Douglas MacArthur, not needing a soapbox due to high height, begins yelling out over the crowds in the street.

My fellow Mobsters. Although the sight of some of my ancestor's face in these streets was a common one in their times, I have been rather less active, aside from my newspaper (Which is still sort of alive, just on hiatus). However, I find that I am compelled to speak on a subject close to my heart: That of writing and storytelling, as well as just chatting, in these sacred streets.

In "the good old days," folks used these streets to recount their escapades in crime, to write about their experiences, and to talk and engage with each other about the goings-on in our organization. These things, especially the first few, have become increasingly rare and are now even frowned upon. The streets are mostly filled with complete garbage. The most recent nonsense is the debate over who in the Mob is the sexiest. Well, that's bullshit. We are Mobsters, not celebrities. Who cares? In fact, "Sexy" should be a term of shame when applied to a hardened criminal.

But this isn't the only thing. We've lost the craft, the art, of writing and speaking about our killings, our crimes, our rackets, our Mob. A few people still do it, but are often rudely interrupted and told to "stop talking to themselves." The high, high majority of stories and writings about this thing of ours are made-up for contests. Now, I don't completely dislike contest. The have a purpose. However, when people only practice these pastimes for the money offered in these contests, it signals a dire situation.

And so this is my challenge: Write a speak about your doings and the latest news and gossip about this Mob. With no guaranteed tips or rewards. It doesn't have to be as detailed as the late Billy Russo's stories, nor as long as the great Mastrosimones' dramatic writings. Just write and speak. That's my challenge to you all.

Dominic takes the last drag from his cigarette, dropping it to the ground and crushing it out with his foot. He looks up at the tall Douglas_MacArthur. Dom always knew that he himself was tall, but good god, was this man taller.

A slow clap follows.

"Agreed," he says to the man. "Let's bring life back to these streets."

Mr. Anton, with all due respect, you're not the leader of these streets. No one is, at the moment. You're simply the biggest mouth in them.

As for my mentioning of the late Mastrosimones, yes, they may have had some legal trouble, but at least they could write a good chapter and tell a good yarn.

And your sadness over the death of Mr. Russo is completely fake, although I must admit that you're telling the truth as far as his killer is concerned.

Proof of what, Anton ?

Laugh yawns at what @Douglas_MacAuthor is rambling on about

Why does it bother you some much that you had to say something? I heard you rambling on but truly couldn't be bothered to pay close attention to what you were saying

A bystander nudges Laugh gives him a quick summary of Douglas's speech.

Interestingly, you mentioned the streets are filled with garbage topics from the sexiest man to misc. topics.  I haven't seen one person step up and say anything about it being a disgrace until now. You are first to mention something about it.

Now, As far as Anton being a leader of the streets. Hmmm, I would say this fairly accurate. He has a very dominant bloodline that always graced us with their presence in these streets. I would say that title suits him. You may disagree but I've truly never heard of you until now. Please don't take that comment personally. I know we have some sensitive individuals roaming around these streets.

Wheeler, You would kinda be surprised. My ancestor along with a few others did a "Top Model" contest roughly over 11 years ago. It was slightly different but you still had a winner known as #1. I know Ronnie-Radke would love to be that lucky winner but he's only revision #9 so there is still improvements to be made.

I think we have all seen the streets change over time. We once had discussions where folks were more actively involved and it goes through phases from generation to generation. You just kinda go with the flow of things and adapt to those changes. I'm glad you want to go back to older times but we are currently just in a different phase at this time. I'm sure it will sort itself back out.

Laugh bids his farewell and continues down the busy city streets looking for a bite to in the lovely city of South Philly.

As I said Mr. Anton, you're not leader. Simply the biggest presence, which is certainly not the same thing. The person with the biggest gun or the most kills or the most money isn't the leader of the Mafia, is he?

As for proof to these claims you mentioned, you know that they're true, so I see no need for proof.

Anton, you shouldn't have shied away from that. You should embrace that title as you bring back the streets to life. I'm not sure why @Douglas_MacAurthur can't just accept that fact.

Laugh thinks to himself before speaking again

I think he jealous of what you have accomplished and what your ancestors have accomplished as well. You know studies show that individuals get highly defensive when they encounter someone that seems to be a threat or the term that was given an "Alpha" in their line of sight. Is this what's going on with you Mr.Aurthur? Does Anton intimidate you?

The young lad thinks to himself some more about why Douglas is so defensive towards another Chicago family member.

