Over the past two weeks, I have had the opportunity to observe and understand This Thing of Ours. I'm not so bold as to say I understand it fully, or even remotely close to grasping the entire nature of our underground operations and those who run it. Our world consists of those who make up our world. It is solely our responsibility and privilege to do what we please in the time we spend here. It has dynamic attributes, like the Streets discussions and this Las Vegas scenario. It has static attributes, like the universal understanding that "power rules". On the contrary, it also has hybrid elements; such as the dynamic authing system, where men and women get their chance to step up; but the men and women aren't always of unique bloodlines, which makes its effect on the community rather static.

Our world is a mix of static business and dynamic motion. We execute the same procedures for days, even weeks on end. Business thrives on static behaviors. We've seen our economy double in size since the war that took so many from us. The static behavior has flourished, and money is flowing through the hands of crewleaders all over the nation. This is what's "good for business". But have we also preserved the dynamic nature of our world? We thrive in the static, unchanging business model; we make crazy money on a crazy scale, and buy protection for our leaders and their most valuable subjects. But what is the status of our dynamic side?

The Godfather Council decision, the Street Speeches, even the conflict between Philly and Las Vegas show that things aren't 100% static. I applaud the council for limiting the number of HQs in each city, but also giving good men a chance to be bold in Las Vegas. That was a dynamic decision, and one that many people agreed with. Obviously, we can't afford to jeopardize the static business structure with too much dynamic thinking; or we start to lose efficiency. But where is that line drawn?

The best business decision would be to change very little; except for what is good for business. But we all know that's not the driving force behind the Godfather Council decisions, as they've introduced some policies that effectively reduce crew income across the nation. In the interest of business, we can't afford to alter our world too much, but we have to preserve the dynamic nature of this world that makes it so damn appealing.

As of this speech, I think we are well-balanced. The Godfather Council is in a constant state of flux, with both introducing new policies and reserving the ability to review old ones. The Streets are a verbal playground, and everyone has something to say. The Las Vegas opportunity gives every man a chance to accomplish anything they set out to, with no holding back. So, what do you think?

Are we at the right balance of static/dynamic activity? If not, what would you change?

Masterfully written Mr Pharol.

I believe that we are heading in the right direction. I think the right people want to see the right kind of change and we continue toward it to that end. There things which could be better day to day, but many more that could be worse. I think what it most important to remember during the decisions at any level, be it the daily 'static activity' as well as that dynamic motion you made mention of, is that each decision we make here, be it good, bad or indifferent, will passively or directly impact the next generation. With that it is vital we assess our actions as individuals and as a community and do what will benefit not ourselves, but this place we have come to cherish. Drastic changes or even changes in the subtlest of ways, as we have seen can make some lose interest, lose focus, fear speaking out, fear of questioning that which should be questioned, even grow weary of the static lining that morphs and reinvents itself every so often.

We see changes meant to benefit us in the now to often, and changes for longevity much less frequently. As we continue to rebuild and reshape this latest generation, i think being cognizant of this fact will help us bridge the gaps that we've missed for so long, and make our community a for viable destiniation for those seeking solace in a place of crime like ours. In addition, for those already here, it will invite a reason to bring their sons and daughters here, because they know we work toward bigger and better things each passing day. This is the mafia, so i will never be to naive. But, to sustain this mafia we have come to love, we just need to keep our focus on the things that matter most.

Great Topic Pharol.

High Society

Statis is the enemy of innovation.  To adapt, people must first be tested.  To be tested, people have to endure.

With each falling empire goes a whole set of traditions and customs.  Boundries will be tested.  Lessons learned.

We have transcripts of speeches years ago complaining of stagnancy. Have we passed that? Clearly, stagnancy isn't fixed just in conflicts and wars; because we don't need war to be a dynamic society. However, that appears to be the greatest catalyst for forcing the dynamic side of the spectrum.

ManicStreetPreacher, while I grow somewhat tired of your vague and faux-omniscient responses; you made one good point. When we are in the static, money-making phase; we are hindering innovation. But then again, do we need innovation at a time like this? I think those in charge have the right interests in priority presently, and that can substitute the need for innovation at this point. But that all hinges on the priorities of those leading us.

HighSociety, we are in a rebuilding stage. We are passed picking up the pieces and have progressed into re-assembling them. But what else could possibly change, apart from what the Gods alter? How long until we are out of the "rebuilding" phase?

I think we will almost always be in a state of rebuilding, reshaping, reforming, etc..., because that is what our society does. Right or wrong, we look to change, and fix, and adjust things. Sometimes, the change is relevant, sometimes needed or wanted, and sometimes, just to do it and see what happened, but we are always changing things.

My point was, as we change, in what ever capacity, that we work to change in a way that doesn't simply benefit the other 129 frequently active mobsters today, or tomorrow, but change with the 100 that find these shores 6 months or a year from now. Change that will want to keep them here and grow this place we've come to love.