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| Stand up and be counted. | Started by: PrinceofCheese on Jan 28, '08 18:28 |
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A frustrated cheese enters the agora Many people (including myself) preach the old ways, the ways of omerta, honour, respect, the supposed ways of the true Mafioso. Our long lost fathers of old were experts in these ways apparently... Yet I look around and I see very few sons and daughters of old who are showing eminence, success and ultimately proving themselves as true leaders of the people. Why is that? I honestly don't know. On the one hand without criticizing anyone in particular I see grave pissing, character defamation and you know what, just pure laziness from people who should have been taught better. Is it because they don't value the chance they have here? Do they forget the long, violent blackout we all suffered such a short while ago? Yet woah hold on, down OOC avenue I see passionate criticism of the leaders, the gods, the wars and the new Mafioso. I sit here wondering why energy is often so misdirected when the bigger picture cries and shouts for this energy. I see brand new criminals making foolish mistakes but yet I see youthful passion and it makes me smile for they yes they are the ones who should be rewarded. Rewarded for breaking out from the trees, jumping out of the sand and in many cases embracing and overcoming the abuse of their so called superiors. If you think you are one of those people I applaud you . Keep going, fight harder and most importantly just keep learning, there is a future for you here. But for now, new criminals you may climb off the pedestal, in fact, get the fuck off and get back to the university. POC looks over and sees Howard bowing to the crowd and showing off his biceps NOW HOWARD Howard skulks off Now friends, I've come here to ask for the old timers to stand up, be counted and realize the potential you have. As a leader I come here to make a difference. I don't come here to sit on my fat fucking bold suit or to lie on a pedestal and look down upon the plebs like slugs under a magnifying glass. Burning like j0ngotts ass after 12 pints of Guinness. But guess what, it's not all down to the leaders, a bold suit doesn't make you an artiste of change, merely a tool of the people. Each and every one of you who thinks they know how to lead a life of crime should step up today and make that extra effort. Push it the extra mile because your bloodline may make you a legend of the yesteryear but it doesn't make you a hero today. Change things today...Give me all your money... I mean wake up from your self centred myopia and remember why you're here because I ain't carrying this boat on my shoulders alone and it's pretty fuckin heavy. You don't need the gods to magically change rules and force new principles on the leadership, you need to awaken yourselves and drive forward this land, embrace those like you and empower the forward thinking leaders. A sobering thought... Imagine if it was all gone tomorrow...again...and you were remembered for who you are today and nothing more. Is that enough? Is it fucking really? I hope not. |
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Tish has been sitting in a coffee shop all afternoon enjoying the Sunday papers and a large brew when he noticed the time. He quickly got up and made himself ready for the amble back to the HQ. As he left the doors of the coffee shop, he noticed a small crowd gathered around the leader of New York. Tish crossed the street to get a better understanding of what was being said before he piped up Mr Cheese. I completly agree that we should all be striving forward togethor. We need to be making changes towards a newer world and a world with far more originality and enthusiasm which seems to be so thin of late. There is alot to be said in favour of the blackouts we endured not that long ago. They bought excitement, and above all else new faces into power. Unless im mistaken, the crux of your speach is in regards to empowering the youth and undescovered tallent of our world which I am a full supporter of. However, do you not think that extreme caution is to be used when ever giving power to someone that has never experienced it before? What is to say that they do not enjoy the power too much. Or that they are simply not good enough to have been given these powers. Either way, this just provokes the enourmas bloodbaths that we saw in the days of the blackouts. Im all for empowering new people but it is a risky stratagy that may well put at risk the stability of our world. |
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| Reply by: Tish at Jan 28, '08 18:56 | |
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A good piece of advice for those who don't slot into the category of seeming capable to put effort into their own image. Make an effort. Couldn't agree more with most of it, inspirational to say the least, yet I have one niggling thought Prince. What of those who deserve auth, who have been around for a long while, yet are overlooked because of their own CL not offering opportunities? Cast your eyes around to the oldest on the online list, pick out a few of their names and ask yourself if they deserve it in your eyes. I don't know about you, but I sure as hell think they do. Some of them are older than you, have done more for their CLs than you did, just because they've had more time to do it, does that make them more deserving? It's not all about trying to work toward improving what you are, as that is rendered pointless if opportunities are not presented to those who have the right work ethic. |
