She waits for a few to gather and smiles... Her loving Right Hand, FlyingPig, handing out balloons to the kiddies while her Left Hands, Pepe and Fatman, hand out free popcorn to the adults.

Come one, come all.. Witness the circus of a lifetime!!!!

She snickers as she watches people file into the impromptu "arena" in the alley behind Fort Knickerbocker.

That's right, make yourselves comfortable. If we need more seating that can be arranged. There are plenty of empty flour crates in the bakery.

Turning her head as she notices the last few people trickle in she smiles..

Ok, I lied.... Dead Season, love... Gather the children and take them to the petting zoo we have arranged. This is not a talk for them. However, it seems the only way to bring in a crowd is to mislead them into thinking it's for shits and giggles.

She turns to the now rather upset crowd muttering something about clowns.

First off... Clowns are scary. Clowns are evil. There will be NO clowns here tonight. I hate clowns.

She hands out a few pieces of paper and pencils to those admiring her beautiful dress.

Pretty, isn't it? Now, onto important issues.

Tonight I witnessed one of many slaps to the faces of our ancestors... When I was growing up I was raised with the belief that the "hands" of a leader, be it a Godfather or family head or city head.. were to be treated with respect. They were that "step above" the rest that made them important to the community in which we all conduct our daily business. They were to be treated with the same respect one would show the leader they worked for. Not just Right Hands, but Left Hands too. These people are supposed to be the cream of the crop...

So why is that different all of a sudden? Why are the Left and Right Hands of a leader, of a family, of a city, treated with little to no respect by some? When did their roles in our world become so diminished that they are treated like just another guy? It doesn't seem to matter if they are high ranked or low ranked. I have witnessed those of lower rank talking down to a right hand.. I have witnessed those of high rank talking down to the left hand of their own dang family! Tonight I was informed that two people of the same rank are equals and the fact that one is a Right Hand means nothing.

I am actually insulted by this. When I was Will's Right Hand I was treated with respect because I had obviously proven myself to him and the Godfather of New York. My Right Hand is a Consigliere and has worked damn hard to get where he is. ALL of us leaders feel that way about our hands... our feet... our fingers.. and our toes. Those body parts being ways to describe every single person that makes up the body we call our family. Of course the hands are very important... Without these hands a leader and family would be lost... Crap I forgot where I was going with this.....

I blame the late nights spent plotting against Bubba and those nasty jail guards while loading the trucks with Grandpappy Prozac's special moonshine.

Anyway, to my point... Are Left and Right Hands to a leader, any leader, to be treated in the same manner as someone of the same rank? Are Left and Right Hands to be treated with the same level of respect as their bosses are? Are the Hands to be treated with even an tiny bit more respect than those of the same rank?

Just what does it mean to be a Hand these days? It used to carry about as much respect as being the leader that employs them. They do after all run the family when the leader isn't around don't they?

Just a few questions I'd love to hear answers to... Feel free to join your children at our petting zoo.. Refreshments will be served and word has it there's a game of craps going on in the men's washroom.

She turns to speak to FlyingPig as she awaits opinions of those around her.

Hearing the spoken words of DSL, Dante walks up and stops. Opening his hands he looks at his palms seeing many scars calluses, and cracks in his skin. Befor speaking, Dante raises his head back up to look at DSL.

I see your point you have here, I frequently am in touch with both of my Manhattan family hands, and always in respect. Like my own body, I know my Right hand much more than my left, but both are respectible in any daily activity. As you said DSL, if it weren't for the hands, any CL would be lost in this world, they might make it, but they sure would have a hell of a time getting there.

This is a very important issue in our way of life. I believe that the Hands to any Family head are to be respected a lot more than other mobster of the same rank as they have proved to their Family and their Boss that they can be trusted to represent and lead the Family when the Boss is not present to do so and this is the reason that when a Right Hand or a Left Hand dies, his/ her next of kin is chosen by the Family leader as the successor to that post as they are believed to have the same characters as their parents. Therefore,It is my belief that everybody, no matter which rank in the Family or even in a different Family must give the 'Hands' of a leader the same deal of respect they would give the leader.

~W~   

Finishing the delicious bagel from the Knickerbocker bakery, Tyrion walked into the alley and listened to DLS speaking.

