Ghost walks out into the streets carrying a milk carton and strategically places it in a location where he thinks everyone will hear him.  Then he steps on top of it and gathers everyone's attention.

I have a question for everyone.  What do you really think these streets are?

Ghost stops for one moment and makes slightly awkward eye contact with the crowd before continuing.

My personal opinion is that the streets are a place where a person can show the type of person that they are.  Your speeches and actions on the streets can give you credibility and reflect your character.  You have an opportunity to show whether you have the qualifications to be a leader.  Even if you don't want to be a leader, you can at least show that you know what you're even talking about. I expect to see people telling stories that reflect their actions and motives as they work through their business or people debating how best to deal with some issue that this thing of ours encounters. 

I think that opportunity is lost on some people.  There are a subset of people who are habitually quiet. Also, there are people who aren't comfortable with being on the streets because they don't know what the limits are of what they can and cannot say.  Both of those subsets are people who can feel comfortable in saying nothing, because there's nothing driving them to show their talent.  I feel like its a shame for all of us when the talented members of this thing of ours doesn't have a platform to show why they have what it takes to make it in this thing of ours.

Anyone can come on their streets and respectfully have an opinion.  I don't see the world the same way anyone else does, so why should we meet eye to eye on things?  I'm interested to know where those differences are, because that's what makes me interested in what people bring to this thing of ours.  If someone has a well thought out argument or discussion about a topic, I don't think there's much wrong you can do.  What I actually find embarrassing, is when I walk out in the streets and hear button men telling stories about their pet rock or what they do on a whaling expedition.  What audience will take you seriously when you talk about topics that are completely off the wall without tying it back to something that resonates with people?

That's not to say that I expect every discussion on the streets to deserve a gold star.  People are going to say things I either agree or disagree with.  What I struggle with as a member of this thing of ours is a lack of effort, either in action or thought.  If you have a topic you want to discuss, why don't you talk to your family and get your leaders to help you develop your thoughts?  If you don't want to get embarrassed, ask someone to help you out.  That's what a family does.

There are people in the world who haven't shown their face on the street once who have their button.  They've earned their family's trust without making a single appearance.  I sure hope that those people are capable of independent thought.  There are others who have their button but speak utter nonsense and everyone finds that to be acceptable.  Just as much as you feel like its none of my business who you include in your organization, I'm going to be judging who is worth associating with based on your public face.  I look to associate with talented individuals who know what they're doing.  If you or the people associated with you just come on the streets and make a mess or appear to be zombies that do crimes but have no real goals, don't expect me to have a high opinion of you or your organization.

With all of that being said, I challenge... or rather urge all of you to really think about what I'm saying.  It's not normal for people with our skill sets to ignore an opportunity sitting right in front of us, after all.

After finishing with his venting, Ghost takes a step back to allow others to discuss.

LillisMolly stands in the crowd in front of Ghost and just nick his head of what was said

Me myself have unfortunally done many wrong things in posting on streets but have learn the leson and often dont go in here and talk so much anymore since so many get angry when posting wrongly.

And I really hope many more will take the chance to get in the streetconversation since this is a very good way to get to know other much better in here, so I strongly stands behind Ghost ad his speach to us.

When finishing Lillismolly stand still and await other in he crowd to let there mind coming through.

As I return from my daily coffee at my favourite diner, I see a crowd gathering around the corner. Intrigued by some familliar faces as I walk closer. Seems like there's some debate on recent developments around these parts of town.

Even though I have my own opinions on the matter I do not feel the need to voice them at this time. I share the sentiment of the few that spoke up. Repeating the same thing again would just sound supercilious at this point. 

It did get me thinking though. Will it ever change? I mean, the streets are ours. It is what we make of it...

Rix takes a swig of liquid courage from his flask before stubbing out his cigarette and speaking up. 

Extremely interesting points you have brought up today Ghost, I was just flicking through my family journals last night. I must say, the streets are a vastly different place than they was before. During their lifetimes the streets was a place to discuss hot topics, to debate and make friends. Most importantly, it was a place to gain reputation. People would strive to be respected in the streets, your higher ups would encourage you to get out there and socialize. 

It seems things have changed these days, most people only come to the streets to tell their stories. As enjoyable as these may be, it doesn't leave much in terms of having a discussion, nor does it leave any wiggle room to have your say. 

Hopefully a speech such as yours will inspire more people to come out here and open up a debate or two!

Rix takes another swig from his flask before tipping his hat towards Ghost.

PeterMcNeil was casually walking around when he heard somebody start to make a speech.  

