Herbert strolled down the street as he licked his thumb and used it to fuss back the hair that was covering his eyes coming undone from his part. He found himself out on this beautiful day getting himself familiar with his new surroundings. Finding the best coffee spot, breakfast joint and what businesses might be an untapped resource of wealth. He had heard some of the best money could be made in the West Side but after asking numerous locals how to get there he was always met with blank stares and the shrugging of shoulders. Strange indeed.

As he walked, he began to ponder some words he had heard earlier about greenhorns coming off the boat from the old country who were given more favored or fortunate positions of power amongst the ruling bodies. He hadn’t joined into the discussion at the time but nevertheless it left him pondering. “Surely the bloodlines of the greenhorns that had joined had to be of some note or they wouldn’t be brought into the fold so quickly. The bloodline must have meant something to someone. That being said,” he thought to himself, “there was no telling that a son would have the same skillsets as his father, or take to leadership quite as well. If everything in this world was based on nepotism it would make it much harder for those who might have legitimate skills but no family name to speak of to get ahead.”

Thinking that his thoughts weren’t the only ones that might matter in this debate he looked around for a bit and found the metaphorical soap box that he so enjoyed using and stepped up, taking the notice of other mobsters in the area.

“Hello everyone. Recently other thought-provoking conversation have led me to start one of my own. It’s one that has no doubt been had before by others but I thought the time may be right to re-hash the discussion and get a current viewpoint of the masses. Everyone knows that most of us here have a family name that is known, some for the better part of a decade or more. Now, that family name can come with weight be it good or bad. Hell, good or bad may change at any particular moment depending on who may be in favor, but regardless the name means something. Obviously, everyone has a right to keep their bloodline private when they choose to, be it for necessity or just to distance themselves from their past. That’s not the discussion I am here to have. I’ll be the first one to say that a man or woman has a right to leave the past behind them when they choose to and turn over a new leaf, but what about people who want it to be known as soon as their feet touch these shores?

That brings me to my main talking point. What does a bloodline mean? When should it mean something and when should it not matter? Should someone with a storied history in leadership be given a leadership opportunity before they’ve established themselves as a trusted member of la cosa nostra? Should a bloodline always be forgotten, along with the spoils of war stories and memories of the past or should it be something that is used to build a legacy that is talked about for generations to come? All of us know that one day we will all die, no one in this place lives forever. Does that mean too that if your bloodline means nothing that you mean nothing after you have passed? Or do we mean something to the generation that comes after us?

It’s funny, I think who we are now is built up of two things. Our history before this moment and what we want our history to be after this moment. It takes both, mixed with a little bit of right at this moment to make up who you are.”

Herbert stopped as he feared he may be getting to metaphorical.

“In any case. A bloodline has to mean something, but it is far from meaning everything. That being said my thoughts are not the only ones that matter. I want to hear what you all have to say about the topic. Maybe our discussion will lead us all to a deeper understanding.”

With that Herbert stepped down from the soap box and gestured for anyone else in the crowed that was willing to step up and take his place.

Joyner was sitting on the bench as Herbert was strolling by and decided to participate in his speech. Joyner listened closely to the words that came out of Herbert's mouth and made every effort to understand them.

"Herbert, great talking point here. If you don't mind, I will be the first to take a crack at this. In my opinion, bloodline means 'something' but as you said, not 'everything.' I do not like when my fathers used to tell stories in the good ol' days where well known bloodlines would continuously get hand positions or auth over those who worked in a family since day 1. To me, it is a slap in the face. Some may say they don't have anyone ready to move up. What I say to that is, why? How come you haven't tried to mold people who have potential? Overall, bloodline shouldn't be end all, it should get you into the door to a family but ultimately you should work your way up the ranks based on hardwork not who your parents were."

Giuseppe stood smoking a cigar leaning against a near by lamppost listening to the two gentlemen talking, after taking a puff on his cigar rolling it around his mouth then letting out the smoke he spoke.

