*Walking through the streets on New York, TSA comes across the daily newspaper and upon hearing about the recent attack from an STL rogue, he was quickly to pick it up to read the obituaries

Jesus..would you look at this..what a disgrace ..oh, no, I'm not talking about the rogues, I'm talking about the people that attended the funerals.
What has happened to this world, I remember the days when foul mouthing at someone's funeral no matter who they were or why they were there, was punishable by death..what the hell??

It saddens me to see that over the years, this world has slowly lost all respect and morals, from member whoring to rogues to people foul mouthing over some dead guys grave ..

When will the day come that we can once live like we once did, the days when we acted like honourable business men and woman, the days when we knew when to keep quiet and when to not, or even the days when people showed lack of maturity, they would be brought down a peg or two..what happened to the world where in order to get somewhere in this life, it's dealt on what you know, not who you know or the ability to have a half decent discussion in these fine cities of ours without resorting to an immature bitch fest that later leads to a full blown argument in the coffee shops.

It's very disappointing to see just how much this thing of ours has changed, how certain people can get away with so much, while others who do the same crime get punished, or the lack of creativity that surrounds the streets, not to mention the lack of imaginativeness of so many people's speeches, how they are just a repeat of what has already been said over and over again..

-Member Whoring; Fell victim? go to your new leader, not the streets.
-Someone you hate died?; Good, be happy, don't go to the funeral and be an ass.
-Something to say?; Take a moment to look around to check if it has already been said.
-Want to bitch about something?; Bitch to your leader, after all, (s)he's the one who'll be killing you anyway if you disrespect people in the streets, at least this way it's a private matter and the only person you annoy is your leader and not the entire Mafia world.

Well, yeah, as for the last statement about bitching, I suppose you could come back at me and say I'm doing the same thing here, but no, this is different, I am not bitching, I am suggesting and making a valid point and I am not disrespecting anyone by saying what I am saying.

The main point of this speech is to hopefully make people realize just how much this world has changed over the years, it was only recently that I was going through one of my fathers journals and the things he said in there, made me think he was talking about something totally different, but nope, he was talking about our lives here and it made me realize just how different things are now as to what they were back when he was walking these streets.

We have lost many things in this world, the whole meaning of respect, honour and loyalty seems somewhat lost in our minds and the ever growing number of people who wish to go all crazy and make attempts to take pot shots at random people is unbelievable. I think it's time actions were taken to insure this world is put back on the right tracks, how we will do that though is anyone's guess.

I Vote Change!

~TheSmilingAssassin

Lucky listens carefully to TSA's speech.. then reacts.

I agree with you. I might've been around here not much as others, but my cousin has been here months ago and he used to tell me this place meant something. Not just the business that most of us are into, there was a meaning within what we did. It wasn't about the money, and power. It was about respect. Now it's who can whack who, and who's more protected or got more money. Who owns more territory. It's not safe because there are people out there who have no limits, who have no red-lines of their own. As I said, I agree with you and I will follow the rules you have set out loudly, hoping others will too. After all, nothing is better than old days, I can be sure about that due to previous experience, outside of this, just simple life experience. Old days to most people always seem happier, lighter, more positive and welcoming, and as the time and age changes things seem to just get dirty, and ugly. Disrespectful in this case. Maybe even not disrespect, but people lack respect for others. I don't say I am an angel but I will certainly try my best to support this. Today families stick to thesmselves, they should expand around and join others while doing something, and show sympathy if another family's member dies, or cheer and support them if they have promoted themselves and took over a town, and started earning more. I am sure if you do so others will do the same to you.

The grass might of been greener in the past, but we can sure make it greener in our era, in our presence.

I support this.

"I must say, I too was a little shocked at the funeral disrespect I have been witnessing recently. There was once a time when this was punishable by death. Yet now people seem to be doing it and getting away with it. These people, whether they be rogues or not, are still people, they have families and friends who attend their funerals, and don't expect someone to be running their mouth and disrespecting the dead."

Sammy sighs, shaking his head

"I hope that this matter is one day thought of how it used to be, it is not acceptable to be disrespecting those recently passed. Regardless of what they did with their lives, they are dead now, and have been punished enough, there is no need to cause further pain and insult to themselves or their families"

Cosmo listens patiently to TSA and nods in agreement at certain points.  Stroking his Guy Fawkes effect beard he looks like he might have something to say for once.