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| Reply by: SalvatoreMarino at Jan 28, '08 19:00 | |
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I have always found that the more you put into life, especially this life, the more you will get out. Should you spend your days strolling from 7-11 to 7-11 ripping off registers, and dealing in drugs then you will be rewarded with ranking (only to a certain point, one would hope) and you will be rewarded financially. It is not until you start interacting that you really start to see what this life of ours is all about. The more active you are, the more involved you get, then the more you will get back from it. Apathy is a son of a bitch. Once you are headed down that road, it can be hard to pull yourself back. Christ knows my recent family history is hardly one to be proud of, but I'm determined to end that trend. From the day I was born, I promised myself that I would put more effort in to this life than any of my family have for a long time now. I have been in a bit of a slump for the last few days, admittedly, but I am unwell, I will be back in the saddle as soon as it clears. What I would love to see, is that effort resulting in more feedback, it is all well and good the 30 odd active people out here being active in everything, but I find it difficult to believe that there's not something going on at any given time for everyone. |
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| Reply by: Anthony_Scotto at Jan 29, '08 06:04 | |
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Cathy is stood nearby when the distinct smell of a tasty fromage fills her small nostrils with a cheddary aroma. There was only one thing it could be, Zebedee bashing the ol' bishop again or PrinceOfCheese melting slightly from an over zealous and slightly firey rant. Her stomach grumbles for the want of a peppery Croque Monsieur, but she ignores and it goes over to see what the rumpus is. "To respond to what PrinceOfCheese - that old card - has said, my thoughts are as follows: "Right now is an extremely exciting time in our history. There is more opportunity than ever before for people to speak out and present their case for auth. Just recently two leaders set up in Las Vegas, neither having ever had the opportunity to lead before. "There is no longer one big power determining the events of our world, but an expansive spread across all of the six cities. "Yes of course, three of the powers have a slight advantage over the rest, their families are bigger, their wealth of resources more apparent. However, the power appears to be evenly spread and I believe that the playing field is much more open. "Therefore, because of this promising situation, I believe that there is more opportunity than ever for anyone regardless of their experience or time spent in the life to make an impact. For once, people can actually "rank up and do something about it" should they choose to. "So for those people who still continue to sit back and be "lazy" in the Prince's words, there really is no excuse, and I will be watching for those who have had such loud and disparaging voices in the past as to what action they now take in the present. I can also say right now that several have already brought a smile to my face for taking up the challenge of proving themselves once again, naming no names of cause. "For those whose efforts are misdirected, I would like to throw down the gauntlett. I would like to challenge you to start trying again. Not to sound too much like a polititian, but if our entire community were to emulate some of the effort that one of two new people are putting in, there would certainly be very little to complain about. There certainly would not be that niggling concern about the activity in the Streets. "Yes, you can argue that perhaps your leader does not deserve the effort and I have always said that it is a two way street. The Leader does need to work to deserve the respect of his or hers members. The Leader does need to match the effort of their members and with every day, clearly show why people should work for them. "I cannot speak for the other leaders, but I hope that those in my employ can see the efforts I am taking to make Philadelphia an outstanding city and our small Family one of the best that this world has ever seen. I do not deny that there is much much work that needs to be done to get to point where I am even remotely satisfied. But I think each of the RFC know that the drive is there. The will is and the inspiration too. "And to respond to what Signore Marino said: "I personally would be happy to hear any justification for authing a new leader, but in saying that, I cannot click my fingers and make this happen. The auth of new leaders is dependent on four major factors in my opinion: "1) That the person for auth has displayed qualities deserving of that opportunity. "2) That the Leader of the Mafioso in question feels that they are ready and is happy to give their blessing. No person could set up without the Leader's consent, to go against their wishes would cause friction and possibly war. "3) That all of the Leaders of the Six Cities agree for this to happen. The exception to this rule is if a leader decides to auth in their own city. No opposition can be made to an auth in that city as long as the first and second conditions I just spoke on are met. "4) That there is a need for more leaders. We now have 7 leaders in our fair cities, I can certainly see room for more, but obviously a line does need to be drawn. "So even though you are making an observation that there are those not in bold suits that ought to be and whom are older than the Prince. I can say right now that the reason why they have not been give this opportunity would be that they did not meet the conditions I listed previously. Cathy Parks' stomach grumbles again, she makes her excuses and goes off to find the nearest delicatessen. |
