| Sep 22 - 02:10:05 |
|
| Post Reply | Post new topic | Page: 1 |
| There are two ways to live... | Started by: Alfieri on Nov 24, '07 10:12 |
|
All was dark along the narrow, deserted street except for the illumination of a single lamp post, creating a small noticeable oval of light amidst the darkness. At first, nothing but a distorted shadow appeared, followed moments later by the tall figure of Alfieri, dressed in a grey coat and a brown trilby. He firmly grasped a briefcase in his hand, which he placed on the floor next to him when he realised he had company. Alfieri's face was expressionless, his eyes cold, and his features rough and unkempt. He ran his hand over the stubble of his growing beard and stood silent for a moment. "The rules are serious business. You play by the rules don't you? We all seem to. The sheep conform to the easy road because that is what they have been told to do. If there are boundaries, we do not touch them. We do not even throw rocks at them from a distance. We let them be; untouched and intact. After all, boundaries represent control. Without control, we have chaos, right? Pushing the respective boundaries have become a taboo of sorts. That's understandable and I'm no different. Nobody likes the consequences of making the big guy angry. I value my life because it's the only one I've got and I'm not going to lose it because I was stupid enough to cross the fine line. That's where the dilemma lies. Where is that fine line? How far can we go without signing our own death certificates? As the Right Hand Man of a major criminal business out of Las Vegas at the moment, I'm familiar with the rules. Truth be told, the Boss and I make the respective rules in our organisation. We decide what is right and what is wrong. Ultimately, we are the masters of the fate of every person that enters our organisation. If someone screws up, it's up to us to deal with them. Logically, what would define a screw up would have to require breaking a rule that we have set. Therefore we have total control over our crew members. We decide what they can do, and when they don't do it, we punish them. It's as simple as that. If I tell you that you can't travel to Philadelphia, then I am confining you to a life without the freedom of travelling to Philadelphia, and if you do, I will punish you. I am setting you a boundary that I expect you to live by. As I set more boundaries, your freedoms grow smaller and smaller. The point I am making is that I have the ability to place each and every one of the people of my family on to a small, constricted path, if I choose to. It's all about the boundaries. Just as I can confine them, I can give them as much freedom as I desire. I can tell them to shoot whoever they want and they will do that because I said so. Unfortunately for me and my hypothetical power trip, there is a world outside of Vegas. It would be of conflicting interest for me to allow my crew members to shoot whoever they pleased because the other families do not wish to be shot at. It would cause problems. Do I want problems? No. So do I want to step over that boundary? No. It's in my wealth of power though. I could do it. The amount of power we have is enormous. The amount of power we are able to use is severely impeded by those around us. Each and everyone one of you listening to this, ask yourself both, 'how much power do I have?' and 'how much power could I have?' because once you have fathomed the true ability that every single one of you has at this present moment in time, from gangster to made man and everyone above, you realise that your options aren't so limited after all. Pave your own paths. Push those limits until they are nothing but crumbling walls, still intact, but marred by the persistence and effort of those who have worked to strengthen their own. Rules are to be followed. That doesn't mean you can't take chances. I'm not going to stand here, as the right hand man of a family, and tell you to break the rules. I am telling you that you shouldn't be afraid to put your neck on the line to say or do something you believe in. If you are afraid to speak because you're afraid of the consequences of controversy or just the ridicule of other mafiosi, grab your balls and jump into the ice cold pool of nothing because that's all you're destined to be. Seize your opportunities for recognition and make yourself known for everything you can be, rather than sitting back and watching the dust settle on your defunct career. Do something out of the standards that we have carved for you to conform to. Step off the safe and worn road and into the unexplored forest because that's where the true wealth in power and knowledge lies. You won't get many chances. It's important that you use them. You live once. Make it worth it." Alfieri picks up his briefcase and steps back into the darkness. |
