So, I was wondering lately about this topic. It's an age old subject that has been done to death many times before in this thing of ours, but we have often new blood walking these streets that perhaps may be able to offer a new opinion so I thought I'd bring up the subject and I'll explain why.

Recently I was announced as  Crew Leader in the grand city of Philly. Shocking, I know. However there was a person that attended that announcement with a derisory remark about the fact my bloodline has been there before and there was an implication with that comment that perhaps I didn't then deserve the position. To me, that was disrespectful to the hard work I had put in whilst I was an inhabitant of New York.

Granted, this person knows absolutely nothing of my work. So why then do they think its acceptable to bring such disrespectful comments to a public position? Well, theres only one answer for that... they weren't affiliated at all with a life of crime so had nothing to lose when speaking their opinion.

This leads me onto the second part of my wondering; Do these Civilians and Petty Theifs think that the world really gives a fuck what they say to those in power? Sure, if they are unearthing some hidden truths about the real reasons that XYZ got killed then i'm sure their angry tears will get plenty of attention, but when making pointless remarks like the one I mentioned, what do they hope to achieve? I honestly don't have a clue as none of my kin have entered a life of crime without any desire to contribute to the community. As thats what this place is, a community. If you have no business being here because you either don't care for the leaders or care enough about the community to work hard to change things, then I really see no reason to listen to the words coming out of your mouth ass.

At the end of the day, I'm in the position I am because people in the power decided that I was worthy of being there, I'll be here until someone else in a position of power determines i'm too big a liability/threat/nuisance/whatever. Words from a Civilian are unlikely to alter that destiny, but at least they gave me some food for thought.

Well, that was pretty much all I wanted to say. I know I'm not as pretty as Peter Perttits so well done to those that lasted long enough to hear it all, hopefully some of you will want to share your own thoughts on any of the things i mentioned or even your own experience with such matters that are at least similar to mine.

The hulkster had some time in between some events he had planned for his Saturday afternoon so he thought he would stop on by and listen to some of the street speeches. When Tyrion, a youthful leader of Philadelphia, began speaking on the idea that he worked his buttocks off to be in the position that he was hogan was intrigued.

WELL YOU KNOW SOMETHING AMIGO I GOTTA SAY THAT OUT OF ALL THE LEADER BLOODLINES MY FAMILY HAVE EVER KNOWN,  YOURS WAS ONE OF IF NOT THE MOST INTENTIONAL I HAVE READ ABOUT. YOUR GRAND GRAND GRAND FATHER, TYRION I BELIEVE HIS NAME WAS DUDE, TOOK THE TIME TO ALWAYS READ THE MAILS FROM FAMILY MEMBERS FIRST BEFORE ALL ELSE, HE ONLY SPOKE GOOD OF OTHERS, AND WAS ALWAYS VERY INTELLIGENT WITH HOW HE HANDELED POLITICAL MATTERS.

Hulk threw an autographed shirt at Tyrion that read, "to my biggest fan." Then he continued.

WE CAN UNDERSTAND THE FRUSTRATION BROTHER ON WHY PEOPLE DONT GET WHERE THEY ARE AMD FEEL THAT THE SAME BLOODLINES CONSISTENTLY RULE DUDE! I DONT KNOW IF I PERSONALLY BELIEVE THAT MUMBO JUMBO BUT I DO SYMPATHIZE FOR THE YOUNG MAFIOSO WHO ALL HE WANTS TO DO IS TELL OTHERS WHAT TO DO AMIGO.

brief pause for flexing. Conversation resumes...

WELL YOU KNOW SOMETHING THOUGH BROTHER IT ISNT FAIR. IT ISNT FAIR TO COME OUT TO THE STREETS AND VOCALIZE THAT ONE DESERVES A SHOT AT LEADING MORE THAN ANOTHER AMIGO! SEE I FIND MYSELF FASCINATED WITH THIS CULTURE OF "ITS MY TURN" WELL YOU KNOW DUDE IF YOU WANT A TURN GO OUT AND GET IT BROTHER!  DONT BE THE LOSER SITTING HERE COMPLAINING YOU ARENT WHERE YOU WANNA BE CAUSE HIM OR HER OR ANYONE ELSE, MACHO-MANIACS DO THAT AND THAT AINT YOU, YOURE BETTER THAN THAT! 

Feeling a bit "rocky" in his speech he stoked his handlebars and continued.