I agree with you, but this has been a talking point for generations, decades old without change.  The Streets are a place for everyone to voice their views, and at times the hive of activity goes up and down.  Checking my own family journals it has always been the case - some with the Bold speak out often, and some do not.  The Streets are a choice - not a mandatory commitment. 

It would be glorious to imagine everyone, especially those with a bold suit, taking part in discussions on a regular basis, but unfortunately it doesn't always work like that.  Going back again to journals I can see that most discussions were held behind closed doors, simply because they were not meant for everyone to hear.  We do, of course, hold the Omerta dear in our hearts and that might be a reason behind that.  Plus saying the wrong thing can earn you a bullet if taken out of context.

From the oldest journals I can find I believe there is actually a far greater level of contact from leaders than there may have previously been, certainly my forefathers noticed an even greater lack outside of announcing a city or leader had to be removed.  

I believe these things come in waves, there will be ups and downs, what can be done to make leaders or others speak more?  We need to encourage them with dialogue.  What can be done to make them speak of internal matters?  Nothing, that is what the omerta is.   Can we encourage each other to speak more?  Absolutely. 

Ghost listened to the thoughts of some of the people nearby and decided to continue talking.

First of all, thanks to those of you showing support.  It's very much appreciated when people take the time to step out and share their thoughts.

Regarding the comments, the responses imply that we need to change as a group.  I actually disagree with this.  There's not a rule or requirement out there that would make our streets more interesting on their own.  If someone came up with a requirement, I actually think there would be a backlash because people are set in their ways.  There are plenty of whispers of the past that could be found in these streets of how people felt wronged by being "forced" to come out in the street.  That whole argument was based on perception and wasn't actually true, but for the sake of argument I do think some people felt that way.

To the point that Peter aptly discussed regarding Omerta, I'm not suggesting that anyone violate their family's rules or speak out of turn.  If people don't know what that means, then I think that their families have the responsibility to correct it either before or after the words are spoken.  Putting yourself out there in the streets isn't risk-free, but it can be rewarding in many ways if you take advantage of it.

The solution I pose, if you want to call it a solution since its inherently obvious, is to remind everyone of the benefits you and your family receive by building a reputation in the streets and representing your family the right way.  This is more than just a checkbox for the VIP's of the world but is a way to show your expertise, knowledge, and charisma.  I started off the conversation saying "What do you really think these streets are?" because I think the answers that too many people see talking to others is a hassle or a luxury for people with more time.  So, the question I'd pose back to anyone who wishes to answer is 'do you think what you're doing right now puts you or your family in the best light that you can?'

Ghost decides to take a drink after speaking so much... No one knows what he drank, but with the face he made when he drank it must have been something strong.

If we remind everyone of the benefits then that is essentially saying we need to change as a group.  

Peter took another puff from his cigarette

As I mentioned before these things tend to come in highs and lows.   All we can do is encourage people the best we can, as we've both said, but it is a difficult problem to address.  It certainly isn't one that we can resolve over night, but I applaud it being raised.   

Ghost looks at Monry after he makes his comment.

I wasn't there when your father died nor do I speak for those who did the deed.  However, I would ask you the following:

Did your father really die for publishing a newspaper or did he die for disrespecting people and families? The newspaper called more than a few people a "fucking idiot".  That kind of disrespect catches up with people and causes people to look for the source.

Did your father think it was befitting of a mafioso to openly ask for tips on the street like a beggar? That sort of thing is disrespectful to the crew that housed your father and embarrassed them in the streets.  A businessman wouldn't have given his product away for free and then asked for money but instead baited what his product was and then built a case for why people would want it.  A crew or family loses their standing if their members are just looking for hand-outs.

Did your father ask anyone in your family to help you publish a paper that was suitable for the streets?  I think that most, if not all, families will be more than happy to help if someone wants to make an effort to develop a project for the streets.  If you were to theoretically publish something that is... 'edgy' to be polite... then you should have looked for some people in your family to buy-off on what you were doing so the family didn't lose standing.

When I say that there's a risk with showing yourself in the streets, we're also talking about the respect and dignity that one should have when they're part of this thing of ours. If I didn't know where the line is that would get me killed, I would certainly be cautious before I continued.  With a little bit of caution and forethought your father's endeavor could have been pretty successful and benefited your father greatly.  We're all businessmen who are out for our own and our family's benefit and there's alot of factors that tie into that.  If you unknowingly step on the wrong toes you're likely to get burned.  When you're in the streets and even in general, keep in mind that when you take an action there's always a chance of getting a reaction.

