During a casual stroll from the nearby coffee shop, Falcao nears the street podium where citizens are often heard making speeches. Every now and then, he would stop and listen, then continue his stroll while considering the points made by the speaker. Today, Falcao thought that he would be the one to speak; as there was a topic which had cost him many moments of wonder and puzzlement. This seemed like just as good a time as any to challenge his peers with the self-same thought.


"My friends-

There are many things that lay on the mind of a family leader from day to day. Income, witness statements, relations between cities and other family heads, and so on. One cannot deny that the job is taxing. We have an enormous amount of responsibility to ensure the success of our family. However, I wonder if there are other important considerations that may get lost in our pursuit of success.

Bearing this in mind, I put before you the matter of loyalty to one's family. It is well accepted and understood that when we allow someone to join our family, we expect certain things from them. Chiefly among these is, of course, loyalty. Yet, do we ever ask ourselves exactly what about our family- even ourselves- might inspire loyalty from potential and new family members? The easy answer to this question (and likely the most ignorant) is simply "I'm protecting him, he gets protection in exchange for loyalty." While this may be partially true, who of us really know that we can offer someone protection? Who among us can look each family member squarely in the eye and say, "I'm not going to let anything happen to you?" I'd say none of us can really do that. Put yourself, if you can, in the shoes of a gangster. You face three or four invitations- each asking for your loyalty. What makes you want to join one of them? What inspires you to sign your name on their dotted line and willingly give the most precious of your being- your loyalty and your life- to them; a person they barely know save for the bold letters in their name?

Without the blood-sealed oath of loyalty from our Made Men, this thing of ours would be obsolete. The button men of our families are so "made" because we trust them with everything. They have worked hard. They have given and gained respect. They have exchanged blood for honor and loyalty for recognition. Those that have reached that respected status obviously have an undeniable sense of loyalty to their family. While this is, certainly, the desired sentiment from family members, the question that strikes me is this: what was it about this family that took this man from a minion gangster who knew nothing of no one to the highly regarded rank of Made Man or higher?

Perhaps, to provoke thought on the matter, I can pose this question another way: What happened within a family to cause a yet-to-be-made member to turn rat? Rather than asking what inspires loyalty, what incites mutiny? What goes so very wrong that a member goes rogue and proceeds to wreak havoc on anyone in his line of fire?

This is the question I pose to you, my friends. What are we doing to inspire loyalty? Further, can you look honestly enough at yourself to ask what you might be doing to cause dissent?"

Having finally gotten this burning question in the open, Falcao settles back into his chair and lights a cigar, eager to hear the discussion to follow.

The good Lord populated this earth with a great host of people and for as many similarities shared there are an equal score of differences. Some things things tick people differently, but I think I have some examples which are universal in terms of dissent.

Let's take someone that is a relative newcomer - in terms of generation. First or second generation gangster mind you. If they are putting in alot of hard work and aren't visually reaping some gratitude from their superior and opporunity passes them up for some lazy veteran.

Or an older gangster in terms of generation, expecting handouts and special treatment in return for little or no work.

The rule of thumb to avoid dissent is consistency. So, whether or not your dealing with a newcomer or the son,daughter, nephew, niece or cousin thirty two times removed of a successful gangster - you treat them all the same and expect the same. Punish and reward with the same standard.

Ezekiel ponders the question laid before the assembled crowd, of which he was a minor part. Stroking his fingers through his beard, he walked closer to Don Falcao and began speaking carefully.

Well, Don Falcao, the first thing that comes to mind would be if the young associate's leader shows weakness. Weakness can take many forms mind you...from allowing those under his protection to be killed with no repercussions, long periods of not being active or developing the Family, or overall incompetence in the more delicate matters that fall under the purview of a Leader.

Now, moving along...the second thing that comes to my mind would be personal issues that develop during the business association between a cugine and his or her Boss. A Boss that doesn't look after the financial interests of those under him or her could eventually result in such chaos, as the feeling of neglect or coldness can be a insidious one. Frugality can be admired but there is a point at which is can go too far.

Smiling, he waves away any objection to his second statement. I'm well aware that being softhearted is not quite how things are done around here. However, looking after your own with a strong but caring hand can reap more rewards that is often realized.

Ezekiel starts pacing, still thoughtfully murmuring to himself. After a few moments, he turned again to Don Falcao with a small smile

One mustn't forget that sexual tensions, sometimes called a "love triangle" can be a cause for distress. It may not be the most often reason, but there have been times in the past that chaos has resulted from the smile of a pretty lady or the attention of a powerful male. Something to always consider in the aftermath of violence.

The last possible reason that occurs to me would be if a young one feels he, or her, is being held back. There have been times before a fully proven mobster has been held back for the actions of those that came before him or her. While due diligence in treating with such people is important, sometimes you just have to trust. While giving too much can be a sign of weakness, giving too little can be damaging to the pysch of a young mind.

Always remember, it's all about balance. Yes...

Ezekiel bows to the young Don and turns toward a nearby alley, wrapping his cloak tight against himself and striding away. The clack of his cane upon rough stone can be heard for some time, till even that is gone.

Every single decision that someone in the upper structure has a consequence on the members of the entire family. Sometimes that consequence is immediate, sometimes its weeks down the road. The point is, the entire family is a house of cards. One small move often sets off a chain reaction that causes the whole works to collapse. I develop loyalty towards my upper structure by the seen and unseen actions that take place. The thank yous, the pats on the backs, the stepping up for someone, leading by example, friendliness, and so on - these are all seen actions.