"Very much agree with both you gentlemen, my father recently passed, he came over from the old country where my family had retired to for a generation or two. As such our family name had been mostly forgotten but he managed to pull himself up and got recognised for his loyalty. Now our name is starting to mean something again. I think what am trying to say is yes it's important that bloodline is remembered but this shouldn't stop new blood from being recognised and given a chance."

Giuseppe smiles and tips his hat

"Sorry to bother you gents with my rambling"

Over hearing the gent's talking, she lights up her cigarette and adjusts her jacket upon approaching the gentlemen having a deep discussion, she clears her throat and speaks respectively

"Excuse me Mr. Herbert, Mr. Lucas & Mr. Giuseppe, I've only just landed in Philly a few months ago, however was my family originated from Italy and Croatia, My Grandmother was working for a family over in Italy some years ago, while yes bloodline is important it is not detrimental I believe.."  she trails off and sucks back on her Cigarette, holding it in momentarily before blowing out away from the gent's.

"People make rash error's and mistakes sometimes in the heat of the moment due to a failed deal else where, if Bloodline's allowed for no faults there would never be fresh blood bettering the local community, For example she was apart of a family back in Sicily that was incredibly hard to get into unless you knew someone on the inside to give you a chance, both her and my Grandfather met through the family, he gained a lot of respect from the Godfather ... all be new to the life style

taking a sip of her whiskey she continues

" I think it all depends on the reputation of the family name, how greatly it has impacted the community both good and bad, once a person is comfortable within their district blood line's generally are mentioned, other time's you feel you need to right a few wrongs from your ancestors keeping it silent. I for one am thankful the crew I am in gave me a chance to deem myself and prove my Bloodline Loyal to a fault. I've been told about a few families that have impacted so many people in a positive manner I just wish to be able to meet them and hear their stories.. Oops I rambled.. sorry."

she looks away coyly and keeps puffing on her cigarette

NathanExplosion was out having a stroll in the crisp winter air, when he caught a familiar scent on the breeze. Only one man would possibly wear so much cologne - Herbert.

Excited to hear what was being said, Nathan followed his nose to the speaker and before long was standing amongst a small crowd listening to Herbie speak. When the monologue was complete, Nathan stood idly and listened to a few others speak their thoughts before chiming in himself.

"A worthy revisiting of an old, but integral topic in our thing. Bloodlines have long been discussed and the question of what they mean is really a variable discussion that can, and has changed over the years. In the early days of our world, bloodlines meant far far less than they do currently. That was before cliques had truly formed, and there were many more people on our shores. It was much more difficult for one to make a name for themselves, and also more difficult for people to keep track of one another. 

Things have changed quite a bit since then. In the past decade or so we have seen bloodlines become increasingly scrutinized and traced, to the point of witch hunting basically. People have built their names up to levels where they can be given a family only on their bloodline alone. While it's nice to try and think that bloodlines aren't everything, from what I have see they really are. There is no single thing you can do to better or worsen your chances of being successful than make a name for yourself. Be that a good name or a bad one. For better or worse, your bloodline and it's history will always be your defining trait.

People have changed the "view" of their bloodlines, but even then their bloodline is what defines them, just in a different way. People will look at you in a positive or negative light based on your bloodline. People will look at you in a positive or negative light without ever having even spoken to you, simply based on what someone else tells them of your bloodline. Blood is the only constant in our world, everything else is temporary. You can hide your bloodline, but even then, you are building your brand as a new bloodline, until you either reveal or die, which will add to or deter the whole body of work. 

Many of us try to ignore bloodlines and look past them, and that is great and something we should continue to do. But in the end it is in vain to do this, from what I have seen at least, as it always comes back to ancestry, whether that be good or bad. People will always compare you to those that came before you.

