I don't need to explain what respect is to the vast majority of our world, so here is something different.

Today I saw something I did not like in the streets, and so decided to air it, right there in the streets. No shady back room discussions or mobilizing of hit-men to remove the elements I did not agree with. Just an up front ultimatum, as not everything has to end with bloodshed. This would be followed by additional bloodshed as insurance to ensure that the initial target is not avenged by the remaining associates, followed by more bloodshed to consider collateral and precautionary measures are taken. 

Was I able to do this because I didn't feel threatened? In a way, yes. However, I'm not a bully, and I detest the image of one. Should the opportunity present itself or the circumstances call for it, I will not hold back the same approach to any other living person in our business.

Even if the late Mr Omaley did hold some strong, unknown allegiance with influential members of our streets, it wouldn't bother me or influence my decision. This is because after I extended this ultimatum, I enjoyed it. I enjoyed it so much, that I'll probably do it again. 

There doesn't always have to be bloodshed. I don't want to destroy what we're trying to build, only offer opportunities to teach and inspire. Unfortunately, this was not possible due to the rapid escalation of the situation with Mr Alphabet Omaley, and I regret the outcome. 

So, when things start getting heated, or a member slips up, don't be surprised if I step in if I don't like it. It doesn't mean anyone is going to die or you need to go to the mattresses, it means there is still work to do among yours or your members understanding of this world.

Just don't cross that line.

Mr Gato I appreciate you talking about this in public - we all here know exactly what you are commenting on tonight! Whilst you always hope there is an opportunity to teach and guide and correct errors in judgement there is as you say a line that once crossed leaves only 1 option at the end of the day. For our part our options were reduced very quickly in this matter once the individual refused communications and an urgent meeting and then left his family. The outcome might even could of been different had he chosen to respond differently...but as you say the line had by that time already been crossed.

I wholeheartedly agree with you Mr. Gato. He crossed a line, and he left himself no options at the end of that very dark road. At the end of the day he made a choice, refused to think about his actions before, and after he committed to them, and went a step even further. I believe that the second what happened had been done that he had cemented his fate, and at that time he lost all his ties to me, the city of philly and everyone else we know of. There a certain things you do not do, lines you do not cross, and he crossed the most major one. I am very sad that he did what he did, however he knew what was going to happen and his stupid choices got him a very well deserved prize, a bullet. I did not see any of this coming, nor do I think anyone did, and it is certainly a shame. I would like to thank you for your time, and I am glad that this was addressed publicly. I think we can all take this as a lesson, and god-willing an event like this will never happen again. He went astray from his roots, and like a child thought with emotions instead of reasoning.

LucioOtiag nods in agreement

Indeed, there are some lines you do not cross. Well put Don Gato, and might I add, I commend your restraint in your responses on the instant. Other men would have lowered themselves to a shouting contest, that is not the way things should be either. We may be men of honor in organized crimes, but we are not children. Nor should we act like children. I am sorry that this display ever took place, or that it went the way it did. However I am hopeful that the example shown by you in how you handled the situation, and what happened to the offender will result in more respectful engagements in the future from all parties involved. Remember folks, you don't have to respect someone to show them the same courtesy that you would like shown to yourself. Treat others as you would like to be treated, and I am sure that you will earn the respect you desire.

LucioOtiag strolls off to get his breakfast and enjoy some more retirement.

Ok this is rather amusing for me to look at. Now Mr. Gato, we haven't had a ton of things in our lines cros unless I missed some shit through the years but I must comment on things I find...ummm interesting.

Now for the record. I do not condone what Mr Omaley said. I actually would have done the same if I was his crewleader, Godfather, miss Tel or you. I do not disagree with anyone of the actions at all. I support them 100%.

As one person once said famously "Stupid is as Stupid does". So take that as you may. But I fully support the "removal" of said person.Not not what I think matters but alas I agree with it.

What I do find interesting is your reaction.\

There doesn't always have to be bloodshed. I don't want to destroy what we're trying to build, only offer opportunities to teach and inspire. Unfortunately, this was not possible due to the rapid escalation of the situation with Mr Alphabet Omaley, and I regret the outcome. 

So, when things start getting heated, or a member slips up, don't be surprised if I step in if I don't like it. It doesn't mean anyone is going to die or you need to go to the mattresses, it means there is still work to do among yours or your members understanding of this world.

Just don't cross that line.

 

Now what I find interesting is your statement there.  I don't want to cause bloodshed but when I view it is need I step in. Is basically what your saying. So your no different then who you removed in that regard. When you disagree or feel your needed to "cvlarify" you will. With or without bloodshed but yet. The very time you bring it up, did the person not die. Now again I would have killed him aswell in anyone one your spots. I just find it amusing you feel the  need to justify your actions, when clearly your response does not acxtually show you care what the masses would think orr care to. Even though most would support you on this. Instead you went "DoctorBoom on us and announced if we do things you do no like then you will be our overlord and rule as just".

So are you no different then what you overthrew or are you truely going to be something different? I mean if you are, great. But speaches like this show you are not, In all reality its a sad attempt to be just like them. Pick one side or the other. Rule or be everyones friend. Agains its not my issues just more of a question or self worth at this point. I wish you the best either way.

