CastAway walked out of the park, staring down at the rose she had picked. She was smelling it's wonderful scent when she looked up, noticing she had wandered onto the main street, where several gangsters were making a commotion. She shook her head, sighing as she dropped her hands to her side, still grasping the rose tightly. As she looked up and down the street, she wondered what exactly about these streets had intimidated her ancestors before her. She grabbed a crate that was resting against the side of a building and boldly set it down, stepping straight up on top of it. She looked around and in the loudest voice she could muster she began her speech.

I realize that this speech will probably go ignored by most, ridiculed by others for I am, as most of you will call me... A mere gangster... A nobody... Someone who knows nothing about this life or these ways. And while you may or may not be right, my bloodline has been around long enough to learn a thing or two and have left me many diaries and letters to read through. And I surely am aware that what I am about to speak on has probably been spoken on a number of times before. But it obviously isn't changing if it needs to be brought up once again. Not to mention the fact that I cannot go to my grave with the fact that I didn't speak up on my conscience.

I think a lot of people have forgotten exactly what this world started from. Of course we are going to evolve as time goes on, that is a natural part of life. But I hate to see the vision our ancestors created and had for themselves and our future fading away. My bloodline has not been here from the beginning, but they have been very fortunate to have made many friends that have been around for a very long time and has heard many wonderful stories. Stories of crew leaders and Godfathers alike that would roam these streets telling tales, entertaining us and teaching us. This world was not intended to be filled with...

CastAway pauses here, looking down at her hand and noticing a few drops of blood on the sidewalk. She raises her hand, noticing that she had been gripping the rose so tightly, one of the thorns had dug into her skin. She loosened her grip on the rose as she looked back up, clearing her throat before she started again.

I apologize... I was saying that this world was not intended to be filled with all crime and no interaction. The street presence was one of the biggest things that separated this world from many others like it. That was one of the biggest draws for my ancestors to come here and stay here. And my ancestors have watched as that aspect has slowly dissipated until all that is left is people using the streets as a means of complaining and disrespecting. And quite frankly a majority of our ancestors would be quite disgusted to see what has become of the world they created... Or at least tried to create for us.

Is there a way to fix it or is it a lost cause? I don't believe it is a lost cause, it is actually quite easy to fix. I do not for one second believe that the Godfathers of this world are too busy to show theirselves in the streets. They are certainly a big presence in the coffeshops, so they can't be all that busy that they can't take a moment to spin us a tale or begin a discussion that we can participate in and learn from. The crew leaders can certainly come out and do the same, it doesn't all fall on the shoulders of the Godfathers. I have read about times where crew leaders actually required their members to have a street presence before being promoted within their crew. Those days are long gone. In fact when my bloodline recently led a family it was strongly advised to not impress any type of requirement like that on her members.

I do realize that there is also a certain amount of fear involved and that is a reason that some do not come out here and speak. Do I believe a person in this world should be killed for expressing their opinion in the streets, mostly because someone above them does not agree? Hell no!!! Do I believe a person should be able to come out and express their opinion in any fashion or manner that they wish? Hell no!!! There of course needs to be respect in each and every post made. That respect is a two way street however. From gangster all the way to Godfather. And this goes back to those above us setting an example for how to speak in the streets. Maybe if there were more of those that we respect out here speaking and teaching, than those that want to express themselves might have an example of how to do so correctly.

The fear element could be removed if families worked together to improve upon those that may not have a strong of voice as some, or that may have a heavier accent than others. Teamwork. It just takes teamwork. Yes sometimes people will come into the streets mad or upset or heavily opinionated. We are all entitled to be at some point or another. And yes sometimes people are going to come into the streets stumbling over their words, trying to get a point across that they may just not know how to correctly articulate. Should they be jumped upon and picked apart? No, they should be taken in and taught how to improve, so that maybe next time they can approach the streets with more confidence, respect and take the time to think out their argument, gripe or moan a little better.

I've probably worn out my welcome here, but I honestly could not keep my mouth shut on this. It saddens me to see street speaking falling to the wayside and our society becoming... Pardon the expression for lack of a better phrase... A bunch of click monkeys. Thank you to those who have actually taken the time to listen to the things I've had to say. I realize they may mean nothing to anyone but me and I'm okay with that.

CastAway stepped down from her crate and with a nod she said softly.

Have a wonderful day, thank you again for your time.

She stared down at the rose as she walked off slowly.

You managed to put into words what i was not capable of. Those who can change things are most likely the Godfathers. If you don't tell them of your concerns and just continue to complain and rant in the streets nothing but ignorance will happen. You have to step up and explain your points to the Godfathers and they might consider addressing 'your problem' in the public. If there is no real interaction we can't change things.

**Looking out from the coffee shop shaking his head, Paris couldn't help but notice what amounts to sewage flowing through the streets

**Seeing CastAway deliver her speech, Paris smiles at the thought that there is still a slither of hope left. He then noticed that it seems to be falling on deaf ears as people are pre-occupied throwing stones and hurling abuse**

In all this carange, we have here someone brave enough to venture out amongst the madness, someone who can see through the dark clouds and deliver the most sense these streets have seen for some time. Yet people pass by un-stirred just so they can poke someone with a stick

It seems that to get an audience, you have to start a fight

**With that Paris picks up an apple and gives it to CastAway to throw into the crowd**

CastAway stops as she realizes people have stopped and taken an interest in her speech. She holds the rose carefully as she responds.

Vino, I do agree that Godfathers are among those that can help to steer things back to what this world once was, but I don't believe that the responsibility falls on them alone. Crew leaders have a responsibility too and it can start from anywhere. As long as it's started.

We recently witnessed the wrong way to go about it.

CastAway chuckles softly.

But there were some good points made. We all have a voice, but not many choose to use it anymore. That is what I'm trying to encourage. People to step up and become examples. Godfathers and crew leaders are of course in the best position to do this. And as those that we look up to, they should definitely be setting the example. But it also takes a collective effort of anyone and everyone that is willing to step up and let their voices be heard. WITHOUT fear of repercussions for expressing their opinions. In a respectful and proper manner of course.

CastAway turns towards her new mentor.

Thank you for coming out here and supporting the efforts I am trying to bring awareness too. I just want to see this world flourishing in the manner it was meant to be.

I don't think people should be discouraged (through risk of death) if they come out to the streets and say something that is well thought out, well delivered, and makes a valid remark. If someone makes a good point, and does so in a respectful manner, in keeping with the traditions and rules that we follow, then why should we not grant them an audience?

However, sadly, this is not often the case, and as we have seen, other people prefer to get their points across in a much more anarchistic way.