Boogie stood among the masses. Things were heating up these days. Everywhere you turned there were either power moves or mistakes by leaders, causing them either their crew, district, or city. Either way there was a question that needed to be asked.

Minty breath? Check.

Sex appeal on 100? Come on now! DOUBLE CHECK.

Soapbox? Check.

First of all I want to start this off by saying RIP to the fallen that have been piling up week after week. While no explanation is required nor mandatory, I hope everyone can find it in their heart to pay respects no matter what the causes are. Second of all I want to say that in no form am I intending to disrespect anyone in a decision making position by posing my next question. This is what I do. I think, then I speak, hoping for opinions from our beautiful "world".

There was a time when my great-great-great grandfather roamed these very streets. War, or what has now turned into strategic take downs at times, happens to be a normal thing in this beautiful business. It keeps balance, it gives opportunity/hope, and at much needed times it provides assholes with humility. Anyone who disagrees and wants to wear pink while holding hands can go to Despero's late night pow wows. 

Clears throat and looks around for Despero.

Moving on! 

I remember a time in my journals where if a crew were taken out, ANYONE, no matter of how significant or low of a position they held, would bite the dust and get a visit from the grim reaper. You see, the moment you sign up to lay your head in someone's HQ I believe there is a rule we all follow unless under special circumstances or blessings. You live under that HQ until death do you part. It's like a marriage so to speak. Leaders provide the housing and protection, you provide the means to keep the ball rolling. In this case though, that special circumstance would be a Order of Protection broadcasted by any or all influential leaders.

Since I've graced these shores and offered this thing a blessing by joining the underworld... after every death of a leader we've all received a telegram stating that every mafioso below the rank of Made Man should, no excuse me, HAS the right to find a new family within 7 days.

Meaning no matter where in the food chain of your family you sat, meaning no matter how close or loyal you were to your city, meaning no matter how hard you balled for your city, if you played your cards right you were able to shake off this traumatizing event then skip in a field of roses with unicorns by your side until you found another organization to be an associate to. Hmmm.

Needless to say I don't have to say where I stand in this debate but this isn't about me. This is about the people's. I did not come here today to voice my opinion or to hear the opinion of others that way we could change this situation. No. Because if we had the power to change something I wouldn't be here standing in front of you today. I'm here to hear the opinion of others on this matter.

Feel free to speak. 

She listens intently before speaking...

Do Wise Guys deserve to live? Well, yes, yes they do. A Wise Guy is not a sworn member of the family, they are still an associate. An associate is not usually privy to knowledge that a full fledged member of a family is. 

When one becomes a Made Man, they are given full membership in the family. They have proven themselves trustworthy and dependable. They have given blood and taken blood in the name of the family.

Way back in the day Made Man was a big deal. Some families had elaborate ceremonies to celebrate the induction of Made Men. These days some do, but most do not.

Which at one point in time this was true Morgaine. Now? Maybe rank does dictate how invested you are in your family affairs, but to what degree? There are Wise Guys walking around who are older than Godfathers. Surely they have some type of influence or importance for them to be alive so long.

Maybe not a public Button man, but maybe they have the privileges of a Made behind closed doors? Ha. That's another topic for another day

Based upon my experience in this thing of ours, longevity has to do with a combination of proving yourself useful, having a bloodline that has been known for loyalty and being lucky.  Many of us in this thing of ours do not have the time to spend grinding on the streets as many of our hardworking, devoted peers do, this however does not diminish our useful in specific situations and, in return, we appreciate the lodgings and help out where we can if needed.

As far as the subject at hand, I have once been offered protection from an order when my crew leader decided to retire from this thing of ours unexpectedly, god rest her soul.  The rest of my time here has been with two other families, both of whom are now godfathers.  In summary, to answer the title of your speech, I believe that everyone's deserved right in existing is ultimately up to their specific situation, as it is to everyone else here taking part in this life we live.   That said, I do understand where you are coming from.