Business was good. Following the move by the North Side of Chicago to inhabit New York the population of mobsters had spread providing a network of connections country-wide. Not only did this not mean 30 goombas chasing the same nickel, but it also meant that as Bonkers travelled from city to city he was met with open arms from other families he'd known back in the old country and now the joke was on the trucking industry, with depots being raided at random in locations from coast-to-coast.

As Bonkers unloads his latest trophy (a truck-load of tobacco) in the middle of the street...in broad daylight...he catches himself for a moment...

**********************

Have I gone mad?...well yes...but compared to normal....yes...unloading my loot in front of prying eyes...why risk it?

Sure - we have the police in our pockets - not to mention plenty of cash; relationships are good....if I saw blood in the streets tomorrow morning I'd be shocked - but can this go on forever?

I mean...I don't know why it couldn't - everyone seems to be getting along just fine...but when was the last time everything stayed stable forever? Well...never...

So here's a question for you...

Bonkers glances up from his stash, a couple of people are half watching him, he might as well engage them...

Do you see any issues? Do you have any concerns? Do you feel as though we have a direction and as though its the right one to be taking?

What do you think will ultimately bring about the end of the status quo? And what could we be doing about it?

I the distance Deces notices someone looking for answer. As she walks closer she surrounds her thoughts of the whispers surrounding her from a crowd that is blocking a man speaking. She slowly goes through the crowd to get closer to fully hear what is being said and notices Bonkers is the man speaking. Knowing her presence has been absence here recently she lets him finish before giving her response. When his last words were spoken she waited to see if anyone else cared to give input on these questions. With no one stepping up she clears her throat and begins to speak directly to the crowd. Whispers started fading away among the crowd as all eyes were on Deces.

I have set back for awhile and listened to other speeches and concerns of anyone willing to come and speak out in our world. I will agree with you that everything seems to be going fine at this time and this is something that everyone should be proud of. A few deaths through the days, but for the most part a stable community is where we stand. How long can such world we live be stable you ask? Well Bonkers and anyone listening, the answer to that is unknown. Even with that being said it is up to us all as a community in such route in which we take.  I  was once told nothing last forever, but even a tree makes a sound when it falls in an empty forest. It is truly up to everyone where we go and what is accomplished from here. I have said it before and i may have become silent after my words were spoken, but i for one look forward to ideas and such. I want to know what you may feel is a better route versus what could demolish our well being. I would of course enjoy these words being brought to the streets so others could respond as well, but there are other means anyone can use to contact me directly. 

Looking into the crowd Deces notices more people coming forward and realizes more eyes are watching her. She takes a deep breath and exhales and starts to speak more so on the questions being asked.

To answer these questions to the best of my ability, i will start by saying i only speak for myself. In no way do i want anyone to feel as if my words are the same as anyone else, unless of course they feel exactly how i do. I do not see any issues, but i do see some are still veered from speaking in fear of retaliation maybe. My only concern would be others who have concerns, but are afraid to speak on such. I do feel as if were going in the right direction in this world we live in, but that is just my opinion. Everyone has one and who is to say my decision on that matter compared to such and such is not worth hearing or even better than what i feel. I will end this speech with saying that at the end of the day were all here for a purpose. That purpose can be the cause of the greater good or worse. Only time can tell, but i will say while we are in a stable position as a community why not build something great?

Deces looks around at the crowd once more as she fades between the whispers of other responses.

Bonkers its a very good question, one ive been pondering over myself. personally i have very, very conflicting views and they are somewhat pulling me off in different directions so if i sit on the fence with this one, its not because i dont feel i can be honest, its more that i just cant put it into a definitive sentence. Although im sure is converse with you, ill try reach a point, one way or the other.  

