The young associate sat quietly feeling a deep sense of pride as he watched the streets for signs of activity, he’d only just started out in the world of organised crime and his enthusiasm was unparalleled, at least that’s what he naively believed. He recognised he’d found himself with an opportunity and wished to display his ability to the organisation as quickly as possible to repay their faith, only it wasn’t that easy, without realising it out loud he posed the question; “how does one show their initiative?”.

In this world of rules and customs, how do we each define ourselves, what separates us and shows our individuality, our qualities. Can anything be achieved if you’re part of the faceless crowd that makes the daily commute here into the cities, half heartedly doing the required minimum to remain tolerated by those above until there is nobody else left to promote, are standards slipping to the point one can rise to the upper ranks without a credible voice, an original thought or opinion?

The consequences of not being definable/unrecognisable, of lacking a personality don’t seem to exist, in today’s era are the standards slipping or did they simply never exist? It seems quite frightening to me at least that the silent majority is prospering and displaying to others that it’s a viable means of success. Obviously this observation isn’t all inclusive, there are those amongst the crowd who’ve chosen to define themselves and are prospering quite well, perhaps even better than they should because they’re unique in the fact that they’re willing to speak up, regardless of the subject.

I want to succeed in this world, on my own merit, with the support and admiration of family, to do this I’ll have to avoid the trappings of safely remaining silent no matter the subject, the comfort zone must be avoided and in doing so I know I’ll learn a few lessons, perhaps lose face on occasion and take a few knocks but it’ll be worth it, at least I can be proud that I gave something a go, took a few chances in this life.

It’s a scary and foreboding world at times and there will always be critiques and detractors, not everyone’s going to appreciate what you may have to say but if you’re to put forth that little extra effort you might just surprise yourself and a few others as well, opportunities might arise and friendships may be born, you never know you just might even be remembered?

Sal steps to the front of the crowd after straightening out his suit. Swallows hard and takes a deap breath

"I must say, you make a very good point. The state of the streets these days makes me sad. Notes in my forefathers journals would tell of a time when the streets were a vital part of our world. They were bursting with activity and more importantly, the standard of what was being talked about was high. There was hardly any drivel."

"I have to confess I have not spoken publicly as much as my forefathers did, or as much as I would have liked. I am embarrased by this and plan to change that. As far as your point of the standards never being there, they most certainly were. I think they have been slowly lost over the years and the streets have been made less and less important."

"It only takes a few people to reverse the current effect though, a few determined people will be able to turn it around and start getting the streets back to their former glory. I for one hope this happens soon, and I plan to be one of these people who helps the streets, rather than hinders them."

Sal walks up to LouisGara and shakes his hand

"I applaud you for coming out here and saying what you have so bluntly. I definitely needed to here it and I think a lot of other people do too. I only hope it doesn't fall on deaf ears like so many other things do nowadays."

I am grateful for your response, it is certainly appreciated, I’m also quite surprised to be in such distinguished company so soon, though this is a perfect example of the message I’m attempting to convey as I would never have had the opportunity to make your acquaintance and exchange opinions if I hadn’t made the conscious decision to speak publicly.

It’s interesting to see that my words hold value with someone who’s already achieved what many consider to be one the highest honours than can be bestowed in this thing of ours, as my intention was more to hopefully enthuse those who may have similar aspirations but have yet to develop a presence and achieve such successes. I see so many faces but see so little public interaction that I’m intrigued as to what these individuals are doing, especially those unburdened with the day to day running of an organisation.

I wish to go back to the time you’ve acknowledged from your forefathers journals, to see the vibrancy and activity that entertained the masses and I too believe it’s achievable, only with a great deal of effort and belief consistently from each individual is this possible, we’re deluding ourselves that the possibility of change is achievable without this. As for the standard of discussion, I’m not overly concerned, the only way to learn and improve is by making the effort to begin with and it does become easier and more natural over time, nobody should be expecting miracles.

As a leader you’re seen as someone who ought to be setting examples but seeing as you can’t practically make it mandatory for participation, what do you suggest or what do you currently implement to encourage a more social interaction? Do you believe the demands and pressures are currently misdirected in the weight of importance of the likes of rank and financial achievement?

Sal smiles and nods to Louis

"At the end of the day, I cannot make participation in the streets a rule, or punish people for not doing so. I believe it should be a completely optional thing for people, and extended time in the streets should probably be rewarded. It's not easy to make people want to be active, there are so many critics out there. If someone with little experience was to come here and make a few mistakes while speaking, there would be several people ready and waiting to jump down their throats about it."