I'm not trying to say the opinion of your bloodline is permanent and everything you do will be remembered and held over your head. I'm not saying that bloodlines can't change their ways and improve themselves or vice versa. Perhaps I'm being too philosophical here, but from my point of view, your name is who you are, always, good or bad, and it is always changing."

Indifference was late to the show - but he'd been watching the discussion with curiosity over time and made a note to himself to get involved.  It's an age old discussion - but also a very dynamic and relevant one.  He shotgunned 4 beers to find his speaking voice and stepped forward.

"Herbert, I want to thank you for starting the discussion.  Subjects of impact in our world here are thoroughly enjoyable to engage in. Simply put, I think Joynerlucas has a very accurate and concise way of putting how it is.  At the end of the day, my bloodline is my reputation.  The world is very dynamic here - and my reputation may be either good or bad.  Have I erred in the past?  Sure I have, and it takes several generations to gain back the confidence you have lost. That is to say - that I think it is possible to change your reputation - but it's only done with your actions and I don't think that it's fair to have that reputation changed quickly.  It might take a period of time."

Indifference paused for a second and slugged some more brew as he thought of his words.  He felt like he was only addressing the older bloodlines.  He had thoughts that he wished to share with fresher bloodlines who may be upset at being passed over. 

"I hope that those with newer bloodlines are not discouraged if they don't get instant status here.  I would encourage them to keep working hard for their bosses and to  keep engaging in respectful dialogue.  One thing I am certain of, is that if you keep doing those 2 things - your day to rule will come eventually." 

Indifference 

How many years do you propose a new bloodline be on these shores before they get discouraged?   You see I am just a young tween and I would like to make sure I understand the going-ons of these shores.   I don't  want to set my expectations too high and by the same  idea  I would like a potential goal to achieve.  

Indifference drank some beer.  He drank another one.  And then another one.  He thought about the questions before him - and he wasn't sure that he could adequately have his point of view understood.

"Rosaliaorazia - I would make no proposals, and I don't think that it's something that we can put inside of a box.  I'll share my own experience:

My fifth generation at 9 months was fortunate enough to be a hand.  My 9th generation at 13 months was given authorization to have its own crew.  Now - with that in mind - I'm gonna share a story - my fourth generation character worked his ass off, and from any estimation I would say he was deserving of a handjob (heh).  He didn't get it.  The job went to someone who didn't have nearly the work ethic, but maybe more likely to have the lineage.  I don't even know.  He was surely disappointed.  However - he stayed loyal, he didn't complain, continued to work his ass off and died with his family.  That's what he'll be remembered for, not being some whiney pants who complains that the world is stacked against them.  To me - that tradeoff was more important, and I'd suggest that it's done the kin of that mobster well over time."

Indifference looked down and realized that he'd gotten up on a soapbox.  He shrugged and continued anyway....

"Rosalia, this world is dynamic.  Things change.  I don't have a proposal for a timeline.  I would recommend the new bloodline seek to do some self assessment to see why it is that they are not being given a handjob or authorization.  I don't know how easily this singular new bloodline would get discouraged so I can't make the decision for them as to when to give up.  What I do know - is that my bloodline may get discouraged at times - but it hasn't lost all hope or given up completely just yet.  I've been around long enough to know that people who are positive, engaging and hard working always find success around here eventually.  Always.  Write that down.   That, in a nutshell, is how you find out about the goings ons on these shores."

Indifference looked around and everyone looked on.  He'd forgotten where he was going with this.  Meh....

"Rosalia - I've never once set an expectation for myself, and I've never worried about achieving goals.  I show up here for my family and the fine mafia members across the land.  I'd kill for them if I had to, and I'd die for them if need be.  What happens around me is often beyond my complete control - and in that regard setting goals and having expectations is going to leave you disappointed quite often.  Looking at self improvement, supporting your family members and working hard and being positive through the process is much more important and controllable than where you end up."

Indifference shrugs.

"Just my thoughts, but I'm also not one that's set on world domination or being a godfather.  Cheers."