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Following Rules 101 Started by: Brick_Pollitt on Mar 17, '09 14:40
Since my teaching methods have been so successful within the walls of the Elegido Corporation, I thought I'd bring them out on the streets for all the young civilians and thugs considering joining the life. I'm sure, right now, you're being bum rushed by several different people telling you that you should join this family or that family. But please, take some time to listen to what I have to say. The life you save just might be your own.

Brick slams down a thick book of rules, and looks over the crowd.


This prop I've brought with me today is a rule book. It contains rules. Yes, rules. Many of you heard of them. Many of you were required to follow them as children. You know - Mommy and Daddy would tell you to do something and if you didn't there would be consequences. Wait, that's a big word. If you didn't follow, you'd get punished.

Looks around to see several blank stares.


Are you telling me that you've never been required to follow rules in your life? Well, that's a sorry state of affairs, but you're going to learn now.


I'm going to give you some examples. Pay attention now. It'll all be over soon. One way or another, it'll all be over soon. Either you get it, or you don't...


So, hypothetical time again. And yes, I love the hypotheticals. Must be from my time as legal counsel to Philadelphia and New Orleans families. But hypothetical rule #1: Your crewleader makes note of rules on the wall in the HQ. One of those rules, very clearly stated, is that you will read the rules, and sign the little sign in sheet under the rules.


Now, class, what do you think you should do in response to that rule?


a. understand the rules and sign the sign in sheet


b. ignore the sign in sheet


c. ignore the writing above, but sign the sign in sheet because everybody else has


d. stand there with a blank stare on your face


Now, what is the correct answer to that question? And remember, your answer might just save your life.


So, if you can't follow that first rule, what is your crewleader's confidence level that you're going to be able to follow any subsequent rule. What if you're actually asked to do something complicated, like do a drug run or something?


Rule #2: You are asked to provide weekly information to your crewleader, do you:


a. ignore repeated requests to provide the information


b. provide the information on a weekly basis, before you're asked


c. wait until asked 3 times, then comply


d. stand there with a blank stare on your face


Do you know the correct answer to that question? If so, you may proceed to a successful life in these cities. If not, you don't get it. You do not pass go, you do not collect $200 and you are mourned. What a loss. Gutted I am.


So, what is the moral of the story? You have been invited to join a family. There are many great ones to choose from. Don't spit in that crewleader's face by accepting an invite, then disregarding everythina dna anything they say that will likely help you propsper in this life. While some of these rules may seem ridiculous, and some may seem unimportant to you - think about it. Maybe, just maybe there's another reason you're being asked to do something.

Brick picks up his rule book and heads back toward the HQ. He ponders the question again, then turns and comments further.


The punishment for rules violations can be severe. If for no other reason, don't you think that should be enough to get you to follow rules?
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First, a disclaimer, since I learned their usefulness before I got rich the fast way, back when I was studying to become a lawyer: These are all my personal views, not necessarily representative of my family's way of doing things.


I have never understood the hypothetical rule #1 discussed above. It's not like the code of conduct for a mafioso is some sort of contract you could choose not to opt in on if you wanted. I don't care if you've read the rules, and I don't care if you've signed them. Hell, I don't even care if you know that there are rules in the first place. All I care about is that you act like a respectable mobster, and I will hold you to that standard regardless of whether you know what it is or not. Granted, I'd provide more than enough guidance for those who choose to listen, and I certainly will do my best to ensure that everyone knows the proper protocols in this thing of ours if they are unfamiliar and seek guidance on the matter. But I don't think that this is middle school and I'm not going to treat mobsters like middleschoolers who need a permission slip and rules signed before they can do anything. People will do what they do, and they'll end up dead if it's out of line. There's nothing more to it in my eyes than that.
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Nods to his friend, then smacks him on the head.


Sayyid, I understand what you're saying. Makes sense. But you're not allowed to disagree with me here so move along. I kid.


