Prometheus sat on the edge of his bed staring out the window as rain drops pelted the glass, slowly fogging the window. Standing up, he approached the foggy window and with the palm of his hand wiped a section clear and stared out at the city streets below. It was on nights such as these that he had his clearest thinking. Prometheus was contemplating some of the principles of the criminal world as he stared out the window before turning and walking over to his desk. Switching on his lamp, he took out a pen and a piece of paper and began to write. After an eternity of writing, Prometheus placed his pen down and returned to bed, ready to announce his thoughts to the streets in the morning.

As the morning came Prometheus rose from his bed and dressed himself in one of his finer suits. He made his way out of his room and out onto the streets, heading towards the downtown area where he knew many people would be. Spotting a large group of people walking along the sidewalk, he stepped onto an overturned box and spread his arms in front of him. People began to notice him and paused to see what the man standing on the box was doing. Prometheus cleared his throat and began to speak.

“Ladies and gentlemen, friends and family. Are we not all criminals here? Is there any amongst us who can claim innocence of violent and devious crimes? I thought not. So with that in mind, I wonder why some feel that they should be above being the victims of crime. I speak of pickpocketing, and the terms of being “Pickpocket Friendly” or “Unfriendly” that we have seen in our society. Is it truly right to have such terms in this thing of ours? Can someone who has based their life on crime truly claim to be excluded from being pickpocketed? Or should there be a free for all ruling when it comes to pickpocketing, since we are all nothing but criminals.”

“In my opinion, one should not be able to say that he is against being pickpocketed if he does not have a problem with furthering himself based on crimes against the innocent. Once you have entered into this thing of ours, you forfeit the right of being protected from certain things such as pickpocketing. Yes, being pickpocketed can be annoying and is sometimes a bit of a hassle to deal with, but did any of us really expect the path of the underworld to not be full of little annoyances? I believe that we should all be open and accepting to pickpocketing as it is simply a part of our way of life.”

“Do any of you have an opinion on the matter?”

Prometheus finished speaking and pulled out a small flask from his suit jacket, raising it to his lips and taking a deep swallow. Looking out at the crowd of onlookers, Prometheus waited for someone to speak their mind.

Armorbearer was listening to the speech of Prometheus, when he decided to stand out of the crowd and speak up to the question at large:

To be honest, when it comes to pickpocketing, i am onsided, and that is mine, but i stil respect others wishes, but back to my point. I believe that Pickpocketing is a great trait, yet i believe the true hypocrite is those that Say "pp friendly yet payback" i dont like it, (now before all of you get a heavy head, let me explain) i personally think there is truly Pp Friendly or Not PP friendly, no exceptions, Those individuals i respect the most, because they made up there minds which side of the PP clause they would like to be on. Yet  Pickpocketing is the way it is today despite my views, so my opinion is truly irrelevant.

Armorbearer looks to the crowd, then in the eyes of Prometheus as he backs slowly into the crowd as a sign of yield to the subject.

Benedetto says, raising his hoarse voice, so everybody could hear.

Ah. Criminal? I prefer man of honor. Hehe.

Joseph takes a pack of cigars and a lighter from his coat. As he lit one of the cigars, he keeps talking. 

I will be brief. I always preferred to make clear my pickpocketing terms. You can pick up, but you shall return. Understand, when someone comes up to me and takes my money, I understand that this person has some other purpose that is not robbing me. I don't care about the purpose. I only care to see the money I earned on my pockets again. And that's how I act with other people. Always. I see it as a way to keep things cold.

Joseph gives a deep drag, puffing in the air.

Otherwise, people may be offended. And so, things can become endless vendettas. Not good for anyone...like in the old country, my dear Sicily...

Benedetto seems to be lost in thought. Taking another swig, he wakes up. 

Well, that's it.

I believe that it should be left up to each person. I don't know anyone who should be completely pickpocket friendly. No one likes having their pockets sifted through... Well perhaps some do...

However, it should be left up to a person to mark if they are open to it. As for someone being pickpocket unfriendly, it makes complete sense to me, and they shouldn't be looked at strangely for it. 

