out there who have proven your loyalty and devotion a hundredfold, however, to you I speak now. Wouldn't it mean more to you all if there wasn't any of "the other" kind of button men? The other kind meaning of course those who have only done the bare minimum to obtain the rep to be Made, but still haven't proven completely loyal?

Wouldn't it make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside to know that you're actually walking around with a group of respected men, through and through, and not having to deal with the Made+ Men who haven't earned it? I'll answer that for you. Yes. It would make your own pants have stains such as mine.

Boner sighs once more and stubs his cigar out, and relaxed on the curb whilst waiting for the droning of the complainers whom he'd just bashed.

Overhearing the man shout and swear his way to proving his point, Clarence couldn't help but having an opinion.

I've seen many a comment made about..well.. being made and I actually understand where your coming from. I agree it should be one of the finest offers and honours that one is given, though if, nonamerjohnnygotnoballs, was due a promotion,I'm sure he would have earned it and not paid for it.

Sometimes tough deicsions are required from the top, if that means getting trusted members into place faster for the benefit of the family,then it must be done.

If however, the most wisest of men are overlooked, then questions, you have asked, must be made.

Well said sir.

You have made the point that I was thinking much more eloquently than I could have done.

I will not even attempt to expand on your words as I am sure they will be understood by everybody.

I think this is an extremely difficult situation and the questions you pose have few clarifying answers, regrettably it may always be this way for it's difficult not to tarnish individual situations with the same brush when each case should be on a merit basis.

Often it is the case that in fact these thugs, petty thiefs, gangsters what have you do indeed own the place and perhaps do have a little more right than their rank would suggest, seemingly they delve into their journals and quickly permeate all but the smallest of details and soon enough have formed their whole set of characteristics to take forth into this thing of ours, for others it takes a little while longer and I don't presume to know right from wrong in this occurrence but surely it becomes understandable to see the frustration in a mafioso who is seeking his button only to find themselves having to adhere to the word of a thug who has been deemed of suitably more importance.

It would indeed be nice to have the elite system that you hinted upon, to restore a certain amount of respectability back into this world but it will never happen, as the honourable Clarence mentioned, people are fast tracked, again this is the case throughout history, for the benefit of the family which I cannot say I have many qualms with on a personal level as my lineage has reaped the rewards and witnessed said benefits and duly given back in the process, for the right individuals it does work.

These are merely my observations and I'm not expressing judgement upon them, after all, I'm just an associate... quietly going about my business.

Sam Carollo just happens to be polishing his button when a boner pops up and starts speaking. Having never seen a talking boner Carollo is all ears, and much like a good erection, Sam thought long and hard before spewing forth his reply.

I think any of these youngsters who bitch, moan, and maybe feel some entitlements are more a reflection on the people who handed them the entitlement to begin with. Which brings us right to the button man issue. Statistically, there should be far fewer of these so called "other" made men+ who havent earned it. As a matter of fact there are only 2 consigs and 3 dons, they are mademen+. It's nice to know you feel some of them might have deserved the rank they acheived but I think it is very dangerous to point a finger like that at such a small group. I think personally being in a group of over 50 made men gives me plenty of plausible deniability that you were talking about me, but as you go up you increase the risk of offending the wrong person. I also think that the made men+ I see walking around, earned it, but thats just my opinion. I could seriously have no way of knowing how well another person serve's their boss.

Hears some interesting words as he steps out from his last job

Ah the golden days...when was that exactly? It differs for nearly every person, for some it date back to another place, others it dates back to the time of Anita, or Marietta, or Deimne. Who knows what the next week will hold let alone the next few months, but those "golden days" come and go for each and every one of us at some point.

Now on to promotions that are handed out. What I see is this, nothing has ever changed there. Promotions are as always decided by the boss of the family and no one else. Unless your a real fuck up you'll not get held back. As for Made Man not meaning something these days, I beg to differ it still means exactly the same thing it meant in the past. It's another rung on the ladder that stands in front of each of us.