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| Reply by: Cathy_Parks at Jan 29, '08 06:15 | |
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Before I address the regal Prince of Cheese, I intend to touch upon the new blood leading for a moment. We have seen many good first time leaders as well as many bad. This isn't even necessarily their fault, many, such as Giorgio, were clearly not ready for the opportunity thrust before them. On the other hand, the likes of Kade, could have ran 10 families prior to Ferocia Inc. and was probably the most capable leader my bloodline worked alongside. This is because we're confusing new leaders with new mobsters. My great great...had he walked these streets would have been mocked and shunned as he and his children made some of the most basic mistakes one can make. However, by the time my line was given their first leadership role, they had already produced several hitsquad leaders, a couple of right hand men and countless left hands. They had the experience to draw upon and they fell right into the roll. For 4 days. Anyway, the point is that my line would never have been capable of running a family from the day they arrived. It would have been an embarrassment. I used the example of Kade too as his lineage stemmed countless generations and more than 3 years before he every wore the bold suit. Don't try to snap up this role too quickly, wait until you can actually be good at it. That said I move onto the cheddar and his fairly epic speech. It is excellent that we preach these virtues of our trade, but they are never practised. I would like to see the old timers reinvent themselves, but I really can't see it occurring. You are quite correct that if an entirely new person was to judge them, it would be a less than favourable appraisal, but really, part of being an old timer is pretending not to give a shit about these opinions. I used to hate reference to those who walked the streets before I did and honestly, I still think I'm the best. Now I'm tarred with the same brush and considered one of these same old timers whom I used to look upon with scorn. The fact I have made my name does influence my involvement. I would be lying if I pretended otherwise. When I see a mugging debate start up, I really struggle to approach the conversation with any enthusiasm. I mean, to take us slightly down OOC avenue, I made a speech about mugging literally years ago. Does that give me the right to charge in there and dismiss everyone? Of course not. Instead I choose not to get involved at all. These are my burdens and we have older bloodlines than mine around our streets. I imagine they feel the same way I do in regards to some things and although I try my best to get involved, to approach things from a new perspective and to remember that this is the first time *I* have ever encountered these things, I can occasionally fail. I'm rambling slightly, another annoying trait I've developed my cheesy associate, but I would just like to make a plea to those newer on our streets. Don't listen to the talk. Don't extend your tongue to the arsecheeks of those you've heard were great. Fucking challenge them if you think they are full of shit. If you think you're better than me, you aren't just FYI, but if you feel that way, don't just sit back and think 'god I hate that guy, I don't agree with him at all' get out here and prove me wrong. You'll never move up in our world, annoyingly, until you make the effort to. You think you're overlooked for a more experienced bloodline then ask yourself why. Are they doing anything you couldn't? Are they better than you at our world? If the answer to either or both is no, then the streets are your stage, get out here and perform. |
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| Reply by: a1capon3 at Jan 29, '08 09:39 | |
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My family lineage goes back a long time, and honestly, I have seen some very good 'new blood' leaders recently. Of course, there are those who were terrible as well, and honestly never should have been authed, but I am overjoyed sometimes when I see new blood leaders run their families with honor and respect. As for the old blood not standing up, I only know my own situation, and cannot speak for those who go back that far. I personally do not have the free time my family had. They were carefree and seemed to have all the time in the world (ooc: I was in college), but now, more responsibility has been laid upon my shoulders (graduated, got married, had a kid, working full time, etc...) and I find that I cannot invest the time my forefathers did. As such, I follow the leaders who are currently here, and for the most part, I have liked those I have gotten to meet, and some of my more recently felled family members were under different leaders, and they too enjoyed the time they had with most of them. |
