Shantelle had been watching the goings on around the community. Sometimes she chimed in and sometimes she kept to herself and silently observed. There were commotions of late. Take downs that left survivors wishing to enact change on the leadership before they took to their own graves. Rumblings from rogues that were taking pot shots at what can only be assumed for boredom, or trying to create a dent for change.

Shantelle took all these thoughts back with her and really sat down to think about them. It was time she decided to take her own part in a discussion among the streets. She needed to know what other people thought or see if it was merely her who was thinking about it.  So she wrapped herself up in her coat and boots and headed towards the busiest part of the streets. She coughed and noticed eyes watching her so she began to speak.

"So often we hear about people that take it upon themselves to create "change" by shooting at hard working members in families. You hear the kin of those shot down stating that they want to see changes. They want to create the change in the leadership. They make accusations and threats. They beat upon anyone who is loyal to the current leadership.

We've seen many people fall lately to the bullets flying around. Whether it is from take downs or rogues, they all die the same. All end up buried and grieved for by friends and family. "

She took a good hard look around her as she paused. She wanted to gauge the reaction before she continued on.

"But the talk about change is lacking some logic. All these rogues are hitting members. What does that change? You were upset that your friends were killed. Upset family died. I get that. I understand the anger behind it and the lashing out. The problem is, you are not creating change. You are doing to someone else what you are mad about having done towards you. You are taking a life just because you can. No real reason behind it.

This change you want to see is not going to happen this way. These people that you kill, their next of kin will come back to the leaders more often then not and become better for it. The ones you are mad at are the ones that you cannot be bothered with. They are the leaders of our world.  If you cannot be patient enough to hit them then you really have no place bitching about change to anyone who will listen. You are merely creating more problems for yourself, and nothing more.

Here is the kicker though. Every single reign will have people mad at it. There is no way to please everyone. What happens if you get your change in leadership and the ones to follow are not that great either? Perhaps it is you. Let's pretend it is, and someone is pulling this stunt with your reign. Would you be happy? Would you see them bloodlined? Would you perhaps not keep giving the kin chances and just hold them back? I reckon that your reactions would be the same as any other reign.

Have you even bothered to try to talk about the things you want to see changed? Proper talk. Not this whining among the streets and through hate at the leaders. The kind of talk where you take your grievances to a private letter or a private conversation in a coffee shop and actually talk it out. This does sound skeptical doesn't it? Actually being mature enough to hold a conversation. Can I guarantee you will get your way? Of course, but I reckon the leaders would be more likely to talk to you and you both might just walk away with a little bit of understanding why things are done the way they are.

At the end of the day though, can you honestly tell me that shooting random members of the leaders families that you do not like is actually creating the change you want to see? Or does it look more like a hissy fit?"

Shantelle had finished her speech and she silent looked around her. She could see some faces were beginning to think it over while others just went about their day.

Joe listened with great interest as the woman spoke and processed the words that she said. Clearing his throat slightly he responded. 

"First, let me say that that is a very well laid out statement, however, I am afraid that most of the response that you get will be a lot of the whining and hate toward the current regime that you mentioned."

"The sad reality is that while I am sure there are a few who actually do want change and actually think that their actions might bring it about somehow - as flawed as that logic might be - the majority of people who decide to either come out on the streets ranting or, worse yet, decide to take pot shots at members of families loyal to the current regimes don't do so because they want change. I feel like they do so for one of a two reasons many times - though admittedly not all."

"First, are those that simply want revenge, not change. They don't care about the stability of the world or trying to make things better, they just want someone to pay for what happened to their ancestors or friends and they don't care who - even if the person they can actually hit is a low level member who had no say or part in the take down." 

"Second, are those who are just looking for a laugh. These are the worst in my mind because they don't care who they hurt or why, they just want to shoot someone and they will use the current turmoil as a justification for their action."

"The last sad part is that I think a lot of those that actually do want change really do believe that they would do it better. That somehow they would be the great messiah that everyone followed happily and no one challenged or wanted to kill. Because they believe this they honestly think that it is somehow, "evil" or "tyrannical", for the current regime - or past ones - to take out threats without considering that there might be actual reason." 

Joe pauses for a moment to collect his thoughts. 

"If I look as an outside objective observer I can see why some would say that the current regime has been heavy handed at times because I think that a lot of people may not understand all of the inner workings that go into the decisions made and when you see younger families shot down it can obviously lead to concerns about whether anyone other than those closest to the regime will be allowed to grow. I think, however, if people are willing to actually have the conversations you mention and listen to what the Godfathers have to say I think it would go a long way toward healing so of the wounds that are currently open in our world. I know it did for my family in times past."

Xtian was on his way to the local P.O, a normal day, like always, until he heard a woman talking. He stopped and decided to listen to the woman's speech.