Direction is a subjective matter isnt it? I have said it before and ill say it again, we're very much creatures of habit and that will always plague our way of life.  I say plague, which might be a slightly harsh phrase but its hard to look past the fact that we, in may peoples eyes, we took a huge leap forward to only fall right back into the status quo, as you put it. There isnt anything particularly wrong with the way we operate, we have done it for a very long time and its worked. But because of the changes that where trying to be introduced it feels like on the outside, we may have taken steps backwards. So right away there could be a negative stigma surrounding how we progress forward. We move forward by actually doing what we always have, is that a bad thing? no, no its not.  

I think where the problem may lie, if there is one, is that there is an appetite for change. I think people started to believe in the process of a favor system and the whole ethos change. Even though we are creatures of habit we still recognize the need, or at the very least, the want for something different. You know, we dont need to be breaking barriers here, just that little out the box thinking might go along way to satisfying that thirst for change. 

Change happens all the time, its why we see full cities fall to the ground, a changing of guard if you like. But that change is forced by the need for people to change the landscape and thats a change we have come to getting used to and mostly we accept it. I am of an older generation and once struggled with the idea of changing how operations work but i still understand the merit of having just something that does break the norm. Even if its just from a talking point of view. Lets be blunt the community loves to talk about issues and how they effect the way we work, good and bad. 

I dont think that there is anything wrong with the directional focus and people will will how we scape it going forward but i dont see any wrong in throwing something different into the mix. I dont want to sound like i am telling you to suck eggs but foe those who do sit on top, this is your time a time that some of you have craved for a very long time. Do something with it, offer something different- it doesnt have to be a change like we have recently seen but just something that screams out - this is my time, this is what ill do. Get us talking about your decisions, even if we disagree. Even we kick and scream about it, try it. There is absolutely no shame in piggy backing off the ideas of those who have passed. We still do it now- Our very own made inn-actives still get a length of protection from all the hitters of this world and that rule was passed many, many years ago.  

So for me, i dont think there is anything wrong with how we are, i just think it might be the easier option to sit behind what we have always done, rather than break out that mold. 

Bonkers, I think this is a great question. At this time, it seems like many people are hesitant to bring their opinions to the streets- which is actually my greatest concern.

We're criminals, not a debate club- but the streets have always been a place of discussion: it's why they exist. So I hope that, over time, as people see that it's safe to share their opinions, these discussions continue- and grow.

I think, at this time, so much energy has been spent in bringing order and improvements to individual cities. My hope is that, moving forward, our society will be able to focus on larger improvements. I agree with Space-pole that innovations should be pursued. I look forward to doing my part.

May I ask what your own answers are to these questions, Bonkers?

Well KateLogan, as you have highlighted a major concern would be that people have yet to feel that there is a safe middle ground in terms of speaking in the streets - the fine line between an edgey idea and one punishable by concrete shoes appears yet to have been drawn.

Personally though my main concern is that with time there is a growing risk of apathy at the top. Many a time my ancestors have noted a community go quiet, before being ripped apart simply because people can't think of anything better to do. The risk is when individuals have developed weapons, yet have not taken the opportunity to train relationships - something one of my ancestors was once guilty of and something that can cause crisis.

In terms of innovation, as highlighted by Space-pole, the one that crossed my mind was around the execution of lowly gangsters within our families when they fail to show for work repeatedly. I understand that when we reach capacity it is a clean way to make space for fresh blood - but in order for our community to grow I feel as though it wouldn't take much to give these people an extended chance - if they've made it as far as joining a family then they have shown true interest and potential, we should not scare them away permanently.

Disorder was running in preparation for his upcoming title fight with the winner of the second Fight Night tournament, when he heard Bonker's voice. He jogged round a corner and found him addressing a small gathering of esteemed mobsters, so he stopped. After listening to the various contributions people had made, he thought about the nature of things.

"Credit to you Bonkers for an honestly thought provoking discussion! The nature of the cycle of our society is something I've pondered a fair bit. I mean, you can't help but be fascinated by it. There appear to be a few clear patterns though."