ARE SOME PEOPLE OF LEADERSHIP ROLES AND OVERLOOKED? YES. BUT IT ISNT ABOUT HOW HARD YOU CAN HIT ITS ABOUT HOW HARD YIU CAN GET HIT AND KEEP MOViNG FORWARD. WHAT I MEAN TO SAY MY LITTLE HULKSTERS IS SOMETIMES YOUR LEGITMACY IS PROVEN IN ONE MOMENT SOMETIMES ITS PROVEN THROUGH MULTIPLE ACTIONS THAT YOUR ANCESTORS FORGED THAT PAVED THE WAY. 

Maybe this was all getting too lengthy..too wordy and HULKSTERS time was quickly fading. He needed to finish his thought and go flex in another direction. 

I GUESS THE LAST THING I WANT TO SAY IS YOU DONT KNOW HOW HARD ANOTHER PERSON HAS WORKED IN THIS LIFE. ITS UNFAIR AND UN-HULK-A-MANIAC LIKE TO CRITICZE THEIR PERFORMANCE AND SAY THEY ARENT WORTHY OF THEIR RANK BECAUSE YOU DO NOT APPROVE OF IT. YOU KNOW BROTHER IF YOU ARENT SATISIFIED WITH SITTING ON THE SIDELINES THAN GET ON THE FIELD DUDE! 

I don't think the words of civilians towards people in power will quickly change anything. In many cases I doubt people saying those things really expect those words to have effect, since they're often emotional children of fallen mobsters airing frustration wrapped as sharp observations. In these cases the words usually tell more about themselves then about you or any other person in power. If that's the case, there's no reason to feel disrespected about it, but you merely live on. It's part of this competitive and extreme business we're in and it shouldn't come as a surprise. Nor should the youngster be really surprised that their parents met an unfortunate and sudden end at some point. It happens.

However, I do not wish to dismiss the words of young members of our community by default. Truth's worth isn't dependent on the person sharing it. The direct effect may indeed be little, but sometimes truthful accusations to people in high places are interesting nonetheless. A person in a position of power might try to save face, while they know they're bullshitting their way out, and so does the community. In other cases the accusations or comments might be ignored all together, but then the words just echo on in the community, sticking in the minds of our members.

I can't comment on the use-case you present starring yourself, because I'm not familiar with your work either. It's not uncommon though that people are given a special status sometimes based on the achievements of their ancestors. If the current generation continues on that same path or does even better, there's no problem. But it does happen that a new generation performs far less then their ancestors and I wouldn't necessarily like those people to be in places of power. It's hardly inspirational for others. Highlighting that issue in general isn't bad. If the accusation is false, majority will know it's false and then the accuser is rather making himself look bad then him/her who was being accused. If the comments carry truth, well, it's simply gonna be a justified, awkward mirror for who it concerns. Hell, I'm looking into that mirror and it reminds me that I as well should work hard to continue building my family's name on these shores.

Summarising, I'd say that if words obviously carry so little truth we shouldn't bother too much. The person commenting is rather making themselves look bad. If words carry truth and they shame someone in high places, it's something that person of power should perhaps act upon. Ofcourse punishing the young member, or any member, under the argument of of disrespect might seem like a solution, but the words are echoing in the community already. Plain disrespect should be punished hard, but criticism not necessarily. We don't live in a very just world though, so the critic shouldn't be surprised if they fell of a building at some point.

I wouldn't discourage low ranking members from speaking altogether. I personally care what all sorts of people say, even if it is just in an amusement, or whichever. Some words come with small bits of truth in them, some in larger doses, and some people will shrug truth off altogether. It is the way of the world and down to each individual to determine whether or not they listened.

I would suggest that you may care somewhat what these civilians or petty thieves say since you are out here speaking about it. You at least cared enough to bring it into a speech where the rest of our community could discuss. So I would say that is something. Anything that leads to a proper discussion can't be that bad, right?

I got to agree with Cin.  I too would not and never have discourage low ranking members from speaking. I will take it a step further and say I would not discredit the words of another regardless of their rank, even the new blood.

New blood: If they are affiliated with family which is the norm to have rules expecting their members to respect rank in the streets and you felt disrespected. You have many options how to address and or resolve the disrespect.

New blood: Not affiliated with a family has free reign to speak their mind as they have no rules to adhere too.

The New blood phrase is over rated and abused by people like yourself Tyrion.  Like many, your interpretation of new blood, even if not new is twisted. You do not respect them. Yet, you demand respect.  Respect is earned. Like it or not.  

Hoedown. You've completely misinterpreted my use of the phrase New Blood. Also, your own definition is wildly inaccurate. The phrase refers to those that have never had relatives on these shores, it doesn't and never has referred to people that are civilians/petty theifs. Rank is not the issue where this phrase is concerned.

Just because that person is "new", doesn't mean they are new blood.