This is something I have always had a strong belief about. Through all the generations of my blood, the right and left hands in a family have always been considered a direct extension of their respective leader. So much so that if I should ever encounter a hand from a family who's leader I did not know, I would consider their opinion and values to be a direct reflection of their leader's. These people are, as has been pointed out, the outstanding members of that family. The ones who most embody the attitude, drive and belief of their leader. As such they have always been and will always be treated with the same level of respect and courtesy I would treat the leader they represented.

Taking a moment to enjoy the aroma coming through the vents at the back of the bakery, he looks around and continues.

There was the question of rank. Your right hand Flying Pig holds the same rank as I in this thing of ours but that means little outside of us both being a similar age and diligent, hard working individuals, trusted among our own. The fact that he is your right hand man is of considerably more significance. As much as I may respect him for his own contributions to our world and the man that he is, the fact he is your right hand means he is effectively your voice in your absence. The one person in your entire organisation who you trust without parallel, who you believe most personifies your own thinking and judgement. For that reason he will always be granted a greater level of respect than another unmarked mafioso holding the same rank.

I have seen examples of the more disrespectful approaches you mentioned... I hope those people gain understanding before a looming figure with a gun illustrates the point they missed.

Nodding respectfully to DirtyLittleSekrit, Flying Pig and Sheriff Fatman, he makes his way over to the refreshments.

Oh cookies! Nice.

I will always (well, most of the time, anyway) show the appropriate level of respect out here in the streets to CLs, their hands, high ranks in general, and to be honest, pretty much everyone else... I was just raised that way, respect is supposed to be the cornerstone of our business, so one must show it at all times.

There is a world of difference between that and actually having respect for someone. That is something that must be earned, and frankly there's a lot of people in flash suits that roam these streets who haven't earned my respect at all.

I must say that I have to agree with those that have already spoke. A right hand and left hand of any family should be treated with as much respect as a crew leader should. They are the ones that do rake over in their leaders absence and solve any issues just as the crew leader would. Not everyone has earned that right.

Although I do see one issue here.. Misery pauses as she lights a smoke. A lot of those that have spoke have only spoken about the rank being the same. I honestly feel if the right hand or left hand is even of a lower rank they deserve more respect because of their position. That individual regardless of their rank earned where they are and deserve the right to have as much respect especially publicly.

Personal beliefs lead me to say.. If you wouldn't say it to your own crew leader, right hand or left hand then it probably would be best left unsaid. Misery nods as she puffs on her smoke and then starts to wander off towards the smell of the freshly baked cookies.

Mumbling to herself she sighs. These cookies I swear I just can't seem to leave them alone. Best of the best I say but horrible for a figure. She slides her hands down her hips as she stares down at the cookies then grabs a few and starts to eat away. Can't have just one I must say.

sneakyrat stands forward and applauds Don DLS with passion...

This is a hell of a good speach, if you dont mind me saying. Respect has always been a subject of debating because everyone has the own opinion about it. But the bottom line is... a RHM or LHM deserves as much respect as a CL. Because, well i am sure this goes to all of us... me as a LHM, i have worked damn hard to become it. And ever since i am LHM, i have been faced with issues... when the CL or RHM is'nt around, i do have to make certain decisions. And then, when i see one of my leaders, i have to explains my actions. And the fact that i am consigliere has nothing to do with it, it is because i am LHM. I hope now, everyone see's the difference between rank and position. I sure have learned. I am still LHM so i must be doing something right. And i damn well deserve respect for any other consigliere that does'nt hold those positions, because i earned it. As much as FlyingPig deserved to be respected. I could'nt believe my ears yesterday, i did'nt talk because i did'nt need to. And i am certainly happy that DLS brough this up today!

Before you even think of criticising a hand man... try to do the job first. If he says he does'nt like something than why question him? Well, at least be respectful. It is his damn right to do what he wants. He earned that much. And if he does wrong, his CL will inform him or shoot him if it comes to that. Insulting a hand man is like insulting a CL. People need to change here, and change fast. I hope that this will clear peoples minds.

After listening to the words spoken he sighs

It's a complete disgrace that this topic even needs to be addressed. Don Sekrit, I listened to the exchange of words that your talking about and could not believe my ears. While I will agree that your RHM can be a little rough around the edges when he is talking what some people fail to see is that as a RHM he can pretty much say whatever he wants, to pretty much whoever he wants, however he wants to.