He wiped his face with a towel and took a swig from his water bottle.

"The existing powers will usually attempt to try and implement their collective vision for societal structure. Compromise and conflict causing varying degrees of success with this. Those on the next level down will have their own opinions about this. They will be broken into two categories;

1st - Those that feel they have enough influence with the established powers, to voice their opinion, put forward suggestions and effect some level of change in the system.

2nd - Those that don't feel they have sufficient influence and embark on a journey of plotting and scheming to remove the powers that be, in order that they can establish their own plan for the world. 

Neither of these mind-sets are usually born of resentment or bitterness, unless the existing powers are particularly unfair and despotic. Normally its a natural product of a desire for change and sufficient ambition to cause it."

He smiles at Bonkers. But not in a sexy way. Just like, a manly smile, between mates. No one touching each other's knees. 

"The fact that you are out here asking what people would like to see to create a better situation for all, speaks volumes for your mentality. Being flexible and willing to entertain other methods of doing things is a big step in creating a sustainable format for everyone. Its very easy to get pissed off with a few people at the top saying, 'this is the way it is, deal with it'. On the other hand it's very hard to get annoyed with people at the top saying 'You have a better idea? let us hear it and if it improves things, we'll put it into action'.

Respect has to be given to the current leaders for being willing to take this approach and hold regular meetings to discuss these exact things. I'm sure some aren't happy with it but the vast majority have to knowledge the direction being taken and the effort being applied to it." 

Touches Disorder on the knee

Looks at Bonkers with clearly confused feelings.

"Fucking, boundary tester!"

Ok well here's my $2 worth - much like some have said here I am not exactly sure where I am going to end up with this at the end of speaking as this isn't a black and white subject so my intention is to ramble and hope that somewhere within that there are molecules of sense somewhere.

I have lived through the Boom era and also the changes that followed with the Pillars and their attempts to change society here as a whole - all RIP. I'll be honest and say that when the changes by the pillars were announced I requested a meeting with the late RobOakheart to discuss the regime. I spoke direct to him about how this - apart from using nicer words and sounding more inclusive - did not differ in reality to what Boom was doing. Both in effect were dictatorships, both demanded that you fell in line with what was being expected otherwise your position in the community or even your life was on life, both gave 'power' to a select few in this world of ours. I also suggested after reading a transcript of the meeting where the changes were announced that by definition to be in 'favour' it would be unlikely to have someone shouting in the meeting about what a load of rubbish the concept was so in essence freedom of speech as he wanted was clipped from the off. It was a robust conversation (as my RH will testify as he was present and spent much of it gulping and drinking heavily I believe!) however to Rob's credit it was a grown up conversation where each were listened to, challenged and allowed to respond. It was actually during and just after that I realised that change has already begun to happen, I was a bit littler then bit still he found time to meet me and discuss and he listened. Would I have done the same in the Boom era - not a chance or if I had I would of been looking over my shoulder for a long time following. So actually whilst I challenged it by definition the changes had already taken effect just from this initial conversation.

Again I will be honest and I don't mind taking some flack for this as I appreciate the contradiction I am about to state. I was not a fan of free cities - let's get it straight out there I am a product of a former free city so there we have the contradiction. I will say though that had I not of moved over to Philly I was lucky to be in a crew where the CL had already seen my potential so in time if free cities were not in existence my time would of still come just in a more traditional way. I do see that they have brought a handful of people to have the opportunity to run crews that may never have happened which can only be positive, it also attracted a lot of chaos and a lot of uncertainty. I was openly critasized for trying to unify a city to work together a concept I find a little strange in this life that we choose. I understand that it was in effect a competition and the strongest would remain standing - one strength though could be said is an ability to form good relationships with leaders within your own city walls and stand tall together for the city. It also attracted many - I think in all honesty it seemed to be Philly mostly actually at the time - of those that were not looking for an opportunity to develop into a role but merely to cause problems, such is our world and this will never go away.

