Yes, yes and absolutely yes.

The problem here lies in the expectant and entitled attitudes of experienced bloodlines. There are a lot here who call themselves 'old-timers' who believe because their bloodline has been connected to this world for a long time, they don't have to participate like they used to. That they can get by just doing their crimes, jailbreaks and so on. I'm not quite sure where a lot of them got it from if I'm honest. Their great, great, great, great (you get where I'm going here) grandparent did something... some time and that gives them an inherent right to slack off.

What kind of things are these people teaching new blood to our shores? That you can get away with half-assing it.

It's a great shame because if even 10% of that group motivated themselves to start giving back to this world again, it would be a much better world to be a part of.

I think the biggest problem there Kevin, is that those people only hang around to speak to the people they grew up with.

Most of them have no interest in working hard and participating in the daily rigours of this thing of ours. It is as you said, a great shame. But we've all had family that had that attitude. I myself did very little when I first arrived on these shores and spent much of my life just walking around talking to people in the HQ. I didn't venture outside much to commit crimes or make myself any real cash, I just wasn't interested.

That attitude as you can see has changed, I've no idea what the catalyst was for that, perhaps I decided now is the time to get off my ass and work hard like the rest of those before me did, I really don't know. But I don't think it would be fair of me to sit here and bemoan others that are in this life with the same attitude that I had. I think we simply have to accept that many will work hard to reach it to the top, others will be more than content with simply doing enough to get by.

This brings me onto why I decided to give my tuppence worth. I don't personally feel it is a problem for our world when certain bloodlines choose not to follow the hard working path of their ancestors, I think the problem is more so in the people that allow them to maintain this free ride. Standards in regards to how people earn their place at the table has considerably dropped. People are now almost entitled to a space in a family, instead of being lucky to have one. Its high time that people started to look around their HQs and see who is really earning a spot and who is simply taking up space for the sake of it and actually reach out to those that are doing nothing and encourage them to up their game - or ship out.

I know this wont happen, for two reasons. One is that everyone has the idea that we are entitled to simply sleep walk around this world to stay connected with friends. Despite being someone that has been doing that much of my life I disagree that this should be the case. If you wish to live in a world of crime, then commit to that world of crime. Don't sit there as a bystander and weaken the family you work for.

The other reason is that Leaders are constantly looking to beef up their numbers. The illusion that a full family is a strong family still seems to be set in many peoples heads when nothing could be further from the truth. Everyone knows that around 10 people makes a family now. 10 really hard workers that train their gun, that commit crimes constantly and earn really well. These are the people that keep the rest of the family protected by ensuring the leaders can afford to pay their bodyguards and build their fortifications.

So I personally think that everyone who has took the time to listen to what I've said, should then maybe look at themselves and ask the questions; Am I doing enough? Am I a liability? I dare say many of you if honest will see, you simply aren't doing anywhere near enough and you are indeed a liability to your family.

This is a really interesting question that you pose, Wigglebutt.  I don’t think the journals left behind by people’s ancestors are an inherently bad thing. Experience, whether you like it or not affects every aspect of life. The experiences of my ancestors and what those experiences have taught them have undoubtedly shaped me as a person and the way in which I perceive the world. I don’t feel guilty about that at all, in this life, you need to be the best prepared that you can be.

That does not mean however, that I endorse or agree with certain bloodlines who feel they have a right of entitlement , who feel that things should just land at their door. Regardless of my bloodline (and there has been good and bad) I would never expect my crewleader to offer me opportunities or negatively discriminate against me for who my ancestors were.

At the same time however, this is La Cosa Nostra and life is undoubtedly unfair and some will always enjoy more privilege than others, this is not the boy scouts. Sometimes you just have to suck it up.

Forrest tips his hat, turning on his heels, he went in search of moonshine.

I agree full heartedly with the point being made in this thread, this was a thought i had as I thought about it.  If bloodlines stick to only what they have done in past,they automatically limit their sucess to what they had in past.  I guess what im saying is that if you always take exact same streets on a map, you miss out on the rest of the country.  Just my thought dor what it is worth

This correlates with what I taught my students over the years. I instilled the importance of never thinking they knew it all and never ever undermine another.  And the most important message I delivered to my students was greedy will find you needy. I based my teachings on my own personal experiences  Of course some ventured out into the world disregarding my teachings and those who did not are successful. I suppose my teachings can be applied to all forms of life. Thank you for a interesting read.

*leans against lamp post* 

               Wiggle, I can see what you are saying and to some extent agree. How ever given the nature of our world, besides being in a position to enforce different ideals and culture change what are most to do? Our world is a very rinse - repeat world by nature. My problem is not old bloodlines doing what they have always done to "get there", its what they do once they are there. Using connections and navigating political tides is par for the course and a smart way to do things.  There is only so much you can teach from a mechanical aspect, the rest is somewhat up to the person whom you are teaching. Lets liken it to footy/soccer/futbol etc. I can teach you how juggle, dribble, do things like step overs, scissors, maradona, V etc. But you learning where and when to use what tool you have been taught, well that is on you for the most part with in reason of course. 

               it is difficult though, as everything is remixed over time, this same conversation was had 10 years ago for example. Much of the same opinions where shared and dissected. I am sure a few years back it was had and so on, finding a brand new idea or way of doing things isn't exactly as easy as saying it. 

*Takes a swig and looks around*