The difference BCP is DoctorBoom just shot, Don Gato gave him the option to apologize for his mistake and he chose instead to be rude about it forcing the issue into his own death. I am fairly certain had he not responded the way he did Don Gato would have let him off with a wrist slap. And I am also fairly certain that DoctorBoom would not have wasted any time responding to that discussion, if he was annoyed by it he would have just wacked PH and been done with it. There is a very clear difference in leadership styles, one is offering second chances the other did not. Expecting leaders to be meek and never shoot is foolish of anyone. Including the leader if they choose to act that way.

BCP, put yourself in a position where one of your closest associates, business partners and friends is being blatantly disrespected in the streets, no matter how naive or short sighted the culprit may be. This situation escalated to a point where bloodshed was caused, regretfully, however I presented the option for it to not go that far.

What I have made clear here, is that I am presenting you with my approach and how it differs from the normal approach. I took personal interest in this case, and so rather than scurry off to begin plotting the removal of a city or district, as examples through history would suggest we do, I have made it clear that the action taken is not appreciated and that a resolution is required.

In future, if another such event occurred, so long as there is no personal, business or reputational damage to myself or my associates, it is unlikely I will step in. I will however, make note of the situation and how it is dealt with, for the purposes of keeping track of who is in favour.

And I don't believe Doctor Boom ever announced he was going to micro-mange every aspect of this world. Those decisions, again, were made behind closed doors and ended with early evening take downs. 

I’m sorry Don Gato, but I find some of your statements conflicting and I believe that this new world of ours means that I can step forward to ask for clarification without the fear of repercussions. In your original statement to us you make it rather clear that you enjoyed giving that ultimatum. What was it that you enjoyed about it? Because this could imply several things, one being that you enjoyed the feeling of power behind it. Or is it that you enjoyed it because you see it as a different style of leadership then what we’ve had in the past? In fact, you also stated that you enjoyed it so much you intend to do it again and you tell us that we shouldn’t be surprised when you step in when you see something you don’t like.

However now, in your second statement, you say something different. You say that it is unlikely that you will step in again and instead you'll make note of the situation and how it's handled for the favor system. So which is it? Or is that you’re simply limiting what you will or will not step into? Was this situation so extreme that it evoked your ultimatum, or was it only the fact that it mentioned Don Oakheart?

I would also ask for clarification in regards to your statements about DoctorBoom. Are you saying that what you’re doing here is better then what DoctorBoom did because you’re publically announcing your intent to micromanage everything in our world? I don’t mean disrespect, but that’s how the words come across. Even in your original statement you state that if you step in it means that there is still work to do among “yours and your members”, implying that you and you alone would judge what is appropriate and what isn’t.

Now, Mr. Otiag states that the difference is that you gave the offender a different chance and he hypothesized what would have happened if the person in question had reacted different. Are you prepared to say that if the person had stepped forward and apologized and been humble about the situation you would have been perfectly fine with them continuing to live in our world if their CL had allowed them too?

Again, there is no disrespect intended, I'm simply trying to clarify some statements that seem to contradict one another.

Good points, Neveah, I can see how that would be conflicting or confusing. 

I found great satisfaction in being able to present a new way of thinking to the world, as we move away from the old way of doing things and start opening ourselves up to alternative ways of operating, it feels good to introduce something like that. I'm at a point in my life where I do not mind lowering my guard and increasing the risk to myself slightly by trying something new and adventurous. It's my reason for walking these streets, to be inspired and inspire.

For your second point, I can't really answer. I can't give you a run down of what would trigger my desire to step into a developing situation and demand some kind of explanation, as I don't know exactly what would push my buttons at this point until it happens. I could give you a general idea, but I think you already know what those buttons might be. Plus, I don't expect it to happen all that often, as we would have seen similar incidents well before now.

And no, the statement about micro-managing should not be taken in that way. I can see how that would be misleading. That was in fact in response to this quote which suggests the good doctor announced his intentions.  

 "DoctorBoom on us and announced if we do things you do no like then you will be our overlord and rule as just".

The same goes for the poorly worded "Yours and your members" line. Now that I think back on those words, perhaps it should have said "May mean there is still work to do.". That being said, I am free to judge people by my own standards and also seek council with the Chairmen Oakheart and Nakamura for their insight, too. I would hope those standards are what set me aside from the tyrannical overlords that people are not too keen to see stomping through the streets anytime soon, too.

And finally, yes, there would have been room for reconciliations to be made had signore Omaley not added fuel to his own fire. Otherwise there would be no reason for me to offer the opportunity. The free cities to me are learning, development and fulfilling environments for those with aspirations to meet. There would be little learned from a brutal backhand from a grumpy old man in Detroit. I also wanted to test how, and if, Philly would react to the situation as a single entity, or recognise that they are still individual operations. We obviously took some learning points away from that, too.

