It had been a good day so far for Mattsr. He had woken up, alive surprisingly, and that was always to be considered a plus. Or at least most days it was. He had just finished his rounds and was glad to see after checking in with his family that Reggie hadn’t done anything stupid overnight and gotten himself shot and RosabellaCorti hadn't gone crazy with power and started a coup. Yet.

However now as he was stood in front of a podium, preparing himself to speak to a small group gathered in front of him, he felt anxious. Unfortunately even the random cries of anger from the local salt merchants couldn't bring a smile to his face and lighten the mood. He knew what he was about to say could turn the crowd sour in an instant. He also knew it was something worth saying.

"To everyone from across the country, I thank thee all for gathering here today to hear what I have to say. Let me make one thing clear before I start, though, I make absolutely NO apology for the honesty that you will hear today. I’m not pulling any punches. Some of you may agree with me, some of you might think I'm stupid or an ass kisser. Neither opinion is wrong because they are your own and you’re entitled to hold them. However if you think that you can shout unintelligible and moronic things at me and still get a response then you might as well forget it because you'll be wasting your breath.

So, the message that I wish to convey to you all is a relatively short and simple one. To emphasize my point, I feel I must waffle on and make myself look like Johnny Big Balls for a little. Sorry, that slipped out. I meant to say tell you a little of my tale and take you on a little of my own personal journey. When you get to know me you’ll realize that I absolutely love talking about myself, so I can't promise that this won't end up being a long and painful experience for you all. Kind of like one of TsuDhoNimh’s speeches.

The first thing I want you all to know is that this is literally my first time on these shores. I have accomplished what I have managed thus far without the aid of a 'well known and respectable family name', which so many seem to claim is essential. I have no previous family, no ancestors, zip, nada, nothing. I’m the little bastard orphan child that could!

What I do have though is what I consider an important skill set. It’s a skill set that has grown to include things such as honesty, respect, common sense and maybe most important of all, knowing when to stop talking and when to listen. Since the moment I arrived here, I have treated those I have met with polite respect, be they positive or negative interactions. I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve even made a few mistakes in my time here, who among us hasn’t, but when I do I’m always quick to learn from it and take ownership of it without question. I take responsibility for them, try to figure out why and how I made them and seek guidance on how I can avoid making a similar mistake in the future. It doesn’t take years of bloodline experience to know in a hierarchical structure like ours, our superiors and elders some day will probably have some say with regards to our fate so taking these steps is essential.

This doesn’t mean that I just keep my mouth shut all the time and nod and smile. It means that I pick and chose when to open it and when I do decide to open it I make sure that I’m saying something worth saying. Something that isn’t idiotic enough to come across like I’m being offensive or disrespectful. Even in my short time here I’ve seen enough to know the value of loyalty. True loyalty. It sounds like such a simple thing, such a common thing, yet remains so rare at times. One of the toughest decisions you’ll make during your life is who you can trust. When you get it right, or wrong, it could be the best or worst decision you’ll ever make. Daily we see members of this thing of ours call out their superiors in public or in relatively private places, which simply doesn’t sit right. What are they thinking? So many harass people when they don’t get what they want, like that’s ever going to fucking improve things.

I’ve seen a lot in a relatively short time. I’ve learned as much as I can from what I’ve seen, both the good and the bad. I continue to work hard to keep learning every day. I know for a fact the moment I am killed, one of my kin will be straight across the Atlantic to take over my place without query, without crying and without losing any respect for my family and friends. For that, I’m proud.

You may by now have noticed our underlying topic. Respect.

Some people would say that I have just been lucky with what's happened to me. And they could have a point. But I personally believe that being made, being promoted to left hand man and then to right hand man... both within a relatively short period of time, being trusted with some pretty difficult and important tasks as a young fledgling, becoming a CL of my own 40 man crew, surviving numerous wars and take downs and surviving past the age of 60 days old” Coughs “all of these things required a damn sight more than just luck. I’d never have earned any of what I have without respect, loyalty and good manners. Plain and simple.

Everyone signed an unwritten contract and took a massive risk to their own health the moment they arrived in this country. I’m often staggered when people, or their next of kin, act like they don't realize this. If you cross a line, show disrespect or simply stand at the wrong corner at the wrong time you risk being shot. That’s how this thing of ours works.

You give respect, and should be damn well fucking grateful to earn any of it back.”

Jag finishes his apple before moving through the crowds to meet with the man who talked so passionately just now.

