If you totally forbid something and you leader re-inforces this than people will follow the rules because well... they dont want to die! But if you give a inch, they take a foot. Because that is how we are. Asking is not really our way of doing things, it is showing our weakness. Paying back? Well, why would someone pay back such a small amount... me, when someone pays back 52$ or 5000$ for that matter... i find it insulting. And i certainly would'nt make a issue out of this. If they happen to be able to get cash out of my pockets, then they deserve the prize. Because most of the time, my pockets are empty. Pickpocketing has never been my favorite practice because it never pays well... but still, this is my line of thinking.

Walking by on her way to the coffee shops, Eunice can't help but hear a debate going on about pickpocketing.  Patting the wad of cash in her pocket, she smiles knowing she's a criminal and that is the life she has chosen to lead.  And as far as criminals go, the one's she knows would certainly never give back what they've rightfully taken.  And if they happen to the be victim? They would bust ass to make the money back, as that is the life they have chosen to lead. 

Another debate about pickpocketing.  Who knew this issue would be the HOT issue?  Not me. 

Personally, I don't care about pickpocketing.  Leaders don't care about pickpocketing, and they certainly don't want to be involved in the disputes.  That's why you see so many city rules that say "don't involve me in petty disputes about pickpocketing" or something like that. 

My advice: follow the city rules.  Then, you can do no wrong.

Certainly, respect those who you work with (are in the same family) and don't pickpocket them if they ask you not to.  But don't complain if others do...even if you have the ALL POWERFUL statement "no pickpocketing please" badge on for everybody to see. 

If you pickpocket somebody and they shoot you in response...well then I guess you've learned your lesson. 

Tips his hat to

"Mystery until another time "

Firstly, Mr. Mortuis. I have just pick pocketed a person whom I know and I do not plan on returning the money because I worked for it and I deserve to keep the money.

We are all thieves , for Christ's sake. We are not in kindergarten, we cannot walk up to some body here and just squeal "I'm telling on you!!" and then they are supposed to be scared and beg you for forgiveness and give you the gummy bear which they stole from you .If you believe that is the case, then I can tell you only one thing. You are too immature to be in the Mob and I suggest you grow up.

~W~

Styrenex had listened to many points of view on the subject at hand,and lifting his collar he moved towards the front of the gathered throng................

"This is the first time I have spoken to you all,and I hope it is not my last!
I appreciate this opportunity"..........Styrenex nods to several members gathered before him.

"My view on this subject had until now,been that of a conformist,one who saw such requests by my peers with regard to their acceptance or otherwise of this crime,and simply did, as was being done by others.

My opinion has now changed,radically.The reasons for this, as I see it,are as follows:

To ask an individuals permission to carry out a crime upon said individual is,in itself,a slur on the word "crime"
Crime is the foundation upon which we have built this honourable society in which we choose to live.Any member of our society who has to request to carry out such a thing is,in my opinion,better off cradled in their mothers arms drinking hot milk,and listening to bedtime stories.These streets are too dangerous a place for them!

I would much prefer,should a request be made to me,to calmly press the muzzle of my 38 under their ear and put them out of their miserable existence.

Brothers,............Sisters,...........We have rules to which we abide,we know them,our society needs them.For any member to be in a position to allow or deny,and demand recompence for a crime upon themselves which they have duly sanctioned,is a mockery on the way our society must operate.

I believe the question here is not whether these personal demands should be met or not,but should these personal demands be allowed in the first place.They are not rules,they are personal preference."

Tony over hears the conversation, turns his head and says

If I catch anyone pickpocketting me I'll punch them in the balls!  If you get away with it, pfft..the hell can I do, huh?  Run after the guy sweating my ass off in a $8,000 suit?  I don't think so.

"ok, you all make good points. so why is it that if i say no
pickpocketing people will leave me alone. but if i say pp me but let me
know, or pp me but pay back it gets ignored?"