If you think that in the past it was any different then your wrong, there were always people who got to that rank and further by just being a good earner/shooter/street speaker. Just because you don't know the person and haven't heard them speak doesn't mean to say that they haven't performed above and beyond for their boss.

Ancalagon leans against a nearby brick wall, content to observe the commotion before him. It seemed as though a smoking, swearing, poorly dressed associate to one of the nascent criminal organizations that have been established after the chaos of the recent past.
Cocking his ear to the commotion and keeping his eyes alert to anything, he listens as several speakers come forward and speak their mind. Tapping his foot, Ancalagon takes a few steps away from the wall and towards the first speaker.

Imitation is said to be the sincerest form of flattery and you do the Piggeh bloodline honor in the attempt. However, I’d like to address several points of my own, if you gentleman would indulge me.

Waiting a few breaths and hearing nothing, Ancalagon presses on

I’m curious as to what would you do about the so called “slacking standards”?  Do you feel it is only in street speaking?

Turning to ClarencyWorley, Ancalagon smiles softly

One of the factors that influence when a man or woman is to be accepted into the family properly would be time spend out on the streets. While that is a way to earn towards being Made, do you think more should be considered? As a follow up, some bloodlines always seem to rise to the top faster then others. Connections abound in this world so I ask you, should promotion based on bloodlines past be as much of a factor as experience in Our Thing?

Patting John-the-Cosh’s shoulder, Ancalagon chuckles

Good man. I believe my father knew yours. Perhaps a drink is in order at a later time?

Missing everything Alyz said due to his whispering, Ancalagon shrugs and returns back to his spot on the wall.

Sweeney was there sitting on a bench with a donut on one hand and a Diet Mt Dew in the other. Wearing a black suit with a red tie tucked in the suit. Black cacky pants. And his braclet on his wirst. Agreed with everything he said. Except one little thing.

<blockquote>and not having to deal with the Made+ Men who haven't earned it?</blockquote>

Now sir. I respect with your words, and trying to say what you believe in. But that one statement, bothered me a lil. The CL is the one who decides one gets to be the Made's here. So when a CL thinks that a person should be made. So the people must have earned it one way or another...

That is all..

Excellent point there, stranger.

I do not think it was meant in that fashion though.

Fair question Ancalagon, although there are some fine street speakers among us, I don't think that is a priority factor in being made. Obviously it helps to have such well spoken individuals at the higher levels of the hierarchy, though I know that if one has had a fine experience with a certain individual maybe his son would rise faster through the ranks.

That said though, I have also known people wth vast experience taking some time to get the honour of being made. I suppose to sum up your question, it really all depends on who is at the helm.

I quite agree with most of the statements made after my original speech. While it is only known to individual bosses, and them alone, how much work or otherwise a man/woman has done for them, it can sometimes be quite clear when you view their credibility. If a Made Man has only made a few appearances in the streets, and if they've only been around for an hour here or there, surely they can not be "all that." Again, this is not the case in one hundred percent of the situations, but I know of quite a few people who have personally told me that if they were a leader, they wouldn't have promoted themselves. That says a lot, in my opinion.

As to you, Ancalagon, you raise a good question. I do not feel as if the standards only apply to the streets. The ridiculousness of some peoples suits, the bitching and moaning about PP'ing, and the general conduct amongst IRC avenue have me in a right tizzy quite often.

Moving on to the second point of yours, I do not believe that promotions should at ALL be a part of "who you know". We are each our own person, it should not matter who our fathers were, or what they did to die, become famous, or who they pissed off. One of the most irritating things that gets under my skin is hearing about leaders asking newcomers to these shores their lineage. If people want to make a name for themselves, anonymity should be accepted throughout the cities. Of course, this is my humble opinion, and I fully understand that leaders are just covering their own asses so to speak.

Sweeney, I meant no disrespect to you button men out there who actually have earned it, I was merely mentioning that(as previously stated,) a fair amount of the time, promotions are given without being earned. Whether it's because the leader knew the Wise Guy's father, the Wise Guy was a good friend, bought 'em a drink, or the leader simply wanted to strengthen their crew with another button man is beside the point.