How's my rambling going??

We were left in limbo following the death of the pillars with no-one really sure which direction this world would take and I do agree with the many voices here that said it took too long to hear a solid plan of action. It feels to me that at the moment we are all being very careful and cautious, almost trying to build a democracy which has a limited but important role in a life of crime - I do not feel the balance in that is quite right yet but time and tide will sort that I feel one way or another. I do feel the open communication between CL's has never been better and this is a good thing. I do see people still fearful of speaking boldly on subjects too - the legacy of a regime takes a long time to be eradicated.

What I do see and hear which I feel is excellent for this life we lead is each city owning its own and not getting involved in events / discussions / calls for answers that do not relate to them (ie adding fuel to a fire for no good cause) whilst still making general comments on what is a respectful way to talk, the rights of leaders to not say anything if they do not wish to etc. What I have yet to see is this freedom of speech in many crew members talking about important topics such as this one, most have also experienced these changes too and it would be great to let them speak in the knowledge that nothing 'bad' will happen. Essentially we learn through experience not reassurance - people need evidence to replace the fear out here and that can only be achieved by some being brave and speaking out to gain the evidence that all will be ok.

We all talk about the status quo - we haven't had one I would suggest for a while in the very recent past we have had the Boom era and then the pillars. If the status quo means the same relatives faces and their friends taking CL & RH positions I do understand this frustration and how this could be disheartening to those with skills and ambition and eventually if not modified I can see they will loose motivation and may choose a different way of life. We do need a change here however I am not coming sadly with a solution merely an observation which I realise is unhelpful. I can only speak for Philly - we have a good mix of experience and newly held positions of responsibility here and that is the way we intend to continue. I read in my ancestors journals their nervousness when they got their first hand position or CL position but also how they were supported and quickly learnt by doing and having been coached ahead of taking up the roles.

I think the 'status quo' has changed - has it changed enough, in my opinion no. What the pillars tried to do was admirable and I feel it was too much too soon but I do feel aspects of what they wanted to achieve should be championed and the one I feel most strongly about is the freedom of speech to all no matter what rank if done respectfully. This will take time and encouragement but the diversity that it brings to debates and conversations and the different angles and perspectives it brings to the table will only make the streets richer.

Are we going in the right direction: I think we are trying to very tentatively and my honest view is that if we stop focusing on the past and quoting a status quo that has already changed so much over the recent times it would provide a space for change to occur. I think the more people say specifically what they are not happy with or changes they would like to see rather than quoting 'status quo' this will greatly assist all possible future changes to this world of ours. There is an upcoming CL meeting - so I encourage anyone desiring a change to this world of ours, or a direction we should look at to speak here loud and bold and let us look at it, debate it, discuss it - at the very least consider it.

I think I have done an excellent job of rambling as promised so will shut up now!

A surprise that the only people commenting on this are leaders or their hands. Maybe this is because the larger question would apply to them more than others. The question of what could go wrong?

Ultimately though, a question posed to the community about any concerns or issues they might have and nobody replies? I really am surprised by this. In my response, this is a concern for me, it's also something that we wouldn't have seen while The Pillars were still alive. I don't feel this was because they ruled with an iron fist but they greatly encouraged street presence of all not just the leaders and they rewarded those who did.

Contribution levels have changed from the leaders I feel and that for me is somewhat of an issue. Free cities are gone and now the leaders within them don't really answer to anyone, nor are they challenged by anyone on their contribution levels as the system that was previously in place is no longer there. I know not all leaders have the ability to speak with great confidence but I'd imagine that even they have opinions as well as people who would be able to draft up a speech for them, which would help them to avoid looking completely stupid. Although my concern around contribution doesn't stop at street presence but also how involved the leaders wish to be with the shaping of the community as a whole. For instance it has been two weeks since the last Crew Leader Meeting and there has been 0 items added to the agenda despite telegraphs from Slash asking for them. This really is a concern for me as it leaves me wondering why there's been such a lack of input. Maybe more will come up once the meeting is underway but being the well informed guy I am, I'm also aware that some families will have no representatives attending the meeting, which is again a concern for me.