The personally rank is irrelevant when someone is a RHM or LHM, these people have earned their bosses trust, they have proved they are capable of handling not only themselves, but also any problems that might arise in the CL's absence. It seems to me that some people fail to understand this.

The bottom line is this, if your high ranked your words carry a little weight, but those of a high rank need to be as careful as those of a low rank when talking in the streets, because unless your a Godfather there is always going to be someone higher, or someone in a position more important than your own.

helps himself to a cookie and smiles

Ahh I haven't had one of these in so long, I really must stop by your office and arrange a delivery for my boys.

I'm curious to know where all those who disagree with this speech are hiding.  Come one, come all - let your opinions be known.  Offer us your side of the story. 

I will include my opinion as well.

I think there is a hierarchy in terms of the respect I give to those in my family.  That's not to say I don't respect people in my family.  I respect them all.  But there is greater respect that is afforded those at the top.  I don't necessarily agree that I should respect the RH and the LH the same as I respect the leader.  I think the leader is deserving of the most respect.  Followed by the RH, and then the LH.  Above all else in the family, no matter rank.  Then comes the high rankers, then the low rankers. 

So, I think the RH and LH are worthy of tremendous respect, but I do see differences between the leader and the hands. 

So, I think the RH and LH are worthy of tremendous respect, but I do see differences between the leader and the hands.

Hal... i have only one issue with what you just said like i just quoted. Yes there is a difference, i totally agree when all three of them are around. But when the CL and RHM are sleeping, dont forget that the LHM is in charge of all members within his leader's crew. Therefore he is in title of the same respect as his own leader. Of course if we set the example of a LHM acting as his leader when he is the only top leader of his crew that is awake, and gets involved with a actual CL concerning a certain issue, of course he is required to treat this CL with a greater respect. In this case it does'nt have to go both ways... that is where the difference must be seen.

You see... that is where the leading job gets difficult. When respect is dishonored, there are questions that need to be answered. And the leaders actions reflect on all of his "associates". In the streets, we must be extra careful, for that reason only. No leader needs a unsecure "associate". And for that reason he carefully chooses his hand men. His hand men must act like mirrors when he is not around. Believe, the hand men earned his/her trust greatly! And earned the same respect.

sneakyrat realised the confusion and noted that he did'nt properly close the quote he wanted to make... he quickly adds...

Sorry people, i only quoted my first phrase, from Hal's comment. The rest is all mine!

walks in and nods to don DLS and her hands.

i don't know if i can add much to this beyond my own personal agreement with what has been said already. a CLs hands do his/her job when said CL is not around. that is a dificult task. so to all those who have not been  an RHM, LHM, or CL, don't knock it till you've tried it. me, i aspire to do that job one day, and yet it kinda scares me how much responsibility that is. good day.

Snip, hearing Hal's call for those people who disagree, comes a running. Stopping in front of the crowd that has gathered to discuss this topic Snip pulls out his paper and pen and begins to write down what he thinks. Being a mute it was always hard to get involved in street discussions but on this matter Snip felt he had to say something. Finished writing he hails a young lad off the street and slips him a couple of bucks in the lad's top pocket then gestures for him to read the paper in front of the crowd. The lad steps forward with shaky legs, nervous at having to speak in front of so many people. Taking a deep breath he begins to read...

"First of all apologizes for not being able to speak myself. After my loving father cut out my tongue I have had to ask other people to read out what I want to say so please bare with me. On the issue at hand I have to say I disagree to a point. You see I don't just respect someone cause of a fancy title. You can be a hand, you can be a Crew leader, hell you can be a Godfather but that won't MAKE me respect you any different from anyone else. But there are exceptions, when I respect someone it is because I admire them. I have watched them, I have had dealings with them and maybe even struck a friendship with them which makes me respect them."

"For me though these titles are more for the city in which they reside in, as well as to identify outsiders who they are to talk to if they have problems. No matter what rank you hold when you approach me I won't straight out respect you cause of your rank. I will be courteous, I WON'T be disrespectful. Respecting someone means a lot to me. People here have seemed to lower down the true meaning of what respect is. People seem to think that true respect for someone, and being nice, whether honestly nice or pretending to be nice to someone cause of their rank/position they hold cause they have the ability to kill me are the same. They are not."

