Can you speak freely?

MaDRox stacks a couple of loose pallets that he pulled out of a nearby alley and jumps up on to the wobbly stage….

Something has been on my mind here this morning, and though many of you might not give a rats ass on what I have to say because im in no spot of importance but none the less ill bring it to the streets attention for the simple fact that even those who might no be in a place of power should or might have something to say…

My question this morning is it appropriate and do we have the right to speak our mind?

In some scenarios speaking our minds in this thing of ours will quickly see us a quick trip to swim with the fishes where we will never be seen again. Some might ask themselves is this right, and my answer in this line of business it all comes down to a few things.

I think one should be able to say what he or she wishes given the fact that they are one, not disrespecting anyone in the process, two and even more importantly not putting your family in a tight spot to defend you even if what you are speaking is true this will surely in tidal you to an obit ticket so to speak, keep in mind every leader has to look out for the best interest of there hole family even in the case that they may have to punish one of there own to keep the rest of the family safe. And last but not least that you know what you are truly preaching in these streets of ours before bringing it to the publics attention. I have a few rules I go by when ever I throw myself forward in these streets, if you think your opinion or words might get you killed then it is more then likely better off to keep them to yourself.

Nonetheless, im here today with a simple question that if you follow these rules should you be able to speak your mind freely?

Situations may very but im curious what everyone else has to say about this, examples and what rules you might follow when speaking in the streets is what im interested in…

I hope to hear a few answers at the least, and what rules you have set for yourself before speaking in these fine streets of ours.

MaDRox jumps off the pallets and waits around to hear some other people out and what they think on this topic…

Just did.

Sure if you aren't insulting someone, or a family, or a city, and you are respectful, and you aren't breaking Omerta, and you don't upset your CL or your Godfather, and you toe the family line, then I reckon you are allowed to speak your mind... problem is, this is the Mafia, not Congress, and you have no right to free speech here. You may find speaking your mind safely comprises of 'Yes, I think I will go large with that.'

You can do whatever you want if you have the power or the right connections..

I think that is naturally a small part of what inspires every mobster to strive and get to the top of the streets and run the show.

Walks over to some thug who is hassling an old lady he knows.. pushing the thug to the ground and calling him a bitch, but then lifting him up, handing him 20$ and pushing him along his way

If you don't have that, you can still say whatever you want with the proper wording and technique, you know the old term of telling someone to 'Fuck off, while not telling them to fuck off'. Some use comedy, some use their vast knowledge of the language, and others just do it and it works.


Watches that same young thug harassing the same old lady..pushing her and running down the street with her purse


If you cant do either of those, then you better have some big nuts, a vest and a lot of big friends cuz' around these streets sometimes the only way people learn is the hard way.


Pulls out his gun from his jacket.. taking a second to get his sights in-line, taking a single shot as the thug drops to the ground..the purse returned to the old lady

Pickton thought to himself about his question for a bit.

Well, the way I see it, as long as you aren't insulting anybody or something related to somebody, being it a family, city, etc. It should be fine. I mean, stating your opinion on something besides a person is completely different than stating a negative opinion on somebody in any way.

Fiasco realized he said his name was Pickton, he corrects himself to everybody and looks disappointed in himself... 

Yes, we have the right to speak our minds.  It's not always appropriate, but as long as you are respectful, general disagreement can happen conflict-free.

But no, we can not speak freely.  If one went about spouting off at every mafioso who rubbed him the wrong way, he or she would be walking a tightrope.  Examples are at funerals.  It is imperative to be respectful at funerals in nearly all situations.

You just never want to take an aggressive or accusing tone.  Like any good counselor will tell you, it's best to use "I" statements rather than "you" statements.  For instance, "I feel differently about it."  rather than "You are wrong."  Always err on the side of over-courteousness.  Tact is key.

I think this is fairly simple for me.  When talking to my seniors in the family and city, i can talk frankly and honestly as thats what expected of me.

When in the streets, funeral parlours i am more careful to hold my tongue and opinion in the matter of inter city/district political and respect for those past.  I think the trick is to know when to hold your thoughts and when to put them over in a careful and correct manner.  Sometimes, is quite simple sometimes have to know when to speak, and other times, when can't say anything nice is best to say nothing at all..

Well Sly, I can 100% agree with that, while making this speech I had left funerals out of context. I was mainly focusing on the street presence but there is more then just the streets where we can open our mouths to let some verbal Intel spill out, good to hear and remind.

Rules and expectations on speech go far beyond these streets.

Marcus stepped from the shadows and took another pull on the cigarette he was nursing before flicking it to the ground. He looked at maDRox and nodded.

Unfortunately, there is no right or wrong answer. Each and every time we are in public, we represent our family and our Godfather. I've found that as positions and reputations increase, people tend to be a little looser with their words.

For instance, if Godfathers Roman, or TheDean stepped into the streets in the present climate and told us all to go fuck ourselves with a 10 foot poll. What would happen? One or two of us would fly off the handle and after dying for it. Nothing... Why? Simply put, the power is in their court. They have it, we don't. They can speak freely, and we can either agree with them, die, or shut the fuck up. Those are the three options.

However, if some low life goomba came into the streets and started telling one of us off. We'd do the proper thing, mention it to his leader and have a nice chuckle while reading about him in the obits the next morning.

Can you speak freely maDRox? Sure... the question is are we willing to deal with the consequences of that freedom. I read in my family journals that a wise Godmother once wrote 'There can be no action, without a reaction.' The meaning that I and my line have taken from that, is every action has a consequence. Some are good, others are bad.

Pulling another cigarette from his case Marcus moved it to his lips, and flicked a match. Taking a strong pull he looked around, blowing smoke while moving back to the shadows to observe the street while still able to hear the rest of the conversation taking place before him.

Ray starts pushing her way through the crowd, all the while listening to people give their thoughts on free speech in the streets

I'm more than positive you've heard a fair share of spiels on freedom speech in the streets, but I am in full agreement. If you have something to say that you want everyone to know then by all means post it in the streets. Keep in mind though that it should stay respectful towards cities or people in particular. If you're willing to take a risk and lash out then thats a bold move on your part. If its a topic where people can debate and it could go either way I would clear it with you CL prior to the post.

Mickey stops to listen to the conversation in the street. Breathing heavy because his fatness he lites his cigar. Pondering on the discussion he decides not to speak.

Mike leans casually up against a rusted drain-pipe, removes his hat and spins it idly in his left hand.

Treading so softly that you aren't noticed might be the best way to stay alive.. but it sure as hell won't get ya name about that much. But gettin' ya name around in the wrong way can see you six feet under.

Squinting around at the crowd, Mike hums with thought.

Ya need to strike a fine balance.. An' make sure ya doin' that as best ya can. Don't say nothin' that needn't be said and that which does need it.. You say it right.

Mike nods to himself.