*N4G entered the streets with a lot of his mind. This particular question had been rolling around his head for quite some time now and he felt he was going to take it about as far as he could without the input of the community. He unrolled some notes from his pocket, adjusted his glasses looked up and said*

I have been dealing with some internal thought conflict these past few days. On where exactly one draws the line on what is, and what isn't my business. Where am I responsible for getting involved, where should I get involved, and where should I just butt out and leave it all alone. You see I've never been much of a delegator; it's not that I don't trust the people I work with; I just have always been the sort that likes to get things done himself. I've always set a high standard for myself and I thought that reducing my personal family member count and authing new leaders in Staten Island would reduce my responsibility or my need to feel involved. It hasn't.

I think we can all agree that I have a responsibility to get involved with matters pertaining to my family, and I'm even happy to take on all matters concerning my district. But what of when a friend in another city has done something I feel he could do better, not to chastise or criticise but to assist? Would I be looked on as a helpful friend or the wise ass.

What when an internal district matter arises and is resolved without my knowledge; the terms of which were grossly unfair? Do I go back and fix it or do I let the dogs lie?  What if there is a great injustice in the way that a matter is dealt with? Do I bite my tongue and go about my business or do I speak up and ensure that it doesn't happen again?

My loyalty is always 100% to Staten Island and the city of New York; I do however feel I owe a debt to the community as a whole and letting injustices stand without opposition I am a silent supporter and damaging the community? 

*Numbers stops for a moment and reflects back on the stories his father told him, about the glorious 6 cities*

What responsibility does the community expect of a District leader, of a crew leader, of a Godfather?

Where do I draw the line between ensuring that I do the best for everyone and stretching myself too thin?

*Numbers stops for a moment eager to hear the thoughts of the masses*

I think it just comes down to how far you can stretch yourself while feeling you haven't forgotten whatever you think is important. So if you wrote down what had to be done, or should be done, and then pulled back once you started to slip on any of those you could make sure you don't stretch yourself too thin. Otherwise, I'm not sure how you'd be able to tell :D

Ronald removes his hat before responding.

This is an excellent question, Don Numbers4Glory, and I suspect you'll have as many answers as responders.

I believe the community does expect something extra from leaders and especially Godfathers, but no one expects you to put your neck on the line for a dispute that doesn't directly involve you or your family. In the scenario where you are giving friendly advice, well it would depend on the person you are giving it to. If they are wise they will see it for what it is; you have been a successful leader for two generations of my bloodline and have authed some highly respected leaders. Your advice is obviously sound. If, however, the recipient is more brash and narrow-minded they will interpret your guidance as a nuisance. Such an individual perhaps wouldn't survive in the long term.

As for matters in your own district I imagine one would decide that on a case-by-case basis. Most grievances are probably pretty enough to ignore but there are also larger conflicts that threaten stability enough to warrant intervention. Getting yourself bogged down in every minor dispute would not be appropriate for such a high-standing member of the community in my opinion. I would only pester my boss if it was some urgent matter that absolutely needed dealing with.

The lower ranks do look up to the leaders for guidance and to set the general tone of our thing. Only the most naively idealistic among us see you as some sort of ambassadors for fairness and the common good.  The nature of our business is selfish and tribalistic. You make moves that benefit your own self interest and that of your family/district, not to satisfy Joe Schmuck from Sheboygan. If you're interested in playing politics then sure, get yourself out there and help mediate disputes. If not then I, for one, wouldn't fault you for it at all. That's a lot of risk for a very intangible benefit.

NealCaffrey walks out and listens to his friend Numbers4Glory speak. He listens to all there is to hear. He waits for a few people to put in their feelings and thoughts before taking a sip of his flask. He slides it into his coat pocket and walks out in front of the crowd. 

"In my opinion you are the leader of your district and therefore you can dip your hands into any matter no matter how little or small it may be that affects anyone around you. I'm not really certain why you would think that you could not. Sometimes a matter doesn't seem like something to worry about or is no big deal and people just brush that off their shoulders. However anytime you feel any of your people are treated unfair I believe you should step up and make things right."

NealCaffrey takes a step back and pulls out a cigar. He lights it and takes a few puffs. 

"There are many grey areas in life but I do not believe this to be one of them. If someone isn't treated right you should do something about it. I am happy that you brought this out to the streets so we can hear everyones opinion on the matter." 

Neal takes a step back and waits for someone else to speak.