Personally, I want to know who my assailant is when it comes to being pickpocketed, but I am open to people going into my pockets so long as that occurs. If some people don't want to be bothered with the "hassle," then just avoid them. There are plenty of corrupt agents to bother. 

Dahlia bites her lip as she listens, leaning again a building in thought. After she's listened to everyone, she clears her throat to speak and walks closer to the crowd.

"If I'm hearing the overall question correctly, that question being 'Should those of us in our way of life have license to give warning or permission to access our pockets?', then I believe I have my answer." She pauses.

"Yes." She says flatly, and continues.

"Pickpocketing, these days, isn't a simple act of mischief or an annoyance. Those that state their permissions publicly are doing a great service to both pickpockets and non-pickpockets alike. Think of how many new to our shores would carelessly stick their hands in places where they might otherwise not if there wasn't a warning beforehand? The streets would be full of young thugs who were just exploring their talents, dead in a slump on the sidewalks. It would be mindless. I might even be dead myself." She frowns slightly.

"Pickpocketing against the wishes of the victim is a sign of disrespect, and can get you mugged or dead. It's  not really even about the money, at least for me. Although I pickpocket and let others do so, I have my own rules as well; I suppose since I'm a criminal I shouldn't have a right to those rules, but with that logic there would be many rules we mafioso make for ourselves that wouldn't make sense. Honor among thieves, you see."

"I get to make my own warning because I've got money, a gun, and a name for myself. All of those who have some status have this right. That's how it is for most things in life; to have any power or say you need to make your name." She nods firmly.

"Thugs, gangsters, and goombas though... I can't imagine their warnings would have much bite regardless. In their case, that's ridiculous. For those of us who work our bums off to get where we are it's hard not to see something like being pickpocketed, even though you gave a warning, as -not- disrespectful." She explains.

"Although I see your immediate point, Prometheus, that it may seem hypocritical as criminals at first to decide who slips their fingers in our pockets and who does not; I do believe that with the way status and power weaves its way within criminal politics, reasons behind pickpocketing courtesies are a little deeper than they first appear." 

She nods her head down, stepping back to lean against the building once more to signify she's done speaking.

"Its pretty simple really. Some people in this thing of ours, myself included, are totally friendly to being pick pocketed. Please I beg for an excuse to mug you. I only put up my sign of not being friendly to give you fair warning. Trust me I would love the opportunity to mug you."

MidnightSmoker lights up a cigarette and takes a few puffs. After his sarcastic remarks of being friendly to being pick pocketed he decides to to take a different approach and continues his rant.

"Since when is it ever OK to steal money from a fellow thief? Not to mention all these "Police officers" running around you really have no need to stick you grubby hands in my pocket. Whatever happened to honor among thieves? I do not mean to be totally offensive here but you asked for my thoughts on the matter. I feel pretty strongly about my code of ethics and I don't steal from you, unless you first steal from me first. I only expect the same treatment I give you"

MidnightSmoker takes a long drag on his cigarette and throws the butt into the street before heading off to the nearest speakeasy for a drink and possibly a new job to take on.

I'm of the same belief as Underdog when it comes to pick pocketing. You pre-accept the risks of being mugged when you pick pocket another person and hence you do it at your own risk.

I personally always hide all my money after pick pocketing a fellow mafioso for at least the next hour or two..it's better to be safe than sorry where losing all my money to a mug is concerned.

Lady Aliena steps into the opening. Listening to everyone carefully she smiles.

Ah, my favourite topic of discussion. Do I personally think everyone should be pickpocket friendly? Simple answer, Hell no! As a pickpocket unfriendly I state it where everyone passing me by can see. I even tell you the risk you are taking, even though you should know. I will not tolerate having filthy hands in my pockets regardless of my rank or theirs.

I like that there are different people's rules on pickpocketing. We are not all the same and thus there are enough agents and pickpocket friendly people that I don't see why you should be bothering with us unfriendly in the first place other than to annoy. So when you annoy you take the risk of being mugged. I'd like to think that if we are all capable of using our brains in this matter so why do we all need to state the same? Or be forced into the same things? We all have different interests even in this world of ours.

Prometheus smiled out at the crowd, overjoyed that so many are willing to step forward and speak their minds on the matter. Removing his flask and taking another sip, he tucked it back into his pocket and smiled to the ground.

