Our world is one that operates by some very strict rules.  I am always amazed by how tightly regimented everything is.  You can't get away with much, and, if you screw up, it's usually just a matter of time before it comes back to haunt you.  It's really quite impressive.

    But, in order to maintain our life of crime within these rules, occasionally you have to end up doing something really unpleasant.  I've had to turn my back on ambitious young gangsters in need or others with good intentions who simply couldn't make the grade.

    Recently, I had to order the death of a friend.  Don't get me wrong, it was completely warranted, and I do no regret it in the least.  But I was very angry with him at the time, so it came easy, but later, I couldn't help but experience the feelings of guilt and remorse that will naturally follow any such unpleasant deed.
    There is a similar story circling the streets that originated from the mouth of an associate of my family.  In it, the protagonist had to kill his best friend.      Hearing this story on people's lips with my own friend's recent death on my mind, it made me wonder how many similar stories people of this world have.  So I'd like to invite anyone who has a similar story to disclose what details are possible about a painful action that you've had to carry out in the name of honor, your family, or the sanctity of our world in general.

This is part and parcel of the life we choose.

At times, tough decisions made to be made. On making them, you'll need to make a choice. Whether you're going to be a good leader or a good friend?

Chosing to put one friend ahead of your duties, your obligations or your family, will hurt many more of your friends. No one person is above the law, no matter how close a friend they are. So while I'm not suggesting these decisions are 'easy' to make, it's normally easy to know which is the right decision to make.

Homer sits down with his note pad and pen in hand

Luckly, I majored in psychology.  

Welcome to GCA (Guilty Conscience Anonymous)

Starts listening to past experiences and taking notes

This is, unfortunately, something that we've all dealt with in our chosen way of life.  I hope you never have to go through it again, but odds are, you will.

Some people thinking having a friend gives them an excuse to act like a moron.  It's like having your kindness exploited and your name dragged through dirt at the same time.

It's true what you say, Deimne.  As I've said, I do not regret it, because I know that, at times, there are things that one must do for the good of the family.  And the decision, when I was faced with it, was an easy one.

And as you say, Vito, this particular instance was a bit insulting.  I personally felt betrayed by this individual.  He certainly betrayed my trust and my kindness for taking him in off the streets and giving him a home.

All of this knowledge makes these actions easier to carry out.

Friendship is completely irrational.. In this life we've chosen rules are what counts..

People like to talk, but there's no denying killing a friend is a difficult decision.  I think we've all been faced with that decision before, and will be faced  with that decision again.  Many of us have friends in different families, friends in different cities.  And unfortunately, from time to time cities do war.  And we'll be face to face with a friend.  And right then, right there is where your family will know where your loyalties lie.  And loyalty tells you one thing - pull...that...trigger.  For your family.  There is no alternative. 

The decision gets even more complicated when your friend is in your family and does break one of those rules.  Again, loyalty dictates that you make one call - kill the friend, save the family.  Simple, right?  No, not at all, but it's that decision, as my Godfather says, separates leaders from friends. 

Hate to admit it, but it is true.  Thing is, afterward, will the friends future relatives hold a grudge just because you were doing your job as a leader.  I think that's the hardest part, but this is the mafia so FUCK FRIENDS! If they can't make me money or help me get one step ahead, they were just dead weight anyway.

lites a joint and thinks of old friends

Friendships are built over time and if the person is a true friend then they will know that you have no choice but to make the call you made. It's a hard decision but such is the way of life. If it was easy it wouldn't be worth it.

I say it takes Respect to help make friends. But as the saying goes. "Keep your friends close, But your enemies closer".  We all have fell off the turnip truck from time to time. But we dust ourselves off and keep a going no matter how bitter the times get. As far as Family be supportive and be Loyal no matter who makes you mad or gets to ya woman so to speak. And above all remember "Respect is Earned Never Given".

In this thing of ours, rules is basically the food. It bring away hunger and nutrients so if you break rules the instant puniishment is death or maybe a lighter one but you will feel it hard. Regardless of being a friend who commits it, it muct be enforce and better yet with no remorse. The best compensation for that is o contact their sons/daughters to keep in touch with your friend. Just like anyone who gives their opinion rules over friend.

-Puck-

o.o I wonder where you get all this from