I'm assuming at this point that Mr. oakheart requested you to deal with the soap boxer who disrespected him and stay silent in this situation, I assume this because something directed at him has not warranted a response from him during or after the incident. It would be nice to see his input on this situation but if he chooses to stay silent I'd understand that as well as choosing to attempt to distance himself from this situation  

Thick layers of clouds slowly drift by, only sparsely allowing the pale moonlight through. The upper bay below is pitch black and all the boats have made for harbour already. Rob stares out of the window at the young woman below on the streets. She stares right back at him. The soft ticking of the clock seems slower than usual. The office is deserted after the Capo’s have just left after their daily brief. The continuous wave of whiskey, stirred by the circular motion of Rob’s hand seems to struggle with the laws of physics.

The woman waves, almost playfully, provoking even and then she disappears. The door of the office opens and Dusty’s voice sounds through the room.

“Boss”

Rob turns away from the window. The ticking of the clock seems to pick up it’s normal pace and the wave of whiskey comfortable settles in the glass.

“Yes, what is it?” Rob asks.
“It seems people are curious to learn what you think of the recent developments in Philadelphia. Especially regarding the behaviour of Mr. Omaley.”
“Mmm. I see. Let me get my coat. Go tell the boys to bring a car out front. Let’s spend Saturday night at the local speakeasy.”

Dusty left and Rob looked down the street one more time. After finishing the drink and putting some paperwork in a drawer, Rob found it’s way downstairs. Joked around with some associates and stepped into the chilly air of the New York night. Dusty sat in the car already, but Rob asked the wise guys out front about who the woman was.

“We’ve been here all night boss.” they answered. “We have seen no women here sadly. But that’s no surprise with the looks of Joey here.”

Joey cursed. The others laughed. Rob got into the car, which drove them towards a speakeasy in Brooklyn. Once there, they met with a variety of people and chatted on easy going topics, until someone got to the point and asked whether Rob was an author of adult books now as well. The people laughed. Rob smiled and asked the waiter to bring him a glass of whiskey, filled to the top and an empty one, a bit smaller. They sat in front of Rob on the table.

“Mr. Omaley’s story begins some time ago. He’s young, ambitious and talkative. A kind I can appreciate. In these days he worked for the recent fallen leader of Philadelphia, nicknamed The Creaper. He worked in different position of influence within that family. In those days he communicated with my good friend, Mr. Trump, second in command of New Amsterdam at the time. While Mr. Trump’s name and hairstyle obviously spike various interesting conversations, the ones he had with Mr. Omaley always were on the line where it’s hard to distinguish humour from disrespect.”

Rob takes the whiskey and pours some in the empty glass, until about a third is filled.

“Later, Mr. Omaley found it necessary to introduce himself to me as well. He did so with a joke about a horrible disease. I’m not a man that likes drama, so I just turned around and left the room at that point. But we all know how important first impressions are.”

Rob picks up the whiskey again and pours most of it in the other glass. The liquid hesitates and halts at the edge of the glass.

“In more recent times Mr. Omaley worked for someone else, but again in an influential position within Philly. The city of Philadelphia tries to come across as a unity and in the recent days they’ve made some moves that put some attention. Something which is manageable. Something the city can recover from. There’s no real harm done, but well, it just doesn’t look that beautiful.

While that is still current, Mr. Omaley decides that a bit of fun, some satire is the best way forward. Now, fun and satire is alright. Something we should expect and I don’t really mind if people make jokes how I’m the biggest user of my own product. By all means, make some fun, I’m not scared of that. But time it well. Mr. Omaley wasn’t the Philly Clown. He was part of the upper structure of it’s organised crime world and although I’ve heard worser jokes from him, this simply was a misplaced attempt at humour.”

Rob pours a small bit of whiskey on top of the other glass which now overflows. A small stream of whiskey slowly finds it’s way to the tabletop, where it forms into a small puddle.

“It became messy. As an isolated incident, I’m not really that mad for Mr. Omaley tying a book of fetishes to my name. I’m probably to simple of a man to understand the need and the humour of it, but if someone feels that it’s the right to do, so be it. Let 'em tell people I wrote the bible. Let 'em tell I wrote Kama Sutra. Let 'em tell I wrote The Art of War. Whatever makes them happy. But we don’t live in a place without context, so people should always take into account the sum of things. We encourage people to show their unique character traits. We ask them to make efforts. We tell people to go out there and show who they are. And we’re not afraid of what we’ll see. We don’t need it to be our humour. We don’t need it to be our opinion. We don’t need it to be our lifestyle. But it’s no social anarchy here. This is a place of common sense, virtues and values.
 

And that’s the line Don Gato talked about. I haven’t been getting involved this whole thing, nor requested anything in this matter, because the line is not something I determine. It’s something each of us can clearly see if we take the time to properly look at things. What we try to do here is not rocket science, people. Common sense, putting in effort, respecting one and another, carrying responsibility - It’s not something people should be surprised about that we expect that. Living on this side of the law is exactly that. Living on this side of the law. It doesn’t mean slacking and lacking suddenly becomes something that's okay at the top."

Rob empties both glasses of whiskey, or what's left of it, and signals for the bartender to bring more. That is when he sees her standing at the back of the room. A gentle smile on her face and an expression that challenges him. She’s beautiful.