Soon the speech ended, with Xtian frozen in the legs. He never heard someone say something like this before, but what really hit him hard was his thoughts being formed due to her speech. He began to mutter to himself. "She's... Right... We need to start talking, not going around like a bunch of animals trying to kill eachother, we need to start thinking and act with our words..." He cried a bit, disappointed in what this community has become.

Joe turned to the gentleman who said the Godfather's didn't like to talk in a bit of surprise. 

"Really? That hasn't been my families experience at all. I am now part of one of the Vegas families but my ancestors were not and after one o them was shot I was able to have a very good conversation with one of the Vegas Godfathers as to what happened and why. Since I have had several other good conversations with the current leaders."

"I have to ask, have you actually personally reached out to them or are you simply going off of some of the stuff that has been said on the streets? I'm not trying to be snarky here I am actually asking because I think that often times people see things on the streets and assume that our leaders are not approachable when often times they are."

"Though, I will add one last caveat - if you want to have a conversation it is expected that you will be respectful if you want respect back. I am not directing this at you, sir" Joe glances at the gentleman who was speaking, "because I have no reason to believe you have not been. However, one sad trend that I see often times is people coming out to the streets and being very disrespectful to the leaders and then asking questions and expecting the leaders to give them respectful answers."

"Mr Scalise, I do believe you make some excellent points. There are many reasons that people will haul off and start shooting random people. My direction is more towards those that keep claiming they want to see change, and then take it upon themselves to act this way. It merely makes them appear a bit silly. At least to me. "

Shantelle turned her head towards Bigbadbarry and listened to what he was saying.

"I understand what you are saying sir. I do. My experience with the Godfathers with whom I have had a chance to speak to is that they are usually willing to have a conversation. You can't bring hatred, or hysterics when speaking to them though. That just starts it off on the wrong foot. Being civil, and respectful is the best way to get them to hear you and speak to you. At the same time though you can't always expect immediate responses since they are busy running the community, their families and whatever else may be on their list of things to do."

Disorder listens to the very well considered speech and walks over to shake Shantelle's hand.

"Thank you for your speech. You make a good point and from a strong, objective point of view. It was nice to hear."

Turning to Bigbadbarry he continued.

It would be nice if the Godfathers thought the way you did. Unfortunately it is very difficult to talk with them. They do not want to talk and it has been tried.

"Firstly. That is categorically untrue. I reply to virtually all my mail, even a lot of the colourful ones. I've never turned anyone away that has approached me in a reasonable manner and I have always entertained any proposal or idea put to me that was well thought out. Indeed a lot of the things that have been brought to me, I have put across to other influential members of the community and we've kicked them around as possible ideas for the future.

No one, no matter what rank, should feel their voice isn't valid. If you want to talk and can do it in a reasonable manner, most all of us at the top will listen to you and take on board what you have to say. Anyone and everyone is welcome to mail me whenever they like."

The main godfather I speak of is Godfather Fitz. Many times my father said he tried contacting him with no answers. Maybe because he was not a leader or something I do not know. In two months he ignored 4 messages from my father.

"If he only ignored four mails in two months, he must love you. Really, if you consider the sometimes insane levels of mails Godfathers can get, to ignore so few is not that bad. He regularly ignored four mails a day from me. I would suggest that if you are unable to get a response to a question from Fitz or any of us, that you simply mail one of the others. If it was a mail for Godfather Fitz, then maybe me or LuciusSweet could help. If you can't get hold of Godfather Borkers, maybe Godfather Daniella or Reggie could help. And so on."

As DonShaw is walking out of a alleyway he overhears a conversation, He stands to the back and listens in waiting till everyone has spoken he finally speaks.

Unfortunately no matter how many times change happens there will always be the underground rebels so to speak wanting to destroy what is built or just kin of fallen mafioso wanting to wreak havoc for there losses, sadly this will never fade but i enjoyed listening to both your thoughts Shantelle and and Mr Scalise.

As for You bigbadbarry maybe the godfathers didn't ignore you on purpose and maybe just really busy what with the wars that was going on at the time or other stuff from my personal experiences i can say i have never been ignored when making contact if anything Godfather Disorder for example always responded immediately and no matter how busy he remained respectful and helpful at all times.

Yolanda was listening to the speech and gave spoke out.

Well personally, me and my kins do it for the free donuts the illuminati are giving out on a weekly members meeting really. The moment someone offers corndog at their weekly meet I will defo jump over as of right now? Pew pew at disorder and Fitz member.

Shantelle smiled as she listened to the opinions of the people around her.

"I appreciate all of you sharing your thoughts with me.

DonShaw, I am more than sure that there will always be those underground groups. They linger here and there usually just trying to throw chaos. My issue is with the ones who claim to want change. I recognize there are others who do it just to be a thorn in the side. It will happen and continue to happen, but I feel very strongly to the individuals who mask their actions under the term of change for the better. This is not for the better."