So, this is always such an interesting topic.  It generally comes up after a war.  People develop a courage that their father never had.  It's an interesting phenomenom that just strikes me.  I don't think it's odd.  Just interesting.  And so I'm here to encourage those with that courage when they first enter this world, to continue to have that courage as they progress through this life. 

I guess I'm also here to offer my point of view, maybe a little advice, and enjoy a stroll through the street.

Why is is that there is so much courage when you are new to this world?  Then after you have something to lose?  Silence.  I have my own opinions on the matter, but I don't like to hear myself talk that much.  Okay, that's a lie.  I do, so I continue.

There are some very interesting topics that are being discussed by these very young members of our community.  But because they are so young nobody will listen.  Perhaps nobody listens because those young civilians and gangsters haven't yet earned their place in this world.  Perhaps because people perceive their comments come from a place of bitterness or anger.  Whatever the reason, nobody listens.  No matter how valid their points may be. 

One of the most interesting topics is member whoring.  It's a topic that has been discussed and discussed and discussed.  But only those who have nothing to lose provide strong opinions opposing such conduct.  Then when there's something to lose, that position gets softer until the day they are justifying "recruiting."  Very interesting. 

Now comes the point when I offer that little bit of advice.  I don't mind the courage to have a position and defend that position.  When you take that position to a point where you begin insulting those of a much higher rank (not even addressing whether they run a crew or not) then you've likely gone too far.  There are ways to get your point across without calling people out and disrespecting them in front of the entire community.  A problem with the disrespect - same issue: nobody will listen to you because you haven't earned your stripes. 

So - love to see the courage.  Disappointed that it goes away when you have something to lose. 

Another issue - when is that point when you lose that courage?  Is it when you become insanely well protected?  Have you, by that point, invested so much money in your protection that you can't afford to have a controversial position? 

Now - obviously there are quite a few courageous people who continue to speak their minds no matter how old they are.  The numbers just seem to be far greater immediately after a war, when our community spawns a new generation of gangsters.  Imagine if all those courageous gangsters continued having that courage when they had something to lose?  Our streets would be far more entertaining, there would be amazing debates, and I'd have nothing left to talk about.  Score!

Interesting topic indeed. I see your point clearly, and it is a very good one. As someone who doesn't speak in the streets often whether if I'm thug or a don, I would also like to see those who have lived the longest give us their input if they have the time.

Perhaps the streets isn't the correct place for words of wisdom from elders?

Maybe the cocky attitudes just fade with age. As a wise man once said "Youth is wasted on the young."

Simplicity nodded at the speech that had just been brought before the mafia world. She felt that this was the way to bring up such a topic, unlike the others that were running around letting their thoughts run rampant by spamming their streets and posts with it.

"When you have something to lose you have to be careful how you go about saying things. Everyone around you has earned their spot and disrespecting that is not the way to go about talking. Many do not realize that you can say what you think in a civilized manner. You can bring your beliefs and thoughts to the street as long as you remember that there is a line you should not cross."

"What is that line I speak of? It is that line that your beliefs and thoughts turn into flaming others and bashing. Which is found to be very disrespectful and in doing so will get you killed. Which you addressed also in your speech. That is why people lose their courage. They want to live, but can't seem to find that happy medium. I was once fearful of voicing my thoughts. Yet, then one day I got the guts to come to the streets and say what was on my mind. My fear of speaking up went away when I saw people began to agree with me or if they didn't they disagreed in a decent manner."

"It is hard to stand amongst leaders, hands, and higher ranks that seem to have more leway in what they can say. Yet, even they have to find that safe spot."

"The easy thing is for one to voice their opinion when they have nothing to lose and don't care to die because they know it is coming. Yet, no one will remember that opinion once the blabbering idiot is gone. I feel like I might be repeating what you have said, but I truly hope people find the strength in them to attempt to voice their opinion."

"I would love to help those that want to speak up. I would love to help them find their voice. If they only just asked I would be delighted to help them! I mean I just said help four times now! Yet, I'll leave it at that."

Simplicity thanked Andrew for bringing this topic to the streets and then waited to see what others would say.

With recent events, Mr. Paxton, I couldn't agree more. We have too many young mobsters that know they've nothing to lose and thus they attempt to state their opinions in the street without holding back. However, the ones of late have been less opinion and more blatant disrespect. It saddens me that people lose that spark as they grow in age. That is not to say that I condone the actions of these young members, as I obviously do not. Simply that I wish some of the older guys had the same resilience and courage. I honestly feel it's because they've grown too comfortable with their positions and would rather not take a chance of losing it by speaking their mind on subjects in the streets. I applaud people like -Premeir, who always state their opinions, whether good or bad. The ones that will defend their friends and family with not only the courage of these young guys seem to possess, but also with their guns. We have seen too many people fall mute to the fear of losing their position and I feel it's high time for them to come back and speak their mind. I can only hope that some older members of our society will give us their thoughts on the subject at hand.

Panda smiles at Andrew_Paxton before stepping back into the crowd that has flocked around him.

I agree I think this is definitely an interesting phenomenon.  I have never been the type to be very vocal in the streets.  Perhaps that is a weakness of mine that needs to be addressed.  I generally find my time better spent working behind the scenes, especially when so many others are able to are able to express similar views to my own much more eloquently than I. 

I think the real reason why so many turn a blind eye to the strongly worded complaints of new recruits, is that frequently the complaints are made with such arrogance.  I feel their stance is “ I am right, and you are the ignorant fool who didn’t recognize it on your own.”