|
| Report Post | Tip |
|
I couldn't agree more. It is a tragedy that our world does not actually work like this any more. Serious debate is frowned upon, sure we can argue the toss about mugging and other topics which raise about as much passion as a waltz with your grandmother, but as soon as anyone dares become heated (and I'm not talking name-calling here, just some good old fashioned anger) they are shut down immediately. Hell, not so long ago there was an ironic conversation started, CLEARLY tongue in cheek, about the leaders - and everyone took it seriously. Everyone shouted at the guy who made the effort to get out here with something light for us to enjoy... so do you think he'll bother again? We're all too busy looking for the negative in everything. It's almost sad, really. Perhaps if we, and by "we" I am talking about 90% of the population here (myself included) stopped looking for reasons to shoot people or put the next guy down we'll get somewhere. I doubt it though. Approaches to our life have changed of late, I guess I should just move with the times. |
|
| Reply by: FatBastard at Nov 24, '07 10:57 | |
| Report Post | Tip |
|
Of course a leader have this amount of power you're saying. But the difference between a good leader and a worthless one lies exactly there. A good leader has reasons behind their orders besides his own instant desires. When he says you can't shoot people is for the greater good, when he says you can't fly to Philly he knows something you don't. Is like when you're a children and your mother order you to not put hands in the boiling water. You don't know that can harm you, you're just curious. And she isn't demanding that because she's dictator cutting your liberty. The good leader doesnt make decisions or do anything as he pleases. He thinks in the family and demands that everyone follow him and his plans in order to have a better life. The good leader challenge is to prove to his crew that he is not sailing with the weather. He must prove he knows what he is doing. He must convince this followers that he knows the right path and then they'll follow the orders proudly, without questioning and confident. If he loses that, their members will start doubting. And doubt leads to daring the boundaries, leads to disrespect. We, mafiosi, are not sheeps. AS we always say, respect must be gain. If you show to be weak or selfish, you won't have it. And then, bye bye control. |
|
| Reply by: BloodyFaster at Nov 24, '07 11:18 | |
| Report Post | Tip |
| I don't think the point he was making was really specific for leaders, but rather an illustration of what applies to everyone. What you're saying is indeed true, but the fact of the matter is that we generally don't push boundaries. It does indeed get bloody dangerous once you start skipping merrily toward them in an ad-hoc fashion, as all it takes is a single person lacking in humour or on a power trip to knock you on the balls with a pointed stick. A great number of people won't, but all it takes is a couple of "popular/famous" types to speak out against a person, and instantly the tide turns. | |
| Reply by: Mike_McBam at Nov 24, '07 11:27 | |
| Report Post | Tip |
| BloodyFaster, I was using that point more as a grounds to base my point off rather than actually trying to comment on our leaders. | |
| Reply by: Alfieri at Nov 24, '07 11:31 | |
| Report Post | Tip |
|
Yeah I think you went off on your own tangent there Bloodyfaster, this isn't about leaders, its about boundaries people perceive and the suggestion that people should take a risk now and again. I'd have to agree, things get very stagnant when everyone follows the same system, the community remains the same, the only thing that changes are the peoples names. Take the drug system for example, time and time again you'll receive a cut out piece of paper in the mail with a city's drug price from some random Mafiosi looking for you to return the favour. Now this annoys me because many of them are not part of my family, so I essentially have no business dealings with them, yet it is expected that I return the favour. Long story short, I don't, but instead I like to act completely oblivious to what they want and reply in that way. To be honest many of them get very upset that I'm not disclosing information, the odd time resorting to curses in my general direction, but hey, I'll live. Now that's only a small boundary I push out, namely, not conforming to the norm of drug price swaps and the majority of the time it results in someone not liking you. So I can see why people don't want to push boundaries in other regards, especially as a CL because it will effect other people and not just themselves. But I would like to see boundaries being pushed more often and would agree with Alfieri that people shouldn't be scared to do so, its adds a bit of variety to the community. People will obviously react badly, they always want something to bitch about, but once its not something totally ridiculous and insane, I say go for it! |