Ghost, if we all stayed on the cautious side of things... isn't that exactly where we are today?

We tell stories, because they don't offend.
We bring abstract discussions like this to the streets where majority in one way or another agrees with each other. There's a general concensus, but were it might become remotely interesting we throw terms as Omerta, Respect and Need-to-know basis in the mix to hide away the difficult stuff behind supposed values that bind us together.

I agree that the streets are an opportunity. But textbook answers on abstract mafia matters are hardly an improvement over muffin-sharing anecdotes of whatever ever happened one day. We don't disagree with ideas when we work with people. We disagree with people and their actions, or we don't. There's no fucking Switzerland holding up the neutral flag here. We witness and form opinion. But we don't express it out of fear of destabilizing whatever it is that people are sharing in their relations.

Your analysis of Mr. Mantague's situation seems fair. But what do you really think of us together today? If a statement on the streets was not necessarily disrespectful, but yet putting someone from an upper structure in a negative light. How do you think that reaction would play out? Would we let a reaction play out on the streets, or would we shy away from it and handle it behind closed doors? Do you feel we allow bringing actual context with names and actions into our discussions?

For me that's paramount on participating. Because if it's only the abstract stuff, I can just take another look at the rules written on our HQ walls. Because that teaches me everything I should be, but just in more compact writing.

Nadia walks over to Ghost,

I've heard many stories about the streets from my former bloodlines. To be honest from what I have heard, things have been worse around here in the past.

As I see it, we have a lot to build on right now. More mafiosi seem to be coming out here on a regular basis and giving their two cents about whatever is being discussed. It seems to me that, as a society, we are finally starting to pick things back up from where they were left off from long ago... at least from what I have heard. I mean I, myself, wouldn't really know because I haven't been around for a very long time. Kind of passing along things that was told to me by my ancestors, but even around here, people should at least be able to trust their own bloodline.

Nadia smiles at Ghost, tips his hat and walks off down the dark alleyway...

Ghost takes another drink out of his flask after listening to a few more opinions.  As he's built up his own version of liquid courage, he decides to proceed.

My original point was to encourage anyone with or without experience to utilize the streets as a tool.  I certainly did say that with the intent being to encourage the relatively safe approach because it's difficult for someone to appear on the streets without setting their expectations. 

I agree with the idea that the textbook or safe answer isn't always a good one and that sugar coating some theoretical discussion isn't worth much compared to discussing real topics.  It's also not an interesting one for those people who are looking for a scoop on whats going on right now.  If an answer to any question that comes up is to read a book, then that answer is basically worthless because the world is more than just logic.  However, disregarding people's emotional response to your logical argument or vice versa is really what people want to hear right?  It's easy to do that when people are personally invested after you call them out.

With all of that being said, who has the character to be completely domineering in the streets and destroy the social norms?  Who can tactfully poke holes in a leader's announcement of why a family was taken down?  What groups are in the streets making public announcements to set up a later discussion to justify a later takedown?  Who is savvy enough to know what deals are going on in the background and set up someone for a mistake in public?  Who is probing for information when there isn't any available by stirring up people's emotions?

Whether they're real or fake topics, I can think of quite a few ways to make a point.  Even if those topics are the same ones that our ancestors discussed, it's not like I care too much about what someone five generations ago said anyway.  What I think is that people are looking down on what you can actually do in the streets.  Let's see if someone can argue a point that you disagree with to the point that others feel a responsibility to respond to it.

Its not like me standing up and saying any of this will change anything directly and I fully understand that.  However, you can do anything from telling stories to "weaponizing" the streets if you have the ability to do so.  Not acknowledging and taking advantage of that fact for all to see is what stops people from getting the most out of their time here.

Taking a puff of his cigarette, he turns to Ghost

I guess I'm a little confused, you seem to say don't need to change as a group, then bring it onto promoting it to those who are new to this thing of ours.  You can't have one without the other.  

N0b0dy waits his turn as the discussion continues. 

I'm not here to tell people how to behave while out and about on these streets of ours. What I will say is that most conversations, if you might call them that, feel like monologues. I'm not saying that's a bad thing by default, not at all. It just doesn't leave much, if any, room for debate.

And honestly, I feel that that is the best part of these streets. Meeting people you would normally not cross paths with while sitting in the crews HQ. Voicing your opinions and be called out on them is a way to self-reflect and evolve in this life of ours.
Wether people agree or disagree doesn't really matter. 

N0b0dy puts his hat back on and steps of the stage. He lights a cigar and decides to hang around for a bit.