"People should feel comfortable when coming out here, and equally so, the critics out there should give those people a break and let them learn our ways. If people are taught of ways to interract to a good standard out here, then only good things can come of it. There needs to be no fear of people criticising you when it's you that is making the effort."

"However, a little constructive criticism is very healthy, and people need to understand that too. There's a way to go about it though, just being rude and obnoxious is not the way to improve the standard out here. People need to be understanding that not everyone is going to be as experienced as they are, and need to treat them respectively and properly."

Mrs-D smiles at Salvatore and nods.

Very well said my friend. I couldn't of said it any better myself at all! I do agree that the streets are very tacky at times however my ancestors weren't really around when the streets used to thrive with greatness or even if they were around they never noted it. They were too busy making their roots here finding their feet. I also agree.. that we can not make a specific rule stating that Street presence is mandatory. As it just wouldn't fit. Not everyone likes to show their face in public and prefer to do their jobs behind the scenes.

However I wish to add to Salvatores comment. Although the quality of the streets and the amount of speeches made have gone down and down you also have to take into consideration how many times certain subjects have been spoke about over and over. People don't like to keep repeating themselves over and over. Neither do people like to listen to the same thing they heard not a month or so ago.

I know there could be many subjects that people can discuss however if its a subject that no one cares about. Instead of people keeping their mouth shut.. like Salvatore said, they decide to come out and start slagging away at the speaker who at least attempted to show their face in public. This is the very reason why the streets have slowly decayed and it is going to take a very very large project to try and inject life back into them.

Even then if you did bring back life to the streets, if you want my honest opinion.. I hate to say it but even then I don't think it would last.

Mrs-D smiles at Salvatore and nods at Louis.

Very good subject to bring up however!

Oh the irony.  If you don't know what I mean, come find me and I'll tell you.  But for now, it just struck me as humorous. 

Anyway, I like this topic.  I think it's good to discuss this from time to time.  From my standpoint, it's an important topic, so I hope we can have a lengthy discussion about having a street presence. 

Personally, I think people should have a street presence.  My ancestors have always thought so, and have - from time to time - engaged in eras when street speaking has been very important. 

And my question is - why can't we have a rule?  There are rules legislating a lot of the things we do - from who we can mug to who we can kill.  And once upon a time, there were rules about how we could "recruit."  It just wouldn't fit?  Why not?  I'd love to hear reasons why such a rule wouldn't fit in today's society?  Is it only because certain people just don't like to speak in the streets? 

My question has always been - if you don't like interacting with others, then why are you in these cities?  Ah, the answer - you DO like interacting.  You interact in the coffee shops all the time, but can't come and interact here from time to time?  Silly. 

And if you don't like the streets - then interact in the bars.  Or in the HQ.  Just have some presence somewhere.  That's what I say.

Couple other issues I'd like to address.  I feel bad when people get hammered for coming out here and expressing an unpopular opinion.  That's wrong.  And I admit that I've engaged in some of that too over the years.  But I've matured.  Some.  And I feel like we should be able to have meaningful discussions without making fun, embarassing, or the like.  That being said - as somebody who comes to the streets - you need to develop a thick skin.  Don't let the morons bother you and all will be fine. 

I enjoyed the topic very much Louis.  Thanks for taking the time to come on out here.   

Mr. Pickles quietly listens and then steps forward to share his own thoughts.

Some people don't want to stand out in a crowd.  After all, being noticed can be a good thing or a bad thing.  But, I think another thing that keeps people from coming out into the streets and waxing eloquent is the lack of response.  People pass by, they may listen for a minute or two, but ofttimes it seems that people are talking to themselves.  And, then you just look like a crazy person.

You said right.Sometimes people don't like what you said.

But sometimes they get happy and appreciate what you said.

Thank you Mr Maranzano for kindly answering my question in regards to participation, you briefly touch upon reward as an encouragement for taking on a more active role within our society, once again there are many options for potential reward but what would you yourself as someone who can directly influence individuals consider for those attempting to create a consistent presence without then causing too much of an imbalance in regards to over indulgence or expectation? I have recently become aware that in your city there is something referred to as the ‘Chicago Street Team’  that does in fact encourage participation, can I ask how affective this is and does having something that incorporates the whole city benefit society rather than just the initiatives of individual families or would you say each family should still have its own way of creating a unique identity? Considering what I’ve just said, I’d open that question up to anyone interested or who has direct involvement or ideas to the questions posed, the more opinions the better.