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| Reply by: Emerson at Jan 29, '08 18:38 | |
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All the leaders are full of shit. Time and time again I hear how the little guys should respect those in power, afterall, the guys in power do so much for us. Right? Ummmm.... What is it you guys do for us? Protection right? Seems to me a couple rogues have proved that theory wrong. So....what else do you guys do for us while we earn all the money for you to keep expanding your HQ's, buying bodyguards for you and your coffeeshop clique pals, keeping YOU safe through our hard training, etc., etc., etc. So yeah, all the threads about Omerta, Honor, and the like are shit. People say this in hopes of someday breaking free of the repetitive leader cliques that keep taking power, and starting something on their own. |
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| Reply by: EffOff at Jan 29, '08 18:44 | |
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Oh that old chestnut again. A couple of rogues have proved that all the current leaders are bullshit, as have all the past rogues to all the past leaders ... right?? Wrong!! We are leaders, yes, we are not bloody fortune tellers. We cannot foresee shit hitting the fan as much as we would like to at times. Therefore when the proverbial shit does hit the fan, all we can do is prevent as much chaos as possible and clean up the mess. And during that process try to protect as many of the innocent as possible. Now, yes, a CL does offer and provide protection for their members in return for respect and loyalty. But respect and loyalty does no include taking advantage of the situation and breaking the rules. That can only ever and will only ever end in one way. Followed shortly by petty whining like this on street corners. |
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| Reply by: Witchyx at Jan 30, '08 09:24 | |
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If you don't feel the leaders are providing adequate protection, don't bother getting an invite. Nobody forces you to join someone. |
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| Reply by: a1capon3 at Jan 30, '08 09:43 | |
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What the leaders do for their members? Well EffOff, that is solely dependent on the leader and their goals. But let's just put this out on a general note without getting into specifics. If you choose to join this life, you cannot continue to live without protection. There is no doubt about that. If you're not a part of an Organisation, you're a small time crook caking off 7-11s and liquor stores in Mafia run neighbourhoods. You have no allegiance to anyone, making you a target and a liability. So the first thing a leader does is give protection. From thence forth, you have the opportunity to make connections, to rise up the ladder. You have a chance to be a part of something that is more than just petty crime and small time contraband. Again, what that "something" is, depends greatly on the goals of the leader. I can't speak for anyone but myself, but generally it seems to be a desire to improve the city that you reside in. Whether that be by actively working on the Business District or by maintaining solid relations with the other leaders and allowing progression from within the ranks. I could keep going but I won't. Of course because I myself am a Leader, it would be ridiculous of me to obsequiously agree with you when I feel so strongly to the contrary. Indeed if I were in agreement with you I'd have shot myself already. But what really strikes me is that you are commenting on the state of affairs as though this is something that's only ever existed in our world in the past few months. "Coffeeshop cliques" have been around since the invention of the coffeeshop, it most certainly is not new. Indeed, groups and alliances, no matter how strongly the meaning of the word "family" is stressed have been around for years and will continue to be around, with or without the coffeeshops. And in spite of this fact, our world goes on. It is never static, but always in flux. And the powers shift and change with every big event that happens. Very recently there were some severe blackouts. The Six Cities existed without Leaders or stability. The playing field was so wide open that literally anyone could have made it to the top regardless of whatever "clique" you were in or not in. And yet you say that the same people are now at the top because of their coffeeshop status. Well, correct me if I'm wrong, but coffeeshops can't afford you a magic gun. Coffeeshops do not suddenly imbue you with the strategies to stay alive. I am not so blinkered in my opinion as to say that the coffeeshops do not affect our world at all. But I do strongly maintain that you can still get to the vaunted position of Crew Leader without coffeeshop alliances - perhaps that's the optimist in me saying that though. Though I cannot prove it in this life time. Perhaps after a long gap in my bloodline (indeed I have no daughters to carry on my name_ a future relative of mine will try and prove this case. To many your words may have been seen as disrespect, but I will remember them Signore. One day perhaps someone might prove you on all counts to be very wrong. |
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| Reply by: Cathy_Parks at Jan 30, '08 18:03 | |
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