Sometimes maybe this life of crime confuses some. 

What is that creates issues such as taking actions into your own hands. Pulling the trigger without permission, disrespecting Mafioso of higher rank, mugging when frowned upon or just plain idiotic public announcements? 

Could it be that some just get caught up in the lifestyle long enough that they, regardless  of consequence, still make the same mistakes over and over? Does the cold steel in their hand create ignorance to deny consequence all together?

Through time many of bloodlines that have graced these shores have seen it time and time again. Confusion, disbelief and much debate have always surrounded such mistakes that one would think it has been brought to light enough that a lesson would and should be learned. Yet time and time again we see that same lack of respecting authority, taking actions in own hands, and diarrhea of the mouth. Do some not live their life as if it's their only chance to paint their own legacy? 

Maybe it's depression, maybe it's the society we live in, or maybe it's just chemical imbalances. Whatever the case may be, hopefully someone can help me understand why people create such self paradox's which in turn tarnish their image. 

It's a number of things, and that's why it's hard to put it together.

First, we have people who are new to this sort of life, and they are too impatient to learn what makes this society tick. I spoke with a guy a while back about this very issue when he wanted to be able to defend himself and shoot back at someone who shot at him. Sure enough, someone shot at him, and he shot back. The shooter was killed, and he was upset because his gun was taken away. He decided that this sort of life was not for him, and that was the last time that I saw him. He wanted to be independent while residing within a family that is dependent on working together as one unit. It just doesn't work that way.

Second, we have people who aren't being taught properly. I've heard many times now how we cannot strive to uphold standards of yesterday to that of today for various reasons. So these new standards allow people to disrespect those of higher rank, not honoring one's stance on pickpocketing, and the like. People get upset at the wrong things, which causes something that should be a small issue into a bigger one.

Next, we have entitlement. Now, this can come from rank, position, or bloodline. These people feel that because they are who or what they are, they should be allowed to do and say things that can potentially bring unnecessary conflict to their families, districts or cities.

Last, but not least...different standards. I mentioned before about standards of yesterday to that of today, but what ARE those standards? At any given time, different families will have different standards. That's the reason why a newcomer will feel like he or she fits in with Family A over Family B, because the family appears to have similar standards and views. Even within the same family, there could be different standards. So when all of the different standards and viewpoints are out in the street or in other places, these viewpoints can clash with each other. For instance, just the fact that you are in the streets with a topic like this could create controversy for some because of your rank.

When people try to remind others of these lessons that you speak of, they get chastised because "it's the same thing" that's already been said. So if the lessons aren't being taught and have lesser consequences, this is what happens.

Then again, we have to remember that we are only human. Humans make mistakes, and we let their emotions get the best of us at times. But I do believe it's the lessons learned that makes us regret and learn from our mistakes. If we don't learn them and pass them on, then in the future people won't feel regret, and they won't learn.

I must say. Very impressed by your explanation. I agree with everything you stated. 

Another quick topic that underlies this discussion comes to mind. 

Leadership has been punished for the mistakes for their families actions for years now. Variables have always changed in that aspect as well. Some punished for lessor crimes some for greater. Their is no way to set a standard. 

Whats sad is that no matter how great of a leader you are, no matter how strict or how much you keep an eye on an individual, there will never be a full proof system. Like you stated. Humans will be humans, and it's impossible to control minds therefore wrongful decisions will made regardless how frowned upon they may be. 

So then raises the question, should actions against Family heads really be taken? Should actions of individuals and the paranoia that it creates really be persuasion for war? 

So then raises the question, should actions against Family heads really be taken?

  Like you said," Variables have always changed in that aspect as well. Some punished for lessor crimes, some for greater. Their is no way to set a standard." You can be a great leader, you can have a great family, you can be the most liked person in your city but that still won't stop someone from taking it away from you. 

  In this thing of ours, sometimes people who see that you have power, respect, or money will want you out of the way because they see you as a threat to themselves. Sometimes people will just make any excuse for killing you or your city. It can be as small as just a simple mugging or as large as wack attempt. Someone will always find away to take what you have.

Should actions of individuals and the paranoia that it creates really be persuasion for war? 

 It depends on what the paranoia or actions are. If you hear that someone might be planning on making a move against you or your city, you have the right as a Crewleader or Godfather to act first. You should end the rumors either by killing the person or just simply talking to them. If you choose to kill the person however, you should do it so that it doesn't cause as much damage as a full scale war, because war is always bad for growth. You'd want to loose as less people as you possibly can yet still solving the problem.

  Also, even when you talk to someone about the rumors it may cause distrust. The person, if they really were planning an attack, might choose to do it sooner, or the person might think that YOU distrust them and they will have to act accordingly. When you are in a position of power, paranoia is normal, its just the way you act on that paranoia that could bring unneeded destruction and, or your downfall.