I got it! You are a secret admirer of Anton! I mean if you rule out all other options this would clearly be the main reason. You sat back until the fallen Billy_Russo was no longer around before you announced your undying love and admiration to Anton.  Case Solved I say. Maybe we should get the Judge involved with this case.

Yes, I do mean Judge_Topperson.

Anton, I understand you don't want to be the leader of the streets but you are clearly the one destined for it. That's very respectable of Tommy to refused your generous gifts of money. Aye, the price of dueling doesn't always play out in the way we would like for it to go.

Even though the history of being the leader of the streets weighs heavy I'm sure it would be an easy task for you.

I have been silent for far too long, 

which is probably good for everyone.

I may however say something soon.

something........brow raising

something........relevant

something........that resembles a punched lasagne

something........that makes sense in this crazy world in which we dwell.

More to follow folks...........

Tad had been listening as Douglas_MacArthur said some sensible things and others said some less sensible things. It was definitely a short speech filled with an idea that was eating at him for some time as well. The streets and what they had become in recent times compared to what it has been in other years. The masses that used to call the streets a second home of sorts.....although some call it a literal home and that is a different conversation entirely. 

Douglas, you view things in a way that I think many do. Sadly many do not even wish to bring it up or approach the subject as it tends to come with more annoyance than it can be worth. I agree that many of the things that we see here on the streets have their value. To see them become more common than anything else is definitely an issue.

My hope would be to see more people sharing their exploits, memories, and much more just as you have requested. I myself will try to find the time to do so if I can. I would also hope to perhaps see more leadership with a voice in these streets that can add something constructive to the conversations. There are a few who have done so and I applaud that. There are also people out there that have added nothing to the streets other than carbon dioxide. 

We clearly have no real leader of the streets which is a position that has never existed. Now it is a position that could be beneficial to have if the right person was found or came forward. Perhaps it could be you? Even so, clearly in recent times we have not had anyone show up here in the streets that has shown they could handle such a role. 

I do believe that part of the issue has been the "stop talking to yourself" mindset along with other behaviors when people attempted to visit the streets. I also believe that many who have these public speaking skills and story telling ability have gone back to the old country rather than continue trying. I think that this is a loss to those who remain to not have them around to entertain and in some cases get us all talking or thinking. Finally, another reason can be attributed to the amount of times we have seen similar topics brought up for discussion throughout the years. It can be hard to bring any fresh takes to a subject that has been talked to death. 

Perhaps even you and I could discuss ideas through private correspondence in regards to the streets. Whatever the direction you choose to go with this topic and hope for the streets, I would suggest you try to find like-minded individuals to work side by side with. The streets are definitely in need of some solution that can awaken the voices of the masses rather than continue with the few voices that try to fill it now.

Before Tad could make his way off the street corner where Douglas_MacArthur had given his speech, a complete stranger came up to him. Question after question flowed from his mouth as if Tad had any idea who he was....

I'm quite perplexed by this accusation that I 'personally attacked you' when I had not even taken a moment of my time to mention your name in my response to Douglas_MacArthur. I spoke in generalities when it came to the topic of the streets. If what I said directly applied to you in your mind....well that's is where it came from. Your mind.

As for your claim to be able to see and hear dead people....well I would have to assume that is also only in your mind. You seem quite incapable of seeing the difference between reality and your own imagination at this point. 

There is no leader of the streets. If there was then I couldn't imagine anyone thought he was doing a good job. I mean....just look at the complete and utter mess that they are in. At least the areas that don't look utterly abandoned. I also know that nobody asked you to be the leader of the streets. Perhaps that was something you also heard or saw in your own mind. Did one of those ghosts tell you it was your responsibility? Sorry, I won't feed into the delusion of seeing dead people.

You ask if it is 'what I want'? No, I would much rather you be unaccompanied by these ghosts that you are apparently able to see and hear. 

What I truly want....is to see the streets in better shape. With true guidance from somebody who perhaps could become the first ever leader of the streets. Since we of course have never had one. 

Before I go though and leave you with your ghostly comrades. Was it one of the ghosts that told you to write that letter which was delivered to me prior to you arriving here? All you had to say was "I am the leader of the Streets". I would believe that anyone who was actually the leader of the streets would not have to send such letters to people. His claim would be clear to the masses.

Now you have a nice day and try to see what you can add to the streets! One day you may even have the chance of being viewed as a contributor to the streets for whoever becomes the leader of them! Just as I stated above, I hope to see more people start contributing!