|
| Reply by: Orcus at Nov 24, '07 12:16 | |
| Report Post | Tip |
|
Remind me to slip a few extra bills in your pay envelope this week, Orcus. It's nice to see a member of the Java Cartel understand that we don't hand out such information to some schmoe from another city that doesn't have dealings with our family. As per the topic, I agree that the boundaries should be pushed, however BloodyFaster makes a good point. It is relevant what he's saying, because it is our leaders who set our boundaries. And maybe, just maybe, they know what they are doing and know something that you don't. Sometimes you just have to trust that what they are asking is for the good of the family at a specific point in time. As far as heated debate being unacceptable these days, that's simply false. It is tolerated more right now than it has ever been. There's simply a few things that must be remembered. One cardinal rule is: "It's not what you say, but HOW you say it". There has NEVER been a time in the history of this thing of ours where a low ranking mafioso could disrespect a Boss with impunity. Hell, most of the time, no one even dared to consider it. I don't remember abuse being thrown at UncleNicky, -mrevilman, Ganelon, or ratSkcoR, by anyone other than pissed off Civilians or soon-to-be dead higher rankers. Those who did it were quickly dealt with. Leaders have never sat back and allowed shit to be thrown at them. The fact that some people not only consider it, but DO it, and expect to get away with it is testament to egos being out of control and a failure to understand simple hierarchy of power. Discussing controversy is acceptable and encouraged, as long as the speaker is capable of being respectful. The mafioso on the street shouldn't fear this, if respect is shown. If the mafioso fears ridicule, there's not much that can be done except to deal harshly with those who appear only to heap abuse on other speakers, without a constructive contribution of their own. But then, if we did that, wouldn't that be restricting speech? And that doesn't sit well with most people. Anyhow, a speaker shouldn't fear ridicule, even if it is forthcoming. Anyone who expects to get somewhere in life must be able to deal with a bit of adversity. |
|
| Reply by: maxwell at Nov 24, '07 12:44 | |
| Report Post | Tip |
|
Extra few bills? looks Maxwell up and down That's a fantastic suit your wearing if you don't mind me saying so... There is one slight problem with your cardinal rule maxwell, someone might pick up what someone says the wrong way. Lets face it, unless you know the person well, you can easily misinterpret someone's light sarcasm for insult or vice versa. I can think of a number of times things have been picked up the wrong way and resulted in bloodshed over the years. But I encourage a little bit of controversy too, it brightens up the streets a little, especially when it is understood that it is simply a war of words and will no go any further. A simple 'tet a tet' to see who can out speak or out do someone else for the sheer enjoyment is something lost on most. But where do we all stand in regards to adding your piece to a high rankers discussion when you are a lowly goomba or something? Lets face it, when it comes to position, you're a little out of your depth...unless you have been selected to speak for your family that is. Should a goomba pop up his or head in a street argument between two bosses? I have to admit, I'm not too fond of their input, unless the Bosses show interest in wanting to hear them speak. |
|
| Reply by: Orcus at Nov 24, '07 13:31 | |
| Report Post | Tip |
|
*The Rid watches the figures gather under the street lamp with interest. Leaving a five dollar bill on the counter to cover the coffee, he slid out of his booth and sidled out the front door and across the street to join them.