One of the most irritating things that gets under my skin is hearing about leaders asking newcomers to these shores their lineage.

Only those with a tainted lineage should have a problem with their leader asking that question. It is mentioned several times in journals of my ancestors that it is always good to know the father of the son or the mother of the daughter.

Reason being...that person has a certain type of potential.

 A leader who disregards this loses a valuable bit of information. As all who wander our streets know, or should know, information is a very important to have.

I do agree with part of what you say. Making a name should be the goal of every new person to our shores and no one should ride the coat-tails of their parents.

I have to agree with Ancalagon. I have no problem asking for a person's lineage. The only people who have a problem with giving it to me are those who have something to be embarrassed about in the bloodline. That being said I will respect someone who does not want to divulge their lineage and it will not necessarily keep my from inviting that person. It just may take more effort and time time to be accepted as a button man.

One of the most irritating things that gets under my skin is hearing about leaders asking newcomers to these shores their lineage. If people want to make a name for themselves, anonymity should be accepted throughout the cities. Of course, this is my humble opinion, and I fully understand that leaders are just covering their own asses so to speak.

I once made it known that those who applied to The Lions Den should have taken the time in introducing not only themselves but who their parents were as well. Not because I wanted to dig deep into someones family history to ensure a safe bet, but because it would have given me an idea as to the skills a particular person may have carried with him from what his parents could have taught him.

A leader who disregards this loses a valuable bit of information. As all who wander our streets know, or should know, information is a very important to have.

I couldn't agree more, Ancalagon. I think many disregard the importance of how valuable little pieces of information really are.

But Boner, and I really do feel uncomfortable calling you that, if your dead and gone daddy slash granddaddy were still alive and kicking to this day, they sure could attest to the number of new opportunities and second chances I have given to people regardless of what their parents may have done. I see no need in me discussing with you which leaders may have shunned those that may have had an elicit past or given others their buttons based on how friendly they may have been. Frankly I don't really get involved in what goes on in other families as long as it doesn't conflict with the interests of mine that is.

Leo steps forward, fresh of the boat.

The only reason a new Mobster on these shores should have any issue with their bloodline is if their parents did something incredibly stupid. Any other situation and they should be proud of what their bloodline accomplished and this will most likely reflect on how they themselves will perform in this "thing of ours".

As for tail-coating off forefathers, why not? If your father done enough of a good job to get remembered then you have every right to mention it, afterall what else do we have a to use as a basis for any mobsters potential?

Now, I'm not saying you can get by on a bloodline name alone. But, it sure as hell can get you off to a good start. That's when you must start performing to your bloodlines calibre, otherwise your leader has made a grave mistake taking your bloodline into account.

Magua steps up and put his hand on his new member Leo's shoulder as he begins to speak, puffing his chest up as the tribes leader, he belts as he speaks to the crowd...

I too agree with my friend Leo's opinions as far as having a bloodline with good accomplishments may or may not get you a good head start. I myself would be very honored to have a experienced mobster approach me to join myself and my confederacy. I would feel more comfortable giving them some money and possibly bodyguards to begin with as well knowing it would be going to a good home over someone who may or may not go inactive.

Magua light up his peace pipe and hands it to his member Leo... he turns back to the crowd and begins to speak some more, as he looks over to the left he notices the pipe beginning to be passed around. Peoples faces begin to smile and people begin to cheer... Magua's voice begins to get louder as the crowd of natives in the back begin to let out howls of excitement

You know us natives are all about being able to protect us and our lands from the harmful white man, so when someone approaches us with the abilities to do so we all get excited for them to be able to help us and our goals.

Magua looks over to Godfather TheDean and nods his head

Godsfather, I can also say I have seen you give many people many chances. You have allowed people to setup their own families even and haven't worked very long with. You have also allowed people into your cities and into your families to possibly gain respect and make something of themselves. I have experienced first hand your generosity towards being able to make something of yourself in this thing of ours...

Magua hands the Godfather a cigar and lights one himself. Magua grabs his peace pipe and begins to walk off with his tribe back to their encampment.