"So far it would appear that the majority of you believe that terms of pickpocketing should be allowed on an individual level. There have been some valid points made and some very different opinions raised. Thank you all for your contributions on this topic, and I hope that many more will talk about this matter!"

Prometheus grinned and straightened his suit, waiting for the next member of the crowd to step up and voice their opinion.

Personally, I have always enjoyed the irony of those that advertise themselves as being "not PP friendly" and yet happily go around putting their hands in the pockets of others. 

Satan finds much humor in this speech.. He smokes out of his pipe then applauds the speaker

There are numerous people who dislike having other hands in their pockets. I understand completely. To them their own. However, it is wise to not wear so much jewelry, or perhaps not advertise that you have money to be grabbed... (OOC: You have time to edit your profile, so edit it and state that your not PP friendly, and save us all of the time..)

I'm tired of mobsters complaining about their pockets being touched, but they don't advertise that they aren't friendly to it...
Even if you aren't, people will still take their chances. But stating that you aren't friendly to pickpocketers will ease the mind of many, instead of random retaliation.

(OOC: State that you're not PP friendly, if you aren't. Mugging someone randomly is BS, and people who do so should be shot. There are plenty of people who respect those who aren't PP friendly. So simply put it in your profile, instead of mugging someone because you aren't PP friendly and didn't say so..)

Prometheus listened to the two men speak their minds on the matter, and then another idea occurred inside of his head.

"Another question I ask is, why do some people get so offended and angry when they are pickpocketed? Do they feel it is a great disrespect bestowed upon them? I personally do not see what they big deal is, someone took some small change from my pockets... Oh well. Life carries on. But there are others who are dead-set against this, with sometimes fatal consequences against those who break their rules. So, my question is: Why do they react this way to it?"

Prometheus scratched his head in wonder and then stood with his arms crossed, waiting for more people in the crowd to share their knowledge on the matter.

MidnightSmoker's Family had quite a few dealings with MR_Pickles and his relatives  Knowing this MidnightSmoker knew he could respond to Mr_Pickles about his thoughts.

"Hi there Pickles my friend. You know I and my family have always been supportive of you and yours. But man you cant just disrespect our views like that. Its cool you don't mind getting your pockets rummaged through but just because you feel that its not disrespectful to steal someone's earnings doesn't make it true for everyone. So what if its not $5,000. I was at one point in time friendly to being pick pocketed but disrespectful thieves couldn't respect my families wishes for payback. They requested payback and yet some mobsters felt it was OK to ignore their requests. So now my bloodline is pp unfriendly."

MidnightSmoker pauses for a min before turning to address the rest of the crowd gathered to discuss the current views of pick pocketing.

"As for the people complaining that they are being pick pocketed by people who are unfriendly to it. Why aren't you mugging them? If you catch my hands in your pockets and you don't mug me I would be shocked. Though honestly I doubt you will find my hands in your pockets cause I feel no one should steal from someone else who makes their living doing the same thing as you. And if you really have a problem with me stealing from your payroll, ((Your corrupt agent)) then I feel you are being extremely over protective of a pig. And you may have joined the wrong lifestyle."

MidnightSmoker decides to hang out and see what happens next .

*The old russian man who had been listening to the dialogue, drank up the last gulp of his coffee, folded his new paper and walked to the middle of the room...*

Can someone who has based their life on crime truly claim to be excluded from being pickpocketed? Or should there be a free for all ruling when it comes to pickpocketing, since we are all nothing but criminals.”

My good sir, allow me to turn the tables and ask you this question;

Even though we base our lives on crime and operate outside of the law and that's the reason given here to justifying pickpocketing complete strangers, do we NOT have the right defend what's ours?
Do we not have the right to punish those we catch with their hands inside our pockets?

While we are at it, why not include mugging into this?
There are no known damages to it, beside the humiliation.

“Once you have entered into this thing of ours, you forfeit the right of being protected from certain things such as pickpocketing. Yes, being pickpocketed can be annoying and is sometimes a bit of a hassle to deal with, but did any of us really expect the path of the underworld to not be full of little annoyances? I believe that we should all be open and accepting to pickpocketing as it is simply a part of our way of life.”