I think you're right TSA however I think the largest problem is the hair-trigger temperament where "offended" parties keep an argument alive apparently for the sake of it.

The general rule of thumb my father taught me is never argue or engage with someone shouting at the moon.  If you see someone who has obviously taken leave of their senses then why engage them?  Never argue with an idiot.  They'll drag you down to their level and beat you with experience.

I would just like to quickly make a point that this speech is in no way aimed at anyone, nor was it put in place to cause trouble for anyone regarding recent events.
This speech was originally put in place to bring a point about how much this world has changed other the course of the last few years and was originally written a couple of weeks ago, but I hadn't bothered to come out here and bring it to the attention of our fine community.

Yesterdays rogues are a mere coincidence to this speech and I don't want anyone to feel that it was aimed at them, because it isn't.

Pit walks over and listens to the gentleman speak nodding after it seems like every word

TSA is clearly right, this world has changed ALOT. From the rogues being stupid to the arguements that spiral out of control and cause somebody to lose their life over a random arguement. We need change in this thing of ours and it needs to happen soon. Seems like all the old morals our ancestors used to live by have been all shot threw the roof. Nothing is like it used to be, and it's getting worse every single day.

I vote change. Something has to be done about these matters soon or this thing of ours might fade away as a mear blur in the minds of all those who call themselves wiseguys and make our ancestors look down in shame at what this thing of ours has become, compared to the powerful, respectful thing this used to be.

After letting TheSmilingAssassin finish his speech McDermott raises his hand towards TSA.

I agree, change in almost everything you highlighted is something that could only help our world; however, I don't recall you saying how you plan to. You are a leader right now and have the power to make changes. We have established somewhat of a base for things that need changed, but I think it's time we start from that base.

Thinking on a few things McDermott scratches his head.

I for one at the moment do not have ideas. Aside from if you say something in a funeral that is rude you die maybe? Not sure. In some cases it's understandable, however it can vary. I'm quite interested to see the ideas you come up with TSA.

*looks over at McDermott and repeats a part of his speach back to him..

"I think it's time actions were taken to insure this world is put back on the right tracks, how we will do that though is anyone's guess."

It's purely because I haven't got any ideas right now, but I'm sure I'll come up with a few suggestions shortly :)

smiles and applauds that someone finally sees it

My ancestors have not lived in this world of ours for more then three years. Like you said a lot has changed and not so much for the best. I remember the times when everything was about respect as you had said. I know at least i would love for it to go back to the old way where people could have fun and not really worry about much except if they were going to move up the family ladder. It was the most fun and loving times that everyone loved. thanks for brining this to everyones attention.

lights up a cig and walks away

It would take a leader putting a crew member in the dirt to enforce the no disrepect at a funeral law. That is a law I have, and a law I enforce. But look at the flip side of the coin.Godfather Cesari lost a Don last night due to an ignorant rogue. Who is going to tell him that he has no right to lash out in anger? No one, exactly, because he is in the position to do as he pleases.

There are times when angry and vileness are going to appear in funerals. Some well deserved, others not so much.

To the rest of your speech, I concur totally. Crew members need to remember the chain of command. Start with your sponsor, then move up the chain if you must. Bringing your personal buisness to the streets, or coming out here crying about nonsense will get you no where.

SINGERROURKE was agreeing with Thesmilingassassin just like everyone else. He didnt say anything that SINGERROURKE was against rather put it as plain as day for everyone. But since no one had ideas SINGERROURKE thought to himself. What if it was the case where there was a specific teacher in each crew that tought people how to act in public places? What if people would get demoted for sounding like an idiot in the streets? What if people were even killed for talking bad about other people? Its the whole what if game.

TheSmilingAssassin, I have to say that i too agree with you. You seem to have hit the nail on the head as they say and it never feels good when anything gets hit. When someone comes out and says in the streets that things arent the way they were, or that people are called to be a better mafioso this challenges people. Some people hate it while others love it. Some can strive for greatness while others begin to hate change. The kind of change that brings us back to who we really are is what id like to see. Im not the biggest fan of seeing people criticized or bad mouthed in the streets, i would like to think i have a bit more honor than that.

SINGERROURKE pauses for a moment.