* An interesting topic. I feel there are many problems with pushing the boundaries around here. I would suggest the biggest is that genuine efforts to do so come too late. What do I mean by too late? Well it is quite simple and coincidentally related with the speaker's very point. The boundaries that it is suggested we test are also the boundaries that keep us safe. And in a world of families and protection through sponsors, the connected men and women with something to lose will rarely rock the boat by expressing their individuality. And yet upon their deaths their children can be thoroughly relied upon to test the boundaries for their ancestors in what would have amounted to boldness with the father and sadly amounts to futility in the case of the child. Especially when such tests are accompanied with the disrespect that is now common in such examples. What does this tell us about ourselves? It tells me that many reside in something of a "comfort zone," lacking the balls to go for the win only to cry bitterly over the loss. In quiet times by my favourite pond in the park I would ask myself, "Who do these people hate more when they voice their bitterness. The killer or themselves?" My use of the term "win" is not to be confused with violence. When I can look at a man and know generally what he stands for, I can appreciate he has taken the time to let me know. He wants to win my silent agreement or even support for his views every day he speaks. Even if I disagree bitterly with such a man or even if I never see his whole mind, I can mourn his loss. For in times of war many Made Men and Captains can fall. And many command no more mourning than that attached to an empty husk. The comfort zone is to be avoided at all costs. Those enshrouded within it fall like dominoes and embolden themselves to bitterness for generations. |
|
| Reply by: Rhydian-Roberts at Nov 24, '07 13:32 | |
| Report Post | Tip |
|
You make a fair point Rhydian, I don't think people can help but voice their anger when their 'comfort zone' is toppled, most do it privately but often, some can't help but wander aimlessly onto the streets. Loyalty to your boss is one of the foundations of this thing of ours and I suppose they feel a sense of duty to stand up, without much regard for their own well being to express their feelings. Lets face it, it's exactly the same as seeking revenge with a bullet. Strangely enough, when a response is through voice rather than the gun, people see it as taboo in some ways. Granted when people voice their anger, they tend to do it in a not so respectful manner and pretty much don't give a damn about their image but lets look at it. Just say someone does walk onto the streets and is as respectful as one can be when confronting a rival boss...their chance of survival is quite low, so they figure why not go all out and forget about the pleasantries. Lets be realistic, if they are looking for a new sponsor, that family may be tagged as housing possible trouble makers who are holding a grudge...and might need to be taken care of before they become a rival power in the community. So where does that leave the respectful Mafiosi who has done nothing but outline their views in a best manner possible?...On a creek without a paddle I would think. |
|
| Reply by: Orcus at Nov 24, '07 14:00 | |
| Report Post | Tip |
| I agree but to interject, I in no way feel that voicing your views, even respectfully, is necessarily the road to survival, much less success. It is paramount to achieve success but we cannot forget that we live in a world of smoke and mirrors in which killers come with smiles. Even a perfectly reasonable comment can mean many things to someone else. Your own thoughts must be guarded hence they betray you. | |
| Reply by: Rhydian-Roberts at Nov 24, '07 14:06 | |
| Report Post | Tip |
| So basically what your saying is, loyalty to the boss is paramount...so long as their breathing that is, because once they go down, you better just keep tight lipped and find someone to sponsor you, because you know...you could die if you speak your mind or defend them? | |
| Reply by: Orcus at Nov 24, '07 14:15 | |
| Report Post | Tip |
|
Not at all. I'm merely emphasising the fine line between being a public face that people listen to alongside the others that contribute to discussions on community policy and mob family life, while also being fully aware that those agreeable wise guys around you still retain the capacity to utterly destroy you if the wind changes and you fail to notice. I cannot answer your specific question because there is no general answer I wish to give. |
|
| Reply by: Rhydian-Roberts at Nov 24, '07 14:20 | |
| Report Post | Tip |
| Heha, I see your one of those wise guys who don't easily fall into conversation traps, a trait few possess these days....shame...was hoping for a bit of Saturday afternoon controversy. Point well made though, it is a fine line to walk in the streets. I think some people get carried away with themselves when what they say is never contested in the streets. So given the smoke and mirror dance we do on the streets, is it any wonder why those who aren't so audible keep their distance during proper conversation and only add their two cents in the harmless banter which fills most the streets? | |
| Reply by: Orcus at Nov 24, '07 14:31 | |
| Report Post | Tip |
|