"Hello Mr. Mattsr,

What a fantastic speech. I've only been introduced to this society recently, but you sound like a man with a sensible approach to this life. In the past day I've met a few people already and even landed a well paying job. In everything I've learned, it appears that loyalty is a virtue that's paramount within this world. Interested in a healthy progression of my career, I'd like to learn more about your experiences on this theme.

You mentioned that you know the value of loyalty and that you've experienced it's true presence to be rare at times. Could you elaborate on those times with examples so that the youthful and inexperienced like me can learn from the mistakes of others before us? I assume this is a safe thing to ask, without the possibility of any feathers ruffled. I reckon that those who have been disloyal won't hold any high standing within our society after all. With loyalty being so important it'll be valuable to learn how someone as successful like you handles situations where the virtue is lacking.

And in case that your only personal experience with disloyal people is those of lesser ranking, could you also advice me on how to approach situations where it seems when those higher in rank than me lack in such an important virtue? After all, that's more relevant for my current situation. The message you bring across is clear, but I'm afraid that when I encountered dilemmas in practice, I still wouldn't know when to address something in wich manner. Where is the border between defending virtues you believe in and being smart about the progression of your career? Should you sacrifice one for the other?"

I would like to point out sometimes the uppers need to be called out in public because they start bring it out into the public sometimes an upper posts something  they shouldn't about some one so then that some one has a right to publicly defend them selfs and say how the understanding was the uppers fault not their fault example

someone posts something like  why I love insert name of something or city or someone

then the last sentence say but I do hate that they constently post or I hate the drug price or something

then gets killed because of that last sentence because that upper did not read the full post and then that upper went to the grave and said don't disrespect insert name

Joe had, as he often did, been sitting in the shadows of the streets listening when he heard one of his own men bring up a very good question in response to the latest speakers speech. 

"JagAvery, first I feel like I should reiterate everything Don Mattsr said as his speech was impeccability stated."

"In response to your question let me say that, to me, it is something you will recognize when it happens but at the same time it is little thins you do every day. What I mean by that is that there will be some times when the choice between loyalty and disloyalty is obvious - are you asked to turn your back on your city or crew by breaking omerta and giving away secrets to another. Those decisions should always be easy for you - you never break omerta and you always stick with your family."

"The slightly less obvious can be little things like making sure you are being honest in your dealings with your family. Are you properly relaying your gun training activities, are you turning in witness statements, are you paying your taxes properly. The little day to day things make a big difference. As does the way you talk to and about your crew. Any time you come to the streets you should be thinking about how you will represent your crew, family, and city - and please don't take that as a recrimination against your statement here - you are fine."

"This also goes for private conversations or actions with other members of this thing of ours. Again, every action you take reflects on your sponsor, your crew, your family, and your city as a whole. True loyalty to your family means you consider how your actions will effect them before you take those actions."

"Now, regarding your second question - this is in part where omerta comes into play. If ever you have an issue were you think someone above you is being disloyal you should follow your chain of command on up. For you that means reaching out to your sponsor, then up the line to include myself, our RHM, or our CL. Please see me in private if you have further questions on our own families process. For those outside of our family you should see your uppers as well for the same thing as every family may have a different way of handling this."

Joe turned to the young man he didn't know who had spoken just before him. 

"I can't say I am aware of any situation like the one you mentioned, however, I also can't say that I know of every situation so you may well be right I guess. I would just reiterate what I just mentioned to my young associate. Often times it is not what you say but how you say it that matters - are you being respectful and doing your best to represent your crew and city in a positive manner? If you are nine times out of ten you are going to be okay. Sure, mistakes happen and maybe occasionally your full speech will not be heard and someone will take it incorrectly, however, I would say this is an exception, not the norm. I would also add that in my experience if the first reaction to someone's statement is a bullet rather than a warning then there is a good chance there was either a pattern of behavior or something more too it than a statement made in the streets. Again, I can't speak for all leaders or every situation but that seems to be the norm." 

"To give an example of my point above about how you say something consider these two statements - and I'm going to use my own Godfathers names here only because I think hey know me enough to know I would never disrespect them

"Fitz never pays attention to his guys - unless you are one of his "chosen" few he never replies to you" (using this as an example simply because I heard an argument on this here on the streets a few days ago, though made more eloquently.)

versus

"Godfather Fitz does seem to be a bit slow replying to emails sometimes - I would love to see him reply a bit more."

"Now, if we are honest neither one of these statements should be made on the street - these concerns should be taken to your uppers to then be addressed or taken further up the chain of command - this is family business and should be dealt with in the family. That said, the first may well piss off a Godfather enough to want action taken against you because it is insulting and disrespectful whereas the second may earn you a warning for discussing family business in a way you shouldn't but at least is respectful in doing so. Does that makes sense?"

