The beautiful spring sun begins to set, brightly illuminating the busy street. Children are out playing, making the most of the spell of good weather. They all smile and point as two small squirrels playfully clamber down from the top of a tree. They appear to be inseparable companions, side-by-side, spiraling down the trunk of the tree and into the foliage beneath. They then re-emerge from the blooming daffodils, one carrying an acorn and the other giving chase as they scuttle into the street. The galloping of hooves is heard and the small creatures are pulverized into patches of brown fur and flesh between the cobblestones.

The women in proximity pick up their now crying children and take them inside, they know well that the arrival of the Outlaws means the men are about to talk business, and it's not in their best interests to know anything about where their pay checks come from.

The street is empty now, no civilians, no lawmen, just men, the honorable men of the criminal organizations that run this country, nestled deep in her inner workings, yet shrouded from the untrained eye. Marston dismounts his stallion, making sure to avoid getting any entrails on his immaculate boots, then pats the dust from his shoulders and begins talking to his men...

One of my biggest pastimes is wandering these streets, listening to people's discussions, hearing their opinions and offering my own on the various subjects they cover. I love the streets, I love the people, but there are things I see regularly that I don't like...

It's not necessarily a new gripe; I'm pretty sure when I was just a nipper my grandfather used to mention it after his walks in the streets. The thing I'm talking about is the negativity that goes around. It seems contagious sometimes; I see people talking about the sorry state of the streets, how awful things are compared to times gone by, and people turning the mood of a general discussion and creating something ugly.

We all have things we don't like in this world; if you are ever 100% happy with everything and everyone in this world, you have accomplished something extraordinary. What I would like to encourage is a more positive outlook and a proactive approach. It doesn't take a lot of effort to point out what you don't like and complain about it, you could constantly do it. Some people might even call you courageous for it, as it is probably insulting or provoking someone, but does it help make the problem go away? Probably not...

What I'd like to see more of is people identifying what it is they don't like, and coming up with positive ideas to rectify it. I don't have the solution to every problem and complaint that every person has in this world… Personally I prioritize my problems and attempt to solve them taking it one step at a time.

A good example of this positive approach being taken is from one of my loyal members, with whom I share many opinions. Like me, Kurtz likes the streets the most when they are bustling with activity from a variety of people from every city. The problem he identified and shared with me was some people not having the confidence to take their opinions onto the big stage, some of them remaining silent generation after generation. He then went away and rather than damn the world and the way it is, he wracked his brain and worked on a solution. I won't go into the ins and the outs of his solution... That is on show for all to see, but it is his attitude I want to promote.

He saw something he didn't like, he deliberated the options he had, and has made an effort towards the solution. His plan could work or it could bomb, but he is doing something constructive. That is what I am commending and promoting, and hoping others will too.

'Rank up and do something about it!' That's what some people would shout at you if you said you want things to change… I say 'Do something now!' Inspire that change!

In summary, what I'd like is more positivity and initiative, and less moaning and deconstructive attitudes.

Marston nods his head, positive he has said everything he wanted to on the subject, before listening to the feedback from the people that stood and heard his speech. He then mounts his horse and heads back to his headquarters with his band of outlaws...

As the sound of hooves fade into the distance, an infant squirrel pokes its nose into a clump of meat and pelt, in the attempt to wake his mother...

Fist-O was on his way to the local fish market when he heard Marston's speech.

I can't help but agree with you on this Marston.  Lately, as far back as my bloodline can see (one generation ago) there has been griping and moaning about anything and everything in the streets.  Some for a good reason and other just to stir up emotions or to get their name out there.  The truth of the matter is, you people that are looking at this with a glass half empty are looking at it all wrong.  If you look at things with a glass half empty attitude that's exactly what you're going to get in return in this world. 

What you mafioso's out there that are seeing this world as such could do is try to make the best of the situation.  I mean, you might not like the leadership that has embarrassed this world but as they say, "It is what it is, what it is, what it is".  You see, what Marston (I pretty sure) is saying, is that if you take the initiative and have people see you as a positive role model, you can get a lot more done with a positive attitude than you can being a "negative Nancy".

After putting in his two since he walked away quickly to avoid any 'negative Nancy's' that maybe bring down his positive spirit about cooking up a nice Salmon later tonight.

We all have things we don't like in this world; if you are ever 100% happy with everything and everyone in this world, you have accomplished something extraordinary. What I would like to encourage is a more positive outlook and a proactive approach. It doesn't take a lot of effort to point out what you don't like and complain about it, you could constantly do it. Some people might even call you courageous for it, as it is probably insulting or provoking someone, but does it help make the problem go away? Probably not...

You know Marston, there are many reasons I lurk these streets in this thing of ours and I am seen as a mere shadow. My bloodline has been known to be tossed around the streets like a rag doll, almost as of it doesn't matter what my opinion on the matter is.

There are a lot of others that feel the same. people bash on your opinions because of something that may have happened completely off topic or a very long grudge they may hold against that person, leading to these accusations you see where people don't really classify what they are harping on someone about.

I'm not afraid by any means to come in these streets and voice my opinion, however reading trough my ancestors journals, I have learned that being quiet sometimes saves hassle from others trying their stabs at you or your "non existent" points in these streets. It's sad really, most of whom who are disappointed in these streets are willing to do nothing to help it, like maybe look at their own mistakes.

Very good read Martson, many valid important details we all should heed and soak in.

Vigilant listens to Don Marston's speach and would like to give his opinion on the subject in hand...