"Naturally any high ranker that approaches me I will move out of the way, bow my head and give them right of way. Not because I am a coward but because they are higher ranked then me and depending on the person, and there are people out there, they could kill me and even if they deemed it necessary wipe out my entire city. I know not to mess with those who have power. I am not stupid. But this does not mean I respect the guy."

"Back in the ancient days of the roman empire, when the senators walked the streets, those of middle-lower class and slaves would move out of their way fearing punishment or possibly even death if they were to get in the way of a senator or be the slightest rude to him. Now did these people respect them? Doubtful, sure there may have been those who the people truly respected but for most they just remained silent and kept out of their way because those senators had to power to end their lives with the wave of their hand. Respect I do not believe had anything to do with it. Same applies here in our world."

"There are currently few people I respect in this world. DirtyLittleSekrit 's Right hand man would be one of them. I respect him cause my bloodline has had dealings with his bloodline before, even had the pleasure of working alongside them. If my father or grandfather respected someone then I as well will do the same. We make reference to the difference between a Consig RHM and a plain Consig. Rank wise to me they are the same, neither in my city so have nothing to do with me, of course if these men were a part of my city then I would consider the consig RHM more of an important figure then the plain consig. But who I respected more would have nothing to do with rank. Though which of the two men would I most likely step out of the way when walking the streets? Would definitely be flyPig. Not only do I have loads of respect for the man but let me tell you if you were on his *To kill* list then you might as well start enjoying your few moments left on this planet cause you don't have much time."

"Even if I had reached the rank of Godfather by some miracle I wouldn't want people to respect me because of my rank. I would want people to respect me cause I am a good mobster, a tough leader, a deadly opponent and have achieved greatness from nothing. This does not mean I will accept out right disrespect even as a gangster. But I don't need respect, there is simple section in between both of those. I am only a gangster, I know I am not to be respected by my petty rank and I know my word has little if not no weight at all in the streets. I saw many people agreeing with this topic and no one disagreeing. I heard Hal's call and had to come to speak up. Thankyou for taking you time to listen."

The lad, having finished reading turns to Snip. Snip smiling gives him few more dollars then sends him off his way. Snip's opinion has been said, nothing more was needed. Snip walks away with a jolly skip.

On his way down the alley towards the rear entrance of Fort Knickerbocker, Ananke notices the group of people. He overhears their conversation and as he reaches them patiently waits for a lull.

Before starting he greets DLS, her hands, her RHM, her LHM and everyone else.

In the past, [he pauses and sucks on the freshly lit cuban cigar], I have known hands who have taken a flying leap at a very VERY tender age. Mostly this has been because of the pedigree of their parents. Now, don't get me wrong, NOBODY should be solely judged on the actions of any of their ancesters. However, I've seen goombas taking on family responsibilities that many Consigs here may have never even considered. This was because of the way these hot shot kids had been brought up. In the short time they had been lackying drug runs and busting out low lifes, they had shown that their parents had taught them everything there was to know about the Cossa Nostra. Hence they afforded more respect then those who had simply been "in the game" eight or nine times longer and acheived sufficient experience of crime to lead gangs on a few jollies.

Ananke notices the clown mask he had used minutes earlier at bank slipping from his pocket. Hurridly he pushes it back in and continues...

RHM or LHM have shown that they can be trusted far beyond ordinary family responsibility. They are not just part of the upper structure, they are publicly SHOWN to be so. To show them a lack of respect, is to show their leader the same disrespect for their judgement.

Ananke emphesises the last point to make his feeling perfectly clear.

Probably, sure.

Your last point is absolutely valid, Ananke.  A Boss designates a RHM to run the family in their absence.  For this reason, the RHM is to be deferred to and treated with the same respect as a Boss.  They have the same powers as a Boss when the Boss is absent.  DirtyLittleSekrit trusts me to make decisions on behalf of the family, even life and death decisions.  To suggest that the Bosses' right hands are no different than any other person of the same rank, or even inferior to mobsters of greater ranks, is foolish.

As to Snip's point, there must be a distinction made between having respect and showing respect.  Everything Snip said is accurate.  Nobody can be forced to have respect for another mobster.  The thing is, sincere respect does not mean anything in this thing of ours.  It has no purpose. Showing respect, on the other hand, is absolutely essential.  No made guy honestly gives a shit if some street turd does not genuinely respect him, but if that same street turd publicly shows disrespect, that made guy has to deal with him.  To do otherwise would show weakness, and no leader can be seen as weak.  Showing respect in Cosa Nostra is essential to maintaining hierarchical structure.  Without that structure, we are no different than common street criminals.  A Boss's authority is based on his ability to make other people defer to his judgment, no matter if they disagree with it, like him for it, or respect him or his decision.  Therefore, rispetto, a keystone of Cosa Nostra, is essential to our very survival.  Having actual respect for anyone else is irrelevant and cannot be changed, but the proper showing of respect must be enforced where rank and title demand it.

