maybe not, but thats just my point, its not, but it should be. People now, will just create havoc over a pp just because, well they can, and thats my major issue with it. I struggle to believe people will offer a reaction like they do over 5k, they do it because they can, not because they feel cheated.

Its a very tiresom process, one that has been debated and dragged through every possible outlet that this world offeres. If you dont like being pp'd then mug. If you're not bothered dont, pp back. it really is that simple.

Refreshed from her coffee, Ziva sets off back to her HQ and walks past to the place of the debate early, finding it still going. 

I'd personally rather have this debate multiple times than wake up to dull and boring streets every day, where nobody talks about much of anything. At least this brings a little discussion and some feeling in.

meh, id rather see less, really, well thought out, new speaches than the same old ones, rear their ugly heads over and over again, just my humble thoughts, of course.

Those people saying 'it's only 5k' are missing the point entirely. It is not the money, it is the principle. If someone broke into the house where your wife and children sleep, does it make it any less of a crime because they only took pots and pans from the kitchen? Of course not, it is a violation. It is a personal attack and the end result isn't important as much as the motive and act itself.

That said, pickpocketing is not a violent act with any violent intent. It is, at worst, petty larceny. Frankly, it is a crime I think is somewhat beneath us and I think it's a little ridiculous that it's commonly practiced. However, if I personally abstained from this thing, it would mean nothing to the wider community and the crime would continue with the only effect being that I am disadvantaged. I do not live in an ideal world, and I am a realist and so I engage.

There are boundaries, though. As I've just said - it is a matter of principle. In the old country, the importance and prestige of earning your bones was such that it was considered a bigger deal than being given the authority of your own crew. In our way of doing business, certain reminders of this level of respect still remain. Made Man is the time in life when many more doors begin to open for you - it is the time when you have the clout to rope people into your crimes, and it is the first rung on a ladder which only your Leader can let you climb. It is, in short, a very big deal.

Therefore, if I see a fellow made member putting his hands into my pockets, I will afford them the same respect I would expect to receive myself. I may not be a fan of the seedy practice, but I will acknowledge that these people have earned their button, and therefore their respect. I will allow it, because these people are my equals.

If someone who isn't a made guy tries anything, I will kick them in the face and be happy about it. Wise guys and below, these people are not in 'our thing'. They are not family, they are not men of honour. Hierarchically they are literally below us, they are little more than hired help. In the old country, to lay hands on a made man without a sit-down and the 'ok' from the Bosses was to be sentenced to murder. Perhaps things aren't so extreme these days, but if any 2-bit jumped up little rat tries any funny business with me, I will do what I can to make their life miserable.