The "unseen" ones are based upon how the upper structure handles every little day affairs. It is these little things that often is the kindling that starts off the huge out of control fire. I feel comfortable in a crew where I know the upper structure is level headed and with each individual action - thinks first of the long term effects on the entire family - and takes the appropriate action.

When I pledge my loyalty to my family, I also need the knowledge that they will be loyal in return. Your family is not loyal if they get hotheaded and tarnish their own families reputation over little things. When I see a upper structure person acting outside of the acceptable behavior of a role model*, then they are being disloyal to their own family. There is no reason to let the size of your ego/penis threaten your families security. Pick and choose every single little battle knowing that the entire combined work of your family is at jeopardy with every little action.

How many times have we seen entire families or cities wiped out, because of the poor attitude when the upper structure reacted to an event?

*Role model, not in the sense of regular peoples role models, but in our line of work. (where family, money, respect, and power is king (pick 3 and only 3)

GTL hears a conversation about loyalty and decides to wager his opinion.

As the son of a recently deceased mafioso whose family was killed I came to these streets knowing I would have to find a new family to survive, and hopefully one that would also embrace me and take care of me.  As I have recently gone through the process of having people approach me to see if I would like them to be my sponsor, I feel I can weigh in on this debate with my opinion on to what leaders should present to possible candidates.

Family heads got to that position for a reason.  They worked hard, they made the right connections, and they displayed themselves capable of running a family.  By me asking or accepting their offer into there family, I have promised my loyalty to them.  I do not feel it is there place to personally reach out to me to inspire my loyalty.  They worked hard for their position and work hard everyday and since I did sign my life to them, I feel that there protection alone should be enough to inspire loyalty.

GTL scratches his head for a bit So I guess what Im saying is that leaders should not have to inspire loyalty.  By entering the family you declaring your loyalty to them, and really the only thing that should break this is death.

It's quite simple why gangsters turn ag

When gangsters feel neglected they will turn against those they have sworn faithfulness to.

When gangsters, being the greedy go-getters they are, feel they may lead a better life in another Family or on their own they turn against those they have sworn faithfulness to.

When gangsters feel the need for change in a city, or simply they are evil men wishing to cause havoc, they will turn rogue and go against an entire city.

ainst their Family.

Men are sensitive, blinded by greed, and evil.

* takes some usefull note, and ponder the philosophical meaning of the essence that brings upon the humanity this noble sens and questionning that is loyalty*

1. One may believe that words are easy, action is harder, "i give you my word Ill be loyal", then bad things happen and you get betrayed.

2. One may believe that you must lead by example, " Showing what you preach and doing it, is leading the path you want your followers to take."

3. One may think that if you are a TRUE Mafiosi, you ll respect the Codes hereby tied to this way of life, " Walk the talk, dont just talk."

4. One may think that if you dont respect the rule one time or two it doesnt really matter, " truth be told that If you can fail yourself once you will again... AS trust been killed"

5. One may doubt from time to times the decision and action of their leaders, " They are human they make mistakes but are they open to seek for knowledge and wisdom?"

6. One may doubt the core value of everything that surround them, " that is just our nature to doubt about things and hierarchy and the nature of things..."

Partial conclusion:

No matter what you do, what you say...You ought to keep YOur word to yourself and towards others. (family ,friends etc)

If you dont respect it, then you aint respecting yourself, if One do not even respect himself, then why would he respect others?

Of all the others points being made that i wont repeat, at the end..at the bottom end...

The answer of that question begins at the core/root  Value you can sens in One individu. If he was grown to be a "Rat"(snitch), a "snake"(backstabber) or a "monkey"(unloyal in business), a TRUE leader can see through any kind of illusion and bullsh*t, what type of individu he got in front of him. (...)

Now on the other hand, bad leaders exist as well, and if they dont inspire respect and loyalty then how could one like such could wish for anything else different?

Respect,

AL D.

I don't think loyalty is something as quantifiable and measurable as it is generally an unspoken bond; you do me right and I'll do you right. This is a business, above all things, and the ultimate aim is individual success. We like to get what we want and where we want. You can't really say this and this will cause disent or this and that will breed loyalty because relationships aren't that easy. Sal hit the nail on the head when he talked about consistency - people are satisfied getting what they deserve for what they've given. The worst scenario is when they feel they've not been shown that gratification. I guess it's not easy keeping everyone pleased - my bloodline has never been in a leadership position so I couldn't tell you - but I'd wager it's the sign of a good boss when he's managed to keep it under control.

Acts of kindness inspires real loyalty. Your family takes you in, they protect you, they give you the funding to begin stepping up the earnings, every single day that passes they're the only reason you're alive. When this happens, people will go above and beyond in the representation of their family. That loyalty will remain beyond death.

Fear can also inspire loyalty. I don't believe this to be true loyalty. Those who are loyal out of fear would gladly fuck you over as soon as they had someone bigger to hide behind. As soon as you die, they're not going to care about the wellbeing of your friends and associates.

I believe loyalty out of kindness is betrayed when people no longer think rationally. Something tends to happen which pushes them over the edge. That can be someone they see in power who just don't fit with their ideals, it can be something as simple as the stress eventually tipping them.

Loyalty out of fear is betrayed as there was no real loyalty there to begin with.

Tushy, I was only wondering, are you a victim of Tourettes Syndrome?