A healthy and long life and not being mugged are also rights that we forfeited once we took the oath of blood, and I reserve the right to use these means to their fulles capacity. 

Ziva had been sat in her office, reading the Chicago Herald and drinking her morning coffee, when she heard a great commotion on the corridor outside. Never at her best before the ritualistic cup of morning coffee had been sunk, she swung her feet off the desk, turned off the radio that had been providing background noise; some news reading, it occasionally made her smile, hearing a story and knowing that her crew had played some part in it, and went to open the door, to tell the passes by to keep it down. As she reached the door, she overheard snippits of the discussion that was taking place, something about feelings on pickpockets again. Yawning, she pushed her hair back lazily with one hand before tying it up in her usual professional ponytail, and shrugged into her jacket. Clearly, there were things to be said out on the streets.

Stepping out of the HQ, and squinting as the light of the sun hit her eyes, she walked the several blocks to the place where mobsters tended to meet most often, and found Prometheus saying his piece to a large and loud crowd. Listening to the responses of the people around her first, Ziva decided that she too would like to chip in with a few thoughts.

Pickpocketing.. ah. Everybody's favourite standby topic of conversation. A couple of days with little action in our world seems to be all it takes to have us all swapping our alternate points of view on the matter. And since you all have done so thusfar today, I'd like to chip in with mine too.

Do I think pickpocket friendliness should be a choice? Yes, and no. Pickpocketing is just another way of this thing of ours, nobody makes any kind of huge loss for it and sometimes it helps to break the ice between people. It's often a fun and friendly gesture, with no ill will or malice behind it. In a world where we routinely relieve the elderly of their purses, wack people sometimes quite at random in order to train or guns, and threaten all manner of workers to allow us to hijack their goods, what's a mealsey $5000 between mafiosai? It's about the cleanest thing we do here. It's also worth considering that usually, one doesn't even lose $5000, as in my experience, most people slip your wallet out of one pocket, and slip it back into the other, often with a little tip added. 

There is the point of view, however, that the risk and variation we have with pickpocketing is what makes it fun, and yes, to a degree, I'll agree with that. I think though, considering that pickpocketing does help to advance your knowledge of this world and open up better places for you as a mobster, that in some ways, having a Godfather council ruling to make people be pickpocket friendly, to take away mugging from our world, would make things far too predictable and put too many things directly on a plate for people.

I do dislike how people feel they can opt out of certain elements of this life just because they don't really like them, however. I'm not the greatest fan of being wacked, but somebody will still do it someday. I don't see the point of coming into this world and trying to pick and choose the parts that suit you.

Realising how long she'd rambled on for, Ziva blushed red and turned away, ducking into her favourite coffee shop, hoping she could finally enjoy her morning coffee in peace.

To be blatant, direct and deadly honest, who cares? I personally im growing extremely tired if this debate. Same shit, different day. I really want to tell people to man, or women the 'eff up. We're a group of criminals, what do you expect, we're not living in this amazing utopia, we steal, we cheat, we kill, we Pick Pocket and we mug, 'tis the nature of the beast.

Ultimately it is down to personal preference, but personally, who gives a flying fuck, its $5000, you prolly make that, on average, every minute. "But its mine"- but the cash register at the local post office is not yours, yet it’s widely accepted that we steal them, on a very rapid basis per day.

Those who complain about be pp'd, well you now have you way to get back at someone, you mug, end of drama, no? I'll tell you what really does make me chuckle, is the tattoos that people wear, "pp me ill keel you", "mug me and ill shoot you in the face".....NO YOU WONT! How much weight do you think that actually carries, seriously its a waste of money and pain, its pointless, because you never do, and if you do, you would more than likely be in the grave next to your victim.

Those who complain about be pp'd, well you now have you way to get back at someone, you mug, end of drama, no?

It's not the end of the drama. Some (not all) people that pickpocket get huffy when they are mugged. So the complaining works both ways. I do agree with the overall principle. It's fairly simple, if you pickpocket you run the risk of being mugged. Regardless if you are pickpocket friendly or not chances are you will be pickpocketed. I still get pickpocketed and I am not PP friendly but I will mug the person if I see them, whether they like it or not.