Tyrion, grant it you did not have to respond to me and if the table was turned I would not have given you the time of day. But I did say in passing because I know your style, you were stumped in a response and I knew it would take you awhile to think.

This response is not only pathetic but  contradicts your sole reason for speaking.

As I'm sure comes as no shock, a relative of yours was what made me think about bringing the topic to the streets. Just another useless person offering nothing to the community. So I thought I'd see what others think of people like you that do nothing but sit here and bitch and moan whilst not even bothering to be a member of a family.

You might think you've annoyed me, but honestly you haven't. Your remarks are simply water off a ducks back. I don't give a single fuck about you or your opinion. That is the point of my speaking here. To let you and anyone of your ilk know that if you aren't connected to a family then your thoughts and opinions mean very little to me as you are speaking them without any care in the world nor any danger of consequence. Essentially you are nothing more than a mouth piece.

Had you any standing in this world at all, then I would perhaps give a toss at what you had to say. But you don't.

I can look around the streets and see at least 3 people related to you that did nothing but come to these shores for a bit of a bitch and a moan and offered absolutely nothing constructive. Oddly, I believe one of them actually joined my family and made a small contribution to it before dieing. I was intrigued that they choose to join me considering your obvious disdain for me even having a family in the first place, but I was actually pleased to see them there so that I could help open your eyes to see that I do actually deserve to be a leader. Shame that your kin couldn't cope with actually sticking around to offer something to the society, though.

As I said to you privately, I hope you have a day as pleasant as yourself. This will be the last time I address you or any of your kin that aren't associated with a family.

Hoedown all you have done and your line has done is come to the streets like a mongrel dog and bitched so far your linage has done nothing but act as though they have moved mountains.

What have you done? I even challenged you to do something a challenge i would say i have won. All your blood line has dsone Isabella/Sadie is come out and moan bitch complain about whoever is in power.

I can say from all the top blood lines i have met on my journey through this world the bloodline of Tryion/warrior Duplicity/Simplicity Ladyfighter the bloodline of silk jynx Benny Grin Spacepole Bjorn BoD have all helped me the most all have been there when the chips are down. And helped me continue to strive to better myself. I always place a remembrance of Silk in my profile to honour the one person who first seen any talent in my blood to do better then what i ever wanted.

What have you done? All i see is a bitter moron who cant even be bothered to change the leadership but moan groan till there removed and try and take credit for something you are pathetic.

This may be an old topic, but it is an appropriate one, and there is nothing wrong with revisiting it. Sadly though, disrespect has become something of a "norm", which has no quick solution, as even death does not silence a bloodline intent on disparaging another in the street. 

Their main intent is to anger, or frustrate those to whom they aim their words, knowing full well that their son's or daughters will pick up the torch should they meet their demise. The best course of action is to ignore them, as hard as that may be, as giving them the satisfaction of response is exactly what they want.

You can be relatively sure though, that their words, although they can sting and annoy at times, are merely words, and will not have any bearing on those that already know different. Your character (or anyone's that is in similar situation), will most likely not suffer much consequence from their ranting, but rather your answer or reply will have much more to do with how everyone else perceives you. 

A man of simple appearance and attire, mostly black besides a grey silk strip of ribbon adorning the cheap yet well kept fedora, has been amongst the current company of men and women conversing.

You may recognize him, you may not. His reputation isn't anything to poke a stick at, and his face is rarely seen out in public, yet whilst out with an acquaintance the pair stopped to take heed as the group became more and more vocal.

A coffee and a chat were on the menu and it just so happened this gathering was on their stroll from the car to the local market. After a moment of listening to the ruckus and realizing the topic at hand, Scarfo turned to Rose and said:

"I think this may be a little too much chatter for a comment that's not really worthy of so much chatter. You know what you have or haven't done to earn your place at the table. The only opinions you should pay any mind to are your own and those that truly matter, otherwise it's wasted energy."

The comment was in a casual tone, Scarfo just expressing his mind in the moment as the thoughts passed through, to the company he was with, yet others in the vicinity may have overheard his opinion. He had a tendency to speak what he thought, and held the belief that honesty was the best policy, within reason, and present company, of course, least he find himself six feet under.

Tyrion,  when I speak I do not give any thought to whether or not you will be annoyed.  What you feel is unimportant to me. What is important to me is happening. 