I believe this kind of change dosent start within the entire community. This kind of change starts at home, within the family. If we any of us agree on what TheSmilingAssassin has said we have to encourage our family to be more respectable in the streets. This is the only true way for others to come together. I could go on and on about this but i wont because i am supposed to be busy doing something else which i am not because i procrastinate sometimes.

SINGERROURKE puts back his jacket and ties up his tie. He seemed to have been taking off his clothes as he was talking. He was getting either really hot or very passionate about this subject so much so that he didnt remember taking off his jacket and tie.

*TSA smiles at SINGERROURKE and raises his thumb

I couldn't agree more sir, things like this do indeed start at home, how I failed acknowledge that to begin with is beyond me.
Perhaps each family should appoint a new position within their family structure for a "Mafia School" or something along those lines, I know this thing of ours isn't a criminal training ground, but hey, we all have to learn somewhere, why not inside our HQ walls instead of the streets.

I believe there are many ways to pin point and solve problems, especially with the way some people abuse the streets, using them as a place to bitch and whine about this, that and the other, along with the lack of "character" skills these days (people using too much OOC).
It could be a very long process, but I think if all cities pulled together and worked together, these kind of things can be fixed.

Ah, Irony.

I'd have to say that I disagree with much of what was said - in the original speech - so I wanted to take a few minutes to bitch and moan about it.  Or am I making a valid point...meh, who knows!

Ah point - one man's bitching is another man's valid point.  I guess the question is - does it matter that I think my statement is a valid point, or that my "audience" thinks what I've said is valid?  Please feel to discuss among yourselves as I won't be around for a bit to join in any debate...

I'll say this too - if there's something that has been discussed before and I want to bring it up AGAIN, I'm going to bring it up again.  Just as an example I'll use...hmmm...let me think...oh, I don't know, how 'bout Member Whoring.  That topic has been discussed again and again and again.  Yet, it's brought up again - in this very speech, in fact.  Why?  Well, I can only speculate that it was brought up again because it's still a problem, or has become a problem again.  Right?  Those are the topics I will continue to bring up even if they've been addressed a thousand times - things I think need a resolution.  If something's been resolved, there's is definitely no need to bring it up again, so in that small percentage of speeches that are retread, I would agree with your original.

I remember the days when we would encourage people to come to the streets and be a part of the community.  There would be lively debate and interaction.  Now, it sounds like you are encouraging people to only interact with their family. 

I totally disagree with that sentiment.  Respectfully, of course.

If I may butt in, I do feel I have to put in my two cents.  Unfortunatly, you are right about the fact; not all funerals are places of respect, even if crew leaders oppose it. I remember a while back, there was my grandfather's family. His boss was shot dead, and people went all out on her grave marker, using slurs such as "slut" and all these other disgusting statements.A bit harsh, eh?

The truth is, WE NEED MORE REGULATION.Either there could be the lot of us talking about it here, or we could be working on improving on the situation at our homes, our places of business. Kick out the people who dishonor the customers of your bars. If someone under you is  disrespectful, talk some sense into him. If that doesn't work, do you really want them to work under you?

Just puttin in my 2 cents. Feel free to disagree.

The expansion of this crime wave has a large reason for why society has changed over the years. Today, some families are ramming member whoring down sponsors throats in order to stay competitive with the other two dozen crews - The dynamic was different back then, as sleeping bums weren't nearly as prevalent, and weren't brought in through City Hall in the form of their migrant worker program as they are today. With little competition, they were able to initiate a very large lockdown on the six cities at the time. With how diverse and large membership has grown, it'd be rather hard to go back to governing in that regard. In that aspect, society has changed drastically over the years, absolutely. However, I don't believe that this society has lost all respect. We follow a very precise chain of command, and as a Don, I can imagine that the members you preside over are treating you and society respectfully, as you have seen fit to promote quite a few of them to represent you as Made men and women in this thing of ours.


As for funeral comments - while I agree in almost every aspect in the notion that a funeral should remain insult free, I don't blame people for lashing out if those individuals were rogue, or the like. The moment they left and defied their boss is the moment that any respect that you had for them should fly out the window as well. Granted, there are obviously better places to go, but I can't blame people for expressing their rage - especially if that individual was a Made Man in this thing of ours.

I have a solution, atleast I think I do. I hope you do not mind a Goomba throwing in his thoughts on this conversation.