Take the recent speech by Huxley directed at my city.  Welcome to New Orleans.  Huxley has gone out of his way to call down my Godfather for being understanding of a language barrier issue and a kind man’s desire to find others from his home country.  The way the issue was brought to our attention originally was with nothing but disdain for our member.  When RoRoG did not appease Huxley’s incessant demands, he took it to the streets in an attempt to humiliate the integrity of my city.  Not to mention the integrity of a Made Man of New Orleans. 

I feel as though we are supposed to fall all over ourselves praising the arguments that are only brought with animosity.  

I think the streets would be far more interesting if people had courage all the time, to speak their mind, respectfully but openly.

Courage is an interesting thing. My father was courageous, but only to a certain extent. I wish courage was more common but considering the cost of it, it never will be.

I can come out to the street and say pretty much anything I want, within reason and without insult i believe generally.  I believe is not that hard to discuss a point amicably or comment on a matter without trolling for a reaction.  Sadly in some cases where many of the victims families buried their own, they dusted themselves down knowing is best to rebuild using the characteristics there parents placed upon them as without respect, loyalty, honour where would most of us be.

A war or tragedy will bring people out quicker then the president coming to town is the truth of the matter and then the streets go back to that cold dark silence apart from the odd tabloid, magazine or print on the newstand as is the only time a lot of people have that fire in their belly.  Is like they actually have something to feel about outside the mundane to some mission of collecting wealth.

I look around the streets a lot and see a lot of re-hashed ideas generally, and as have commented on some of the last discussion of the subject, i realise is nothing new to be added, or in some case someone has always made a point i would of.   If you really want to see me daily i can create a generic block answer by topic and read of a script over and over as the topics come up is the truth but would be a waste of my breath and that many seconds of your life.

It's true recent wars hurt harder due to the long periods of peace, many of us have set up nice nest eggs for our future on the foreign exchange market and have got comfortable in our life styles so is always a harder decision when a war comes.  When a war comes and one particular group feels the trust is broken of course emotions will run high, so choosing to commit these acts is never easy but sometimes have to react when we can, before things damage our business more.

As for my thoughts on whoring as brushed over as a common thread, i believe we are at a point in society where things feel make or break a lot, and you have to actively go out and look for employees sometimes and would rather a person come to me if i was new to the shores as they can tell me what they represent, safety, progression and whats in it for me as well as the sponsor or leader.  One of the first things me and my original sponsor talked about originally was training, family bonds and ranking but the emphasis is on me to prove my value.

The thing that i think makes most people careful about what they say is the threat they bring to themselves by the crew rules, and feeling they are letting down themselves to.  At what point do we stop being members of an organisation and common street thugs hurling abuse and showing to others all the qualities our families imbued in us are not that important, and we can ignore our lineage.  Some people have felt the right to say what they want, and often ended up in the next days obits due to it.  The problem is, often what you say and your bravery can be down to who is standing beside, behind and in front of you when you say it.   Some people will always say what they think, others will carefully imply without saying and some will just give you it double barelled.  Is not always about courage, sometimes simple common sense which sadly isn't always that common.

"Huxley has gone out of his way to call down my Godfather for being understanding of a language barrier issue and a kind man’s desire to find others from his home country" Egwene

Egwene, you are seriously trying to justify the sending out of such a ridiculous message and blatant attempt of member whoring. So, if the person who received that message was from Hungary ... he gets in to the crew straight away? No more questions asked? 

Leaders must be held accountable for their members's behavior. Your Godfather's response was poor and highlights the issue of ignorance once again. 

Your response to this speech is in no way reflective upon the topic at hand or the speaker. You have approached this speech with nothing more than an attempt to belittle those in power, yet again. Congratulations on making yourself look like more of a tool than before.

Panda, my response was directed at Egwene. Thank you for your viewpoint once again .... 

Your response was at Egwene, in an attempt to belittle her and her city once again. You've nothing positive whatsoever to add to this speech, which is quite sad as you are one of the people this speech is talking about. Yet, instead of offering your views, you continue to do the same things you've done since you came to our shores.

Panda, I have offered my views over and over again. 

As for belittling Egwene, that was not my intention.

But anyone who comes here and justifies such deplorable behavior on such ridiculous grounds deserves to be belittled. 

There were some interesting comments about courage and why it is sometimes so fleeting.  But I have another question.  Can't we continue to be courageous, and say what we think - even if we disagree with the masses - as long as we do it respectfully?  I think there is a happy medium.  Otherwise, we're all just yes men (and women), which I suppose is what most mob bosses will want anyway. 

Oh, that's another question - is that what our bosses want?  Somebody who will just say yes no matter what?  Or do our bosses want somebody who they can have an exchange with, whose opinions they'll listen to sometimes? 

Interesting debate, if I do say so myself.

That does sound like a good debate Andrew.

Huxley, I'd just like to let you know that when you go to obvious extremes to insult someone's character you only make them seem like a better person. Congratulations, if anyone was on the fence about Roman or BGJ, your extremist ideals being spewed on the streets would likely make people more likely to get in line and follow them.

I think there is a balance as long as is not a subject where emotion is involved typically, when someone feels more passionate about a matter they sometimes we find people pass that safe zone into dangerous waters.  Also i find a simple misinterpretation can cost someone their neck, getting in on a conversation when drunk is a big no no i have found.
As for the yes man deal, I have never been a yes man, and neither has my family line.  We have always tried to explain to a leader even if not the most qualified or capable,  Sometimes my family has had trouble with getting the leader to listen though.  I have been very lucky in New Orleans due to my progression and the fact the leadership sits down together to discuss not just their own members but the matters for the whole city and being a simple yes man is has never been whats best for the city as a whole.
I believe though in the long run by not being a yes man/woman is offering the city best, but is supporting the leader when the decisionis made even if not one i agreed