"Good day Don Marston, i hope you are well today. Well, it is a very interesting subject you are bring on the table and i have to say you are right on the dot about the current situation. A lot of people complain but does'nt offer solutions to problems often enough. I also agree with my boss SmallBlackMan who has made a good point as well. A lot of people hold grudges of past events and tend to let out some heat out here instead of commenting in the actualy subject in hand or providing a constructive comment or even a solution to a problem. Yes people do complaint but... when someone comes out here and starts a debate or just shares his thoughs about a subject, maybe he/she is just asking for ideas to try to find a solution or is just trying to help but talking about something that happened in the past or something that happens too often.

I see the streets as a tool, a very powerful tool. There are a lot of smart people out there and the streets have often helped my ancestors as they are helping me become a better mobster. There is always room for improvement and it is very interesting to see how others set their opinions on how to deal with situations or even just sharing their opinions. Although, yes there is a lot of complaining but some people still offer constructive criticism. If more people would allow themselves to give out a hand here in the streets it would be awesome. I think part of the solution regarding the problem that SmallBlackMan has pointed out would be for people to leave the past with the past and move on. But i know that is not always a easy thing to do."

Having listened intently to what everyone has had to say Lancelot noticed a slightly familiar tone coming from all this one that has haunted these here streets for quite some time FEAR!

Seems everyone apart from the usual suspects fear coming to the streets and having their say as they are afraid that someone might not like what they have said or totally get the wrong end of the stick, im mean seriously?, what are we mobsters or scared little rabbits?. Checking through his ancestors journals Lancelot had read a lot on how the streets were practically a no go zone during the reign of godfather Roman and how when he was taken out there was the big fuss about how everyone had liberated the streets and no longer feared walking them and yet people still hide behind closed doors, my question is why what are you afraid of?, is it not in everyones nature to disagree with others if their views differ? fuck yeah its called human nature.

As Marston pointed out how can we all sit here having a whinge at how the streets have gone down hill when no one wants to make an effort and change things?, arguements and debates are what makes the streets interesting, there would be no point in everyone agreeing with everything that would not only be boring but would also lead to a stale same old same old world. Personally i love to read a good debate and hear differing views as im sure most do, so unlock those doors step out and grow a pair, having said his piece Lancelot disappears into the nearest alcohol selling establishment!

Slash accidentally stands on a squirrel as he steps forward to add his thoughts

Oops...

Well, Marston I have to agree with your entire point there. Personally I've always been a glass half full type; though I don't claim to have been able to take the time required to fix any of the major issues in our world, neither do I spend the time complaining about things when I can't offer a way to resolve it.

Its the same in everything you do really, if there is something that you feel is wrong then you should look at fixing it, complaining about the fact its wrong isn't doing you or anyone else any good. Obviously we can understand that some people might wish to raise their concerns about certain aspects in the hope that others that share their view may help to think of ways to resolve it, thats not really an issue in my eyes. I believe Marston is more so aiming these thoughts towards people that only share their negative views and show no desire to help in fixing these problems.

I often find myself somewhat confused by the comments that our streets lack the hustle and bustle of days gone by, I've had family in this world now for a very long time and from talking to them and reading their journals I have to admit there has been a great era where the streets were bursting at the seems with people talking on their soap boxes (thank god no-one uses these now).

Checking through his ancestors journals Lancelot had read a lot on how the streets were practically a no go zone during the reign of godfather Roman and how when he was taken out there was the big fuss about how everyone had liberated the streets and no longer feared walking them and yet people still hide behind closed doors, my question is why what are you afraid of?

This has been slightly exaggerated over time, too. Roman was never against people being active in the streets, the problem for people in those days were the fact you could end up dead if you said the wrong thing. Now, lets face some facts here folks, our way of life isn't the most honest and crossing the wrong person is a sure way to find yourself 6ft under. Thats just as true today as it was then. Does that scare people? I fucking hope not.

People should always feel welcome to give their opinion no matter how much it differs from anyone elses; and I believe that this has always been possible, provided these people are able to point that point across respectfully then there should never be any fear of speaking your mind.

I see the streets as a tool, a very powerful tool.

Its not often we find people commenting on this, its a very true statement. Our streets can be extremely powerful. If anyone remembers the likes of Gwarble and many other relatives of his such as Grin, these people received a level of notoriety for one reason only, their presence in our streets.

There have been many others through the years that have lit up our streets and enjoyed the acclaim from it and sometimes gone on to do some great things with it. Never underestimate the power of a voice.

It seems contagious sometimes; I see people talking about the sorry state of the streets, how awful things are compared to times gone by, and people turning the mood of a general discussion and creating something ugly.

I could not agree with the statement above anymore then how it has already been said. The negativity can breed over night and it takes brilliant minds and positive thinkers to get everyone thinking turned back around. People may say that the streets aren't what they used to be, but can most of you say that you have given an honest effort?We walk through these streets everyday whether it to the bar, airport, or the family headquarters.

There is way to much heritage out there in these bloodlines that have graced our cities to miss out on there lives. Now don't get me wrong I am not asking everyone to come out at once, but it would be nice to see these streets flourish with liveliness.

I brought out a friendly competition myself for everyone to get involved in and have had great success so far with everything I have planned to accomplish with it. I found groups of people that will stop at no end to strive for excellence to succeed and I hope that people will find that same fire here on the street corners. It is just one way you can present yourself in the streets, it doesn't always have to end up in an arguement because some one has become over opinionated.

Jared pushes the old soapbox aside.

It's a new day and it's time we stand our ground. Bringing new life into these streets that will be remembered for days to come.