Really...? Just... really? You honestly think that bestowing yourself with such a quote will actually exempt you from sticky fingers? I think you are sadly mistaken. I used to know of people who would seek out those who did not wish to be stolen from, and steal from them, just for the giggles.

mabye you do. but when i was listed as no PPing i never got pickpocketed.

That's peachy keen, I see right now your suit says no pickpocketing. Where might I find you resting one of these days?

resting with empty pockets smartass

my congratulations. you managed to make me look incredably stupid. so, have a good day and may you all be jailed for petties.

Smartass? No, no. That's FlyingPig you're thinking of. What the fuck is with all of you fucktards recently? I swear the water must be tainted around wherever y'all come from.

Wonders up to a few still standing around discussing this drawn out matter and asks for a light.

ah, Thanks, now beat it!  Young Bruiser says to civilian standing on the corner.  Bruiser begins to speak as he exhales a thick cloud of smoke from a large Cuban cigar.

This topic has been discussed many times and I am sure it will be talked about many more so I guess I'll have my say before I leave.  I've gotta a hot tip from our friend Harry Donahue,  Bruiser says as he gives a wink to Boss Lotus and Consigliere Kerrrupt.  Anyways, what was I saying? Oh yeah, picking pockets.  The way I see it, we are all criminals, so why should any of us get upset for having a crime committed against us, I mean especially one so minor, I mean it's better then a shot in the head! 

Takes a deep drag off his cigar and brushes his right hand past his face a few times as if to swat bug away.

If you are worried about your money make frequent visits to the bank and you won't have to worry.  As far as sending the money back?  Laughs  It's ridiculous to expect that.  If you get it back you are lucky the way I see it.  Don't ever expect to see one of my trusted men bringing you a paper sack with the money I take that's for sure.  (OOC- It's an achievement in the game AND IT's FUN)

Relights his cigar and points towards the other side of the street where Godfather has posted his feelings about this so-called crime.  If you obey the Godfather or Godmothers rules or the "common rule" of stay out of the pockets of higher ranks unless you're sure it's ok you should be fine.  

Bruiser looks at the faces of the few still around listening, ah but that's just my opinion rather you care to take it or not.  Bruiser shakes a few hands as he heads towards a black Buick with the back door being held open by a tall well dressed Italian man obviously toting a holstered handgun.

"To the airport Paulie", can be heard as Young Bruiser Junior gets into the back of the car and it whisks away!

-Lana-sits in her chair from her office on the second floor. Hearing the conversation in the street from her open window. she swivels...around and around...staring at the ceiling. She had mixed feelings on how to answer mortius. I'm sure some of my old friends are rolling their eyes right now...oh no! what is she going to say now?

One one hand, you have a wise guy asking a legitimate question from someone of his rank. To be, or not to be, pickpocketed. Reflecting on her own youth, she remembers being taught not to be pickpocket friendly. How times have changed...she chuckles! On the other, you have these wise and experienced mobsters who have their own views on the subject. Somewhere along the line, like many of the speaches lately, the subject diverted and it became a conversation about respect. Thank god someone got this back on track.

mortius, I won't tell you what's right or wrong, but I will tell you my take on it. Like many speakers before me have said, we are mobsters! This is what we do for a living and I certainly do not automaticaly return the money, it depends on my mood. Personally, I don't give a rats behind who pickpockets me and how much they take, I usually turn around and take it back anyway (shut up Spike...:)). Looking up the city rules...I usually do, depending on the rank I PP. Other than that, bank your money, sir! However, expecting someone to return your money, honestly, just take it with stride.

I am one of those people who always returns the money, do you think I get all positive messages saying thank you for sending my money back ? Not at all, they whine and moan, I am not watching the suits to see if they want to be pickpocketed, he/she is lower or equal in rank their being pp'd, and they always get the money back.

thank you lana and sir duke for giving me nice simple answers to the question asked.

thank you lana and sir duke for giving me nice simple answers to the question asked.

thank you lana and sir duke for giving me nice simple answers to the question asked.

thank you lana and sir duke for giving me nice simple answers to the question asked.

sorry bout that. (OOC: cpu's acting up)