I find it disappointing that there's been such a lack of response and/or interest and it would appear this is a further example of people stepping away from the whole "What's best for the community" approach and replacing it with the "What's best for my city" perspective.

Is this wrong? Not really, no. People can run their cities as they wish and they have a right to look after their own, but it means that people are happy with how things have been ran in the past, with power plays being made left, right and centre and people ultimately just waiting around until they die without ever having really changed or added anything to the community. Maybe that's a grim outlook on how things go but other than that all one can brag about is spending several months at the top with a gun that has killed 1000's of people. It's all a little boring if I'm honest.

When will things change?

I guess once some guy or gal with a gun big enough decides they want to run things their way instead of how things currently are. Eventually a power play will be made by someone, whether out of paranoia or because they want to be the top dog, we'll have to wait and see what happens I guess.

FitzChivalry is much like Babe Ruth, although the pace is a bit slower here. But perhaps that makes things more interesting. You recognize it’s a good swing, it seems there is ample time to prevent what’s happening… but everyone knows it’s going to be a home run either way.

“Out of the park!” the reporter yells.

All comparisons aside though, it makes sense that only leaders are the ones that respond here. They are the people who have things to lose, unless I'm mistaken, which can well be the case. Expecting lower ranks to signal what could go wrong is like assuming that the current state of things is more beneficial to them than in any other age. Everyone knows that once the top people retire or die for whatever causes, it offers opportunity for others to move up. There will be up and comers that are thinking what could go right so that they are one of the next to take the reigns over this place.

Truth be said, the current state of things doesn’t seem like a reign of terror, so in that sense the lesser ranks wouldn’t have much to complain about. However it’s an honest question to ask whether the state of things is beneficial instead. Status-quo is an ugly term we’ve heard more often recently, but it may be relevant for our current time. Lower ranks aren’t necessarily held back because of what happens today, but leaders could question whether the current state truly motivates and inspires the lower ranks to be better. Perhaps these leaders should question whether they even want that, because let’s be honest, there can be plenty of reasons why they wouldn’t want lesser ranks to prosper. And that’s not even a bad thing. It makes complete sense given the life we’ve chosen.

Having said all that and assuming it makes sense, the worst scenario for current leaders and the people who serve them to worry about is this:

That leadership says to endorse that which obviously makes sense, but they really don’t in practice. For example saying to allow for things like respectful freedom of speech, entrepreneurship and fair chances - but really don’t promote it in what they do. The moment leadership makes the easy claim to promote that which sounds healthy to all, but fails to implement a system that chases these values. When leadership lacks to empower true quality and fails to truly allow for fair values, it’s a matter of time before people, much more ruthless than current leadership, rise up and run a reign of terror across the country. It takes action to prevent that from happening, not just communicating textbook visions and ideals.


This is all just my opinion though. It’s not at all something that might actually be a risk right now. I’m no encyclopedia, but I'm rather talking from that which I think to observe. For all you know I had a whiskey or two tonight and did I also try to convince someone that bananas grow in Central America.

Seems I am in a rambling mood today...

FitzChivalry if I may on a few points you raised:

You mentioned that it appears that only leaders or their hands have come to speak on this subject, something I commented on too and also in your speech said that not enough leaders come to the streets to speak in your opinion. There are a number of things of interest here, firstly it might be fear that is keeping crew members from speaking or that simply they have nothing to add to his topic. The pillars certainly did promote a high street presence - I for one am in favour of quality over quantity. You mentioned that cities are looking after their own again something we agree on - again it might be why some of the crew members are not out here speaking as they feel happy, challenged and supported within their own families and cities. We also mentioned at the last meeting of crew leaders that it is each leaders choice to speak often and loud in the streets, sometimes or not at all. I think to move to a state of let's hear ya or you are not worth your salt would be a disappointing step forward. Again maybe those leaders who have not spoken feel they have nothing of value to add and do not wish to speak just for the sake of being seen to speak. I can only speak for myself, I only talk out here when I have an opinion on a matter or feel strongly about something or feel I can add value.