Frank stumbles in and flops onto a park bench.  After hearing the speech, he was actually provoked to seemingly rational thought.  (Craziness, I know).  He sits up as best as he can and speaks up in an amazingly clear voice:

"I feel as though some valid points have been raised here.  First and foremost - the best advice I can give to anyone new to these shores (of a more established bloodline, or fresh off the boat) is to work hard.  Generations tend to build upon themselves.  Nothing is given in this world of ours, and it certainly isn't luck of the draw.  Working hard for your crew leader will ensure your success.  I'm certainly of the mind that a father or mother is capable of elevating the standing of their child in this world - but ultimately that occurs because of....  here it comes - HARD WORK."

Frank readjusts in his bench and sneaks down for a little taste of the ol' milk of the gods out of his flask before continuing:

"Now onto the other point of the talkative civilians.  Most certainly - THEY do think that we care what they have to say.  Of course - WE - as men of stature... Especially US Right Hand Men/Women because we are vital and important to this community (see what I did there?) most certainly do not care.  Unfortunately, I find that responding to the blathering only serves to increase their egos and in turn the amount of gum flapping which ultimately ensues.  Now, if you'll excuse me kind sir - I've got to get to work on earning my Don rank."

Frank marches off and mugs an old lady on the way to knocking over the next post office.

Tyrion, even though it goes without saying that you aren't as pretty as me, it is nice to hear it publicly acknowledged all the same. Thank you.

Johnny takes notice of the handsome man as he speaks, taking special note of his incredible pertness. A pang of insecurity washes over him as he stands close to the man, before he remembers his own fabulousness and pulls himself together, standing straight once more. Having listened to the many arguments being put forth, he decides to clear his throat and join in the discussion...

Tyrion, I can understand that hearing people speak of you in a negative light is always a difficult thing to accept. However, as a crew leader, I feel this is something you will never be able to rid yourself of. When you put on that oh so svelte suit you're wearing and put yourself forward as a leader, you were putting yourself under the spotlight for the entire community to judge. You are in a position now that every member of our community aspires, or should aspire, to be in. So it's natural that you be weighed and judged in their minds, to determine if they feel you are up to scratch, or are doing a better job than they would.

The thing to remember is, not everyone who judges you is judging you fairly. There's nothing that can be done about that. Some people don't appreciate leaders who are younger than themselves, others feel leaders need to be maintaining a certain street presence at all times and so on and so forth. Every two bit gangster feels that they'd do a better job. 

You'll never meet all of their demands, or appeal to every mobster. There is no point in even trying. As long as your family are happy under your leadership and you feel in yourself that you are doing a good job, that should be enough in my opinion.

Tyrion, you make a piss poor leader.  You really ought to try welcoming all new family members and showing up more often like you cared.

Once a failure of rank whore repeating history depicts another failure.

Do these Civilians and Petty Theifs think that the world really gives a fuck what they say to those in power? Sure, if they are unearthing some hidden truths about the real reasons that XYZ got killed then i'm sure their angry tears will get plenty of attention, but when making pointless remarks like the one I mentioned, what do they hope to achieve?

I am really starting to think that their only hope is to be as annoying as possible. They certainly can't be expected to be taken seriously by any reasonable person. Typically when one of them are speaking their drivel I roll my eyes and genuinely hope that somewhere down the line one of their descendants will learn to fit into our community a little better rather than just squawking in the streets. It would be better for everyone if they'd just learn a little respect. Is that too much to ask?

Maria smiles and waves to Tyrion.

"Hey there, Tyrion. It's good to see a nice, active debate out here, and I think it's an interesting topic you've brought to us today. I'll try to share with you my view; I hope I can do the debate justice. 

Everybody has a right to an opinion. I believe that fully and I believe that firmly. Everyone has a right to put across their point of view, to discuss it, to share their thoughts and to share their opinions. What they do not have a right to do, is to control the reaction to that opinion. The reaction, of course, can be anything, from giving their opinion appropriate weight - for instance, one would expect the words of a Godfather to carry more weight than those of a Wise Guy - to meeting their opinion with a bullet square between the eyes. They don't have the right to be listened to or to be taken seriously, but, truthfully, none of us inherently have that right. It has to be earned. But that doesn't mean that they should be discouraged from speaking. Honestly, for the health of our streets and for the health of our world, I believe that we have to have dissenting voices.

I truly and honestly think that so much rests upon the way you put yourself across in our world. Over the years my bloodline has made notes of Thugs who've been able to hold their presence and words on the streets terrifically and it's known Godfathers who wouldn't know our streets if they bit them on the backside. If you make your points clear, evidence them well and explain them fully, people will often pay more mind to what you say that if you randomly spew disjointed sentences. If you make your points free from the weight of bitterness and jealousy, people are more likely to feel you are worth the effort of a response. 

Rank certainly helps to add weight to an opinion, but I don't think it's the only way to add it."