Wack all the mafiosi who fail to live up to our code of honor and respect. Upon joining a crew you sign your name to a list of rules, which is basically the mafiosi code. People Made and above have taken a blood oath to the mafiosi code, which I think is way more serious than just a promise. These fellas you speak know the rules and have told their leaders they will follow said rules. So I say wack them all. We must set an example for the future generations. Show them that it will not be tolerated, and I think we should see a decrease in all of the actions you have brought up.

However, I do have to take an opposing view on your view of people speaking in the streets. But I think Mr. Paxton has brought up a good argument to that, so I will hold my tongue.

Andrew_Paxton
Discouraging people coming to our streets? encouraging them to only speak to their family?, where on earth did that come from?
Having a suggestion regarding having family members learn how to approach our streets is in no way meant to be they should only stick to the HQ walls and stay away from here, or telling people who don't know how to come to our streets to stay off it, it was a case of helping people to understand what is and isn't expected of them when representing their name and family (OOC: Always In Character) - far too many times have we seen young man/woman and sometimes even the older generation come out her in such temper about something that has happened, that they leave their minds and experience and home and just go off on one.
You have totally misunderstood what I was saying and for that I apologize, perhaps I should have been more clear.

Ah point - one man's bitching is another man's valid point. I guess the question is - does it matter that I think my statement is a valid point, or that my "audience" thinks what I've said is valid? Please feel to discuss among yourselves as I won't be around for a bit to join in any debate...

There is a huge difference between making a point and just bitching about something, for example, coming out here purely for an argument and not actually trying to resolve anything, or making something practical. I'm talking more about those people who come out here with "Fuck this and fuck that", not the people who (whatever rank) come out here for a discussion/debate, it's a big difference.
Your entire statement was indeed valid and I enjoyed listening to it, besides the final statement that was a total misunderstanding to what I was suggesting.

Mr Ragnarok,
It's unfortunate that this speech was in bad timing with yesterdays events, but I assure you, with regards to the part about funeral disrespect, it was in no way linked to Joey or anyone else who attended those funerals, that part of my speech had been written down in my journal about 2 weeks ago and I have just been adding bits over time before it looked alright to share.

However, with regards to what you have said, I think I would have to by a hypercrit and agree with you.
If someone was to rogue and take out one of my guys, I would be very pissed off and the temptation to attend their funeral just to have one final bas would be very strong and I would be unsure if I would be able to control it.

*Craig Kendrick steps forward and begins to speak.*

"I will be the first to admit I am guilty of losing my cool at funeral but i felt that what the man had done at the time justified what it was that I did. I felt obligated by the code and my loyalty to Sal that I had to make it very public my absolute disgust at what this man had done. I will not apologize for it and i do not regret it dose that make me a bad person or liability to my CL the answer. I did what I did to show my loyalty to show that I stood with my CL and I would do it again no question".

*Craig turns and leaves after saying his peace.*

Many people talk about how perfect the old days were, as a generation that has been accross here and previous cities i must admit i have seen the good, the bad and those i wonder how they don't kill themselves leaving their appartments each day.  I have seen more then my fair share of idiots, some strong enough that little could be done about them others that just served as an annoyance to others.

We can all sit as we recruit, scouring for talent and developing it but unfortunately certain members will always hold loyalties outside our families and always hold their own ambition about that of the family,  We can alter our recruitment, ranking etc, but never gonna be able to stop rogues occuring without either taking more of there money which in turn could create more malice or not ever open the books also creating similar discontent.

Whoring has been debated over and over but the truth is families need to grow and if they truly look at the quality of members but anyone can act smarter or dumber then they are and talk the talk to get in a family.   I will never agree with recieving an invite before a mail but if constructive talks have undergone i see no problem, is not like we can advertise in employment agencies or the papers.

As for bitching, people will always have something to complain about, is human nature; how you emphasise the point will always be the key to the success and of course the audience who look.  I have often seen good points mentioned on the street and little to no interaction afterwards or yes men speaking.

No our societies not perfect but we can only attempt to retain generations of members, educate, develop and motivate our members and show them why they are needed and how they are making a difference. or in some cases just the simple monetary compensation.  The truth is though, some people will always react with emotion especially when someone they love die, or their members betray them, we are only human after all and cannot hide our thoughts no matter how hard we try.