Trying to figure out what respect has to do with this speech beings this was a given. I must be confused. I always thought rank was earned and not a given by LV

Joe chuckled at Reggie's outburst of song before turning to HowDoesThePieTaste

"I'm not sure where you confusion comes from - sunset brought up a specific point about the need for upper level members of this thing of ours to be called out at times and also a concern that low level members speaking up could get them killed. I responded to that specific concern and a big part of the difference between what will get you killed and what won't is respect - pretty straight forward."

"Regarding your little comment about rank in LV - I can assure you it most certainly is earned and I'm not sure what in my statement would infer otherwise."

"Thank you for helping me understand the preferred way to handle these things, Mr. Scalise. To me it makes sense that the lower ranks rely on the chain of command to help solve problems or that the experience of those of higher ranking can help make fresh people like myself understand why things are like they are.

Interested in this life, I read through some old papers kept in the National Library. In those papers a lot of events within the world of organized crime have been documented, together with written summaries of debates held around these matters. To me it seemed that in practice the most ideal way to handle things is not always an option.

Let me illustrate this with a partly hypothetical situation. Not long ago we learned about the massive operation that a mister Tyler Durden had build in secret. Now we know very little about this man, but it’s clear that he doesn’t feel the need to communicate with the other leaders in this world. He isn’t contributing any plans to keep a nationwide efficiency in evading the FBN. Rumour is that he’s threatening potential members to join his operation, instead of working through a solid recruitment process as seems to be the norm by the rest of us. His members are held to piss poor standards and he only seems to really care about his close friends Marla Singer and Robert Paulson. From my limited experience, he’s hardly the kind of person we want in a position of power.

In recent days we saw that people across the country are agreeing to this and we saw a massive assault on his operation, that will likely result in the end of mr. Durden’s life on earth. A logical reaction that’s easy handled. No gangster would need to call out Mr. Durden on the streets and questions his ethics, because alerting the upper structure of these poor standards emerging resulted in swift action towards the Durden operation.

But let’s say for example that Mr. Durden is known to be a good friend and ally to Godfather Chivalry. If I would express my concern through the usual channels, I’d end up talking with you for example. And someone in New York might talk to Don Mattsr.

The poor standards of Mr. Durden would still be a problem I assume, but addressing them like we did this week suddenly becomes a bit more awkward. Perhaps this would be a case where it’s best to remain quiet, as mister Mattsr adviced about. That would at least prevent possible tensions.

However the problem, Mr. Durden and his poor standards, remains. If people would stay silent out of fear or convenience, wouldn’t that be a betrayal of the values they actually stood for? Besides respect for those in high places, honour also is a virtue that comes highly recommended as I understand. Would remaining quiet not hurt that aspect of this life?

My apologies for asking all these questions, but it’s important for me that I really understand what I’m being taught here."

Joe smiles grimly at JagAvery for a moment before speaking

"Durden is a disgrace to this thing of ours and will rightfully meet his end. However, let's address your actual question."

Joe sat quietly for a moment to collect his thoughts before continuing. 

"This is a good a time as any for you to learn one of the most important lessons in this life of ours. You often will not know everything that happens above you and you may not always like the results - but sometimes you just have to accept that fact and move on."

"Let's look at the scenario you bring up where a good friend of Godfather Fitz's is, as you put it, acting inappropriately and you bring your concerns to me. I am likely going to hear out your concerns and either explain to you why his actions aren't actually inappropriate - assuming they are not and you simply are missing part of the puzzle - or let you know I will look into it further and leave it at that."

"Even if I tell you they aren't inappropriate I may not give you any further explanation beyond that because it may be above your pay grade. If I agree that there was something inappropriate I am surely not going to discuss it further with you because it is likely above my paygrade let alone yours so I am not going to discuss it with you. I would then pass it along to my superiors who would give me the same one of two answers and likely not discuss it further with me either - that is just the way it works. I am not privy to things above my grade and your are not privy to things above yours."

"Now, eventually it will make it's way to the Godfather's desk and he will decide what to do about it - but that doesn't mean it will be apparent to you that anything was done. He may have a sit down with the man, may have him pay an additional tribute, or may take other punitive damages - or may simply choose to do nothing. No matter what he choose to do it is the Godfather's decision and, frankly, what you or I think about it doesn't add up to a hill of beans."

"I think that is one of the harder concepts for newer members of this life of ours to grasp sometimes but it is an important one. Our leaders are often times open to hear our concerns or input and many times may even choose to act upon it, but at the end of the day the decision is theirs and theirs alone. Order and hierarchy is very