Here's my point: I don't know that it's only the fact that you've read rules and can sign them. I too expect you to live as a respectable mafioso, whether or not you can sign that you've read some rules. But if you are a member of this family, and I ask you to do something, you just need to do it. It's my way to extend a hand to you. I'm asking - are you trustworthy - and if you answer me by saying 'fuck you I'm not signing your rules' then it's clear that I cannot. trust is a difficult thing in this life. It's hard to build. It takes baby steps. If you can't take a simple baby step, then the case is closed on you and you'll never be trusted.
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I agree fully with that assessment, Brick. If the boss says do something, you do it. Only a privileged few even have the liberty of asking questions about an order -- and when push comes to shove, an order is still an order. I'm merely remarking that as I have discussed with others, there seems to be a general propensity to order things something totally trivial like "sign this." Why bother? "Follow these," "do this," etc. should suffice. Orders and rules stand on their own and are to be obeyed without needing a signature.
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Benny Blanco happens to be in the streets at the time that Brick_Pollitt makes his speech. He waits to hear from some of the more well known and respected mafioso of the 7 cities that were present at the time. It is only respectful to do so being only an earner and not yet a made member of a family. However he sees that it is his time to say something regarding the initial address.


Greetings Brick. I just wanted to out my 2 cents in if you don't mind. Unfortunately it is a sign of these times we live in now. There are no more rules. No parameters. Everyone wants to be a wild cowboy. Come and go as they please. Join a crew and then try to leave. Shoot at who they wish, so on and so forth. Seems today's "men of honor" aren't so honorable.


By all means if and when the boss of a crew or Don or Padrino of a family gives orders, those orders are to be carried out an followed to the letter. There are no exceptions. Therefore if a CL deems it necessary to read and sign the rule book in the HQ, it should be obeyed and done by every member of that crew. Even if it isn't stated to be mandatory but requested by the boss, it should be done. So I understand what you may be feeling in regards to loose rule following. And I agree with you. Weather or not someone feels it all that important or necessary to read and sign a rule book or what not, it is something that should and must be done when it is asked for by the man in charge.
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Benny took the words right out of my mouth. If you want to line up your men to do a chorus line of "I'm a Little Teapot" complete with tutus and porcelain stouts, and the leader makes it a direct order, then its an order. Of course this example is highly facetious, but in this case, a simple action of signing the rules, if directed by the leader to do so, is not so outlandish as to inspire a one man mutiny based on principles.


An order is an order. For some, loyalty and adherence to the leader's will is fine and good, until they have to get off their ass and do something.
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Usually, my viewpoint is, that if you're unable to sign the rules - you won't be of much consideration if a job opening arises that you're interested in - or any responsibility given to that member, for that matter.




When I take people in, I give them clear and concise instructions - read the rules, and sign them so that there are no misunderstandings.



It measures two things; one, obedience, and two, awareness - I'm a patient person, but if someone is unable to do such a simple, minute task - you just aren't cut out for this way of life.
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It seems that everyone's in general agreement. Ideally, we'd all act like honorable mafioso without having any rules laid out as such. We'd all learn the ropes over time, experiencing this thing and letting it soak through our very being. Unfortunately, due to the nature of it, sometimes we have to adapt this thing of ours from that original thing of theirs. There are doubtless many people who know the score without being spoon-fed rules, but there are plenty who don't too. It's for them that such things take more importance.


In saying that, as soon as rules appear, they should be signed by every man and his dog, simply because the boss wants it done. End of story. As others say, if someone can't display an ounce of savvy by acknowledging that they've read and understood some rules or by responding to requests for weekly information, then how do they hope to get on when other tasks come up that actually require some effort?
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Overhears his Boss speech in the street. The topic being discipline and respect...


Before I started the life of crime, I invested 8 years in the Army. Looking back into my military career I had discipline and respect instilled in me. Or else I had my shit kicked in. The punishment wasn't as severe as it is in this life but trust me, it wasn't a walk in the park.


Like Identity pointed out, everyone is in agreement here with you Mr. Pollitt. My views are with everybody else. I'll end my opinion with this. If your Superior asks/orders you to do something, you better do it. And you better do it with your best ability.

Strolls off the streets while he remembers his military career.
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Punishment is severe when people break the rules in the mob - because in the mob we make our rules and with a bunch of hoodlums and killers we must be discipled, or we would be just another punk ass gang running around..


We are about family, respect and money.. you make your family cash, you never go above your boss and you might just live to see another day.. too many people come to the streets running their mouth because these days punishment does not come swift enough or regular enough.


Our world and principles are simple - and our punishments must be the same.. everyday we live life or death, it is up to you as a new mobster to make something of yourself and realize everyone starts at the bottom..


but only some have the patience, dedication and loyalty and respect to make it to the top.. along with some bribary, the right friends you should go the the top eventually.. I hate to say you need the coffee shops, but our world has progressed to the point where if you dont visit the coffee shops enough and know the right people.. your just another IA, or unsponsord when it goes down.
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