Something else that was mentioned by Mr Maranzano and the equally honourable Mrs Doubtfire as well as coughs the 'Sexiest Man Alive' coughs Mr Paxton and should possibly be addressed separately in its own right is the negative criticism which has been sighted as a reason for people not willing to discuss a potential subject, it is something that has seemingly affected everyone whether directly or indirectly at some point so how is it to be addressed without then curtailing off those with a genuine piece of constructive criticism and possibly harming the beginnings of a competitive debate? How should those who’re negatively criticising without need be dealt with and should those who’re supposed to be leading be held accountable for the negative actions of their members?

Mrs Doubtfire you make the case that there are only so many times a person can take interest in the same subject and while I agree to a certain point, wouldn’t you say it’s also important for each generation to recognise and consider their values and opinions on the subject, to perhaps revaluate and make sure that those who haven’t had the opportunity previously learn and  judge for themselves get to do so, when new bloodlines arrive in the future isn’t it important that they are inspired to speak to and learn from individuals with experience such as your good self? I don’t have a problem with the son repeating what the father has said if it’s to the benefit of others and if I disagree at least I have been  given a platform to do so from.

Mr Paxton it’s my pleasure to be able to bring this topic to the forefront and hopefully put my own spin on things and to hear the opinions of others, it never hurts to have certain perspectives validated by others either as it gives me confidence that I’m at least on the right path. The fact that you’ve been able to answer and ask some questions of your own which I didn’t consider for myself is also important, while I don’t necessarily have the experience or insight to answer said questions I’m eager to see if they will be answered by someone who does, I can at least say that I myself wouldn’t be against some form of rule to be set, obviously the details would be for others to consider but I’d think as long as it was done in a way that encouraged and didn’t necessarily force someone’s hand in the short term that it couldn’t be anything but beneficial in the long term, I think a great many people would flourish from just the tiniest of prompting.

Finally to Mr Pickles, thank you for your insight, I think you’ve also made a valid point when it comes to a lack of response, it’s easy to become despondent and move away from future public discussions though I do believe if one is consistent and pursues a certain goal then eventually it’ll be recognised by the community vocally. You yourself have your own production and I assume it’s important that you receive feedback as it no doubt helps with future editions, I’m guilty myself of reading the tabloid news and failing to give it recognition, what I would say though is it does then become ingrained and it helps for me to understand and validate your opinion from what you’ve said in the past to strengthen your word in the future. As for your comment of being noticed, I believe there is no harm in being noticed as long as your motives and intentions are honourable, heightening your profile with public speaking should always have more positive ramifications than not.

One contribution that I'd like to make here is the concept of people being afraid to speak in the streets that has been raised. People are afraid, almost always, for one of two reasons: 1) Fear of getting critiqued. 2) Fear of getting punished for saying something.

I'll handle the second issue first. It's obvious that there are certain things that cannot be spoken in the streets. You should show the proper respect to any parties involved. However, when it's a matter of opinion, it is almost always possible to respectfully speak your mind and get your point across. With most, this won't get you in trouble. If anything, it's showing you have a brain. Which is good.

The fear of getting criticized, I think, is more nuanced. Here's my response... what's wrong with getting criticized? Every single person (and bloodline) here has arrived at this world and made mistakes, especially when they're young. When you make a mistake and someone calls you out on it, that's helping you get better. Work on your skills, find good mentors, and you won't get criticized.

For example, earlier in this discussion Kingpin said

"You said right.Sometimes people don't like what you said.

But sometimes they get happy and appreciate what you said. "

Well allow me to retort.

Reaches into his jacket for a pen and writes a letter to his new friend.

Dear Kingpin,

I understand that you probably want to just fulfill some minimum speaking requirement to get promoted, but you're really making yourself look silly with this sort of comment. You basically said nothing at all and contributed negatively to an otherwise intelligent discussion. Rather that bullshitting a nothing response to get a +1, maybe next time actually use your brain, consider the topic at hand, and make a small effort to bring something to the table.

Sincerely,

Christopher K. Crawford, Esq.

Finished, he hands the letter to Kingpin.

Point being, sometimes people say stupid things. We shouldn't ignore the fact that they said stupid things. If you hold hands and sing songs and praise every lazy effort in the streets, progress can't be made. Some of the greatest street speakers today had to run the gauntlet of criticism and praise when their bloodlines first arrived and it helped make them what they are. Why should it be any different now?

I hear some are only good at playing guitars.

Me, being me, I'm going to suggest perhaps a group of people who are good at public speaking, linguists if you will, form a council to help others.  They would be supreme linguists.  We could have a veritable council of supreme linguists. 

Mr. Pickles laughs to himself, wondering if anyone else gets the joke.