Indeed. However it can also be supposed that many struggle to offer their view on meaningful commentary because for them this would entail commiting to a position they are unable or unwilling to uphold. Those who commit to nothing are rarely accused of hypocrisy. Perhaps in the early stages of what might be viewed as a career, young gangsters eager to someday run their own crew, see the benfit in keeping quiet while experience talks, lest they make a premature fatal mistake. Which is where we started I believe... In fact it is little known that our Sicilian cousins and the earliest Bosses were respected for the persuasiveness of the arguments they offered in favour of their own positions and the skilful oratory that accompanied them. The idea that building your reputation only begins at Boss in this regard is, I believe, wrong. |
|
| Reply by: Rhydian-Roberts at Nov 24, '07 14:47 | |
| Report Post | Tip |
|
I am seeing many points I agree with. As RH Maxwell, you know that we need to express our complete support of our boss and his/her beliefs. However, in private, this can be expressed so there are times like that which would be a reason for not coming to the streets. I also rarely come out here as lately what I have seen, unlike this post and one or two others are what I consider something I wish to take time away from family tasks to answer. I think Rid and all of you have valid points. My family have been put down many a time in the streets, seriously verus Frank Butcher's kind joking that is. Has it bothered me? Yes, sometimes, but I try not to let it and see that the name-caller or insulting party are simply trying to draw attention to themselves and use a method in an attempt to draw me into immature spats versus debate. And also, the person doesn't truly know me. Should people get away with that kind of behaviour - personally I don't think so. We would not tolerate a crew member of ours harassing another family's member via mobmail, so why do we tolerate it and allow it to go on in the streets? I believe by doing so, we are teaching that we will permit more boundary pushing, even cracking by allowing this kind of disrespect. I am not talking disagreement with the speaker. As Three's ancestor taught mine a long time ago - it is always possible to disagree and remain respectful, it all depends on how it is worded. |
|
| Reply by: ElainaDeLuca at Nov 25, '07 08:17 | |
| Report Post | Tip |
|
Many years ago in my family lineage's early day, pushing the boundaries was always something that took place. Creating intelligent discusion in the Streets questioning the way other leaders operated from an outsider's point of view, was something my Great Great Grandmother Poppy often partook in. Of course it caused a stir, but she was not afraid of those who wanted to silence her. She was never good with a gun you see, so used words instead to point out the things that others only dare whisper in backalleys and at hushed tones of Speakeasies. It was always respectful however, never once descending into crude speech and pettiness. Of course eventually she was murdered for this, as some others could not tolerate her frank manner of speaking and the rippling effects it caused on the consciousness of the masses. So why the change in the way my family now presents themselves in the Streets? Well for one having a few generations skip this life, brought my relatives out of touch with the procedings and the way of this thing of ours. Secondly, my family learned how to speak with actions or at least to back up words with actions. If it wasn't in the capacity of my parents and grandparents to act on their words, then they remained silent. And the final reason why is because my relatives learned the value of Family. That is, to always put the Family before themselves and so do nothing to jeopardise it's safety. We speak of pushing boundaries by remaining respectful, but others with the power to kill still will take umbrage at what has been said. If this brings peril to the Family, is it better to not say anything? For me personally, yes. If the way I breathed could possibly bring any harm to Cthulhu then I would stop breathing altogether. In my own instance, it is a conscious choice to choose not to push the boundaries because of my gratitude and servility to the Family that have graciously taken me in. I will forever be indebted to them. My own personal thoughts may be one thing, but the Family will always come before my own opinions. But I also realise for others, that they do not speak because either their minds have not the capacity to surpass boudaries and are accepting of the status quo. Or it could purely be, because they do not have the inclination to do so. The easy life, may be the maligned one, but it is afterall, still easy. |
|
| Reply by: Cathy_Parks at Nov 25, '07 08:52 | |
| Report Post | Tip |
| Post Reply | View All Threads | Page: 1 |
How much do you want to tip for this post?
Minimum $20,000
Minimum $20,000