Having heard about free popcorn and cookies, Eunice made it a point to show up to this little gathering behind Fort Knickerbocker.  She loved their bakery & secretly admired DSL's wardrobe.  She really needed to find out who her tailor was.

Sitting in the back, munching on her popcorn, she realizes she's been tricked as DSL begins to speak about a matter of extreme seriousness.  She listens as DSL makes several valid points, all while looking fabulous in that dress.  Eunice knew that it was newly tailored.  She eats another handful of popcorn as she pondered on ways to learn the tailor's name.   As DSL finished with her speech, Eunice picked up the pencil & paper she was given earlier and writes a few notes about the dress as others around her are speaking and agreeing amongst each other.  She tucks the note into her bra and stands up, making her way towards DSL with a smile. 

Ma'am, I don't believe we've made acquaintances as of yet.  Smiles broadly  My name is Eunice, very nice to meet you.  Thank you for the popcorn and cookies, they were delicious. And you look fabulous!  Eunice makes a few more mental notes about the stitching now that she was up closer.

I am sorry to hear you have to bring this point to the public eye. Nods  My sincere opinion is that your Right & Left hands are as important to the vitality of this organization, or any organization for that matter, as you are as the Boss.  Anyone who questions that should be involved in a situation and not have anyone around.  It is quite a helpless feeling, I'm sure.  Who else are we to turn to in times of crisis and the Boss isn't around.  That isn't a question, it's a statement. 

We should all strive to be in a position of such power & respect some day.  I know I do. 

Chris tips his hat and speaks his piece quietly.  It's cold as hell outside so his breath fogs out, mimicking the more enjoyable smoke of the numerous cigars being lit around the street corner.

This one is kind of a no-brainer, which is probably why Hal_Jordan and others haven't seen much disagreement.  

Let's face it, this business is a food chain.  This is about the weight of each man's character and frankly, hands are heavier than toes. 

That being said, it isn't ONLY about structure and rank.  It's also a matter of one's power capitol, connections, city and one's personality, one's ability to command respect.  You know, the type of intangibles that don't always show up on the suit.  The stuff that you have to keep your ear to the street to come in tune with.  If you're a turkey hen you sure as fuck better not piss off a wolf - or a Pig for that matter, Flying or otherwise.  Not all hands are equal.  I've seen RHMs in weak positions that are forced to stomach some disrespect while biding their time.

THIS RHM - the one who drew THIS conversation, well, I think we all know that is not a wise fight to pick.  Show some respect.

Chris offers a nod to DLS and makes his way toward the nearby brewery.

a hands actual rank is of no importance to me, it is never a concern of mine when I happen to converse with these individuals. simply because their position over rules everything. it is a mistake and shows inexperience to forget that they collectively lead as one.

I'm not going to come out here and sound like a broken record, but I must say my side of this debate goes hand to hand with Snip's response. This respected mobster has a true talent of hitting things on the head -- the points he raised are completely true and accurate. 

However, I wanted to come out here and shed some light on an area that was possibly overlooked. Take a look around you, at this present day, there are a total of forty six LHM's and RHM's combined, and yet, there's still an open city to be occupied. During the early stages of my bloodline, that total number of these specialized individuals was only half of what it is today. Even though the roles stayed the same,  it leads me to believe that the increase of Hands effects the value of the position through the public eye and it makes me think this contributes to the problem we see today. Now, I'm not saying this assumption is completely true but I'm merely adding my thoughts about this problematic situation. Futhermore, I believe there's another factor that adds to this trend of disrespect as well. Over a small margin of time, I've seen many cases like the one with FlyingPig, but a good number of them go on without any punishments being given. I believe when new mobsters to this thing of ours see that, it gives a distorted view of how things should be. Hence, the reason why we see so much of it today.

The result of the blatant disrespect shown to DirtyLittleSekrit's RHM is a perfect demonstration of what should be done from this day on for our future generations.