I would like to again go back to something I mentioned about looking forwards instead of constantly looking back - you made direct reference to leaders in former free cities not speaking out here since becoming traditional. Firstly the change from free cities to traditional one has happened so I feel segregating cities on something that happened in the past is unhelpful - all need to be judged for want of a better word on the merits of today. I would perhaps argue (but would be breaking my own rule here about looking forwards) that there are also non vocal leaders in the cities that have always been traditional.

I am not attending the crew leaders meeting this week and neither is my right hand - is this a reflection of my dedication to my family or to Philly? Absolutely not! As leaders of crews we dedicate many many hours of our time and energy into doing the best we can for our family and ultimately add value to the city as a whole. To pin point one moment in time as a lack of something if those people cannot be presence I feel is unfair. Imagine another world outside of this one where as it happens that one moment in time selected on this occasion for a leaders meeting conflicted with work outside of this world or caring for a young family or even being out of a range that would allow any words they said to reach the crew leaders meeting room. My LH will be in attendance, I think it is unrealistic to expect all to attend every meeting and those that cannot should not be judged for it.

I agree the agenda is looking empty - I do not however think this is apathy, I think it might be that no-one feels there are pressing topics at this time that require dedicated attention from all of the upper structures. I do believe there are always 2 ways and sides to look at the same coin.

The question poised in this speech was do you see any issues....it might just be that for most right now the answer is no and therefore that is why we are not hearing an awful lot in that regard. I do hear uncertainty about the direction this world will follow and I agree most likely unless something bold is said or done this will likely happen organically eventually. I mentioned in my little rant earlier that for change to take effect what we need to hear here is specifics eg anyone who has held a CL position must skip a generation and beyond a certain rank for the generation of theirs  to be considered for their kin to hold a position of responsibility - I am not suggesting that by the way just wanted to give an example of helpful, direct and clear suggestions on changes rather than sweeping statements and constant references to a status quo.

Ramble over I think!

Veronia walks slowly up into the conversation after listening to everyones information and decides to speak her pennies worth. 

I believe that with all the information that has been said and all the status on the issues and Going first to Don Bonkers original question. 
 

Do you see any issues? Do you have any concerns? Do you feel as though we have a direction and as though its the right one to be taking?

What do you think will ultimately bring about the end of the status quo? And what could we be doing about it?

As a non-leading figure in this society and having seen the aftermath of the previous month and a half and with the unfortunate fall of the previous pillars (R.I.P. )  i can say that I have concerns because i like many others want to make sure that All our families and cities prosper and that we can find a will to cooperate within the cities.. will it stay? Unfortunately not in our line of business. Something somewhere will inevitably set it off whether we are a part of the discourse for action or not. 

Honestly being more on the outside of any leader discussion the best thing that anyone can do whether being openly vocal to your leader or having to bite your tongue; is to least let a hand or CL know what your concerns is! As much of Respect that i give to anyone above myself i personally want to see each and everyone grow and be successful and make sure that we can all reach for the stars if that's what you aim for.  I've seen in previous discussions when information has changed its not always communicated down the line and then it creates confusion and paranoia which makes in return things get out of hand. So i think as long as its respectful and informative i wouldn't see any problems with people voicing opinions. 

In  JaryllJicchai's response i wanted to ask a question in solving "Promote what you preach". How would you elaborate further and find a solution to your concern? There will always be problems its unanimously agreed but I dont really think that in my opinion its a problem rather a state of paranoia or uncertainty.  I appreciate the interesting side that you shared. 

On the state of cities I agree with Don Tellurium ; That maybe there isn't anything that seems so out of place or nothing that seems to be big enough to speak up about! 

Overall in my jibberjabble i want to State that from where im standing im not sure where our direction is going (not even sure what is discussed unless i see it here) what all the issues is and if it is the correct one, but as long as i enjoy this i think that open communication towards everyone should least be accepted, but doesn't have to explicitly be publicized just as long as there is a way to voice opinions that i think we'll see the status of our world improve!  But again, Its just my penny for my thoughts~

Veronia breathes in deep and moves towards the back to listen to what others have to say.

That’s a good question, Veronia. Unsurprisingly I won’t have any complete plans to counter possible issues. But the mentality to act on ideas is the way forward, even if the outcome might not be that successful.

We recently saw KateLogan propose for a centralized location to announce protection orders. That’s a fine example of seeing an issue - namely the chaos around protection orders, either the repeated communications of the same message, or the lack of any message at all - and addressing it. This place probably needs a few wars and protection orders to really see if this has been benefit.

Otherwise and more recent, Space-pole invited anyone to submit their ideas for this place for discussion with the crewleaders. Whether one agrees with the approach or not, it’s an actual attempt at improving community contribution.

There’s a big difference between saying “Everyone is encouraged to contribute” and really opening up ways that people can contribute. Space-pole’s proposal is a practical attempt at backing the communicated intent.

Whatever an issue is on whatever scale, it needs to be addressed, not just acknowledged.

So for example, if public speaking is something we care about, crewleaders could ask their members in private what they think on a current topic that’s being discussed in the streets. Once this member has an interesting opinion the leader could proactively work with this member to put this into a street-worthy contribution. If a member is uncertain or inexperienced, a leader should provide assistance to help these people forward. That’s just given that we care on that.

But the same goes for an example where everyone cares for sure: Marksmanship.
During a war everyone can be of benefit, trained and untrained mafiosi. However it’s the trained people that can eventually determine the final outcome. In many operations the amount of well trained hitmen is questionable.  With abundant training opportunities and the importance of marksmanship it’s worth to ask the question whether we acknowledge that it’s an important area… or whether an operation is truly focused on training their people well in that area. Even without being insomniac, many people could perform much better in this area than they currently do. Leaders could actively help and encourage their people to improve in this area. Actively is more than just the weekly general telegram in which people are requested to report on their progression in this area and in which they are remembered of it's importance.

Now I assume that there are people thinking that money is just as important than marksmanship or verbal talents. They are right, however this again is an acknowledgement and more often than not, earning capacity of people is less than what could be. Again, leaders could actively help their members to become better in this area.

It’s interesting that the need for public appearances is often swept aside, because crewleaders are focusing on their families. While that again appears to be a sensible remark, the effect usually lacks. Few families have multiple earners with tens of millions of income each. Few families have several skilled hitters. Again, there’s always exception, but more often than not the factual outcome vs. what could be on each area is disappointing. Now I agree there’s need for a balance of all within a family, but more often than not we rather accept this as the state of things, instead of to act on improving things. And there’s not a lack of opportunities to improve. There are plenty. It’s just a matter of caring enough to do so.

Therefor I applaud Space-pole and KateLogan for bringing their suggestions to the streets. Whatever the final result for either proposal will be, those are genuine attempts at improving the world we live in, instead of yet another statement that we have the best intentions for all.

Thank you,  JaryllJicchai for answering my question! I think that you have alot of interesting things and a very wide array of things you see that go on!

Smooth Jim hides around a dark corner in hope he doesn't get spotted.

It's hard the get by lately, if only one of those guys has something interesting to say. I could 'create' some jobs for myself.

As he heard footsteps comming closer and closer he decided to run off into the night.

Another day, another bummer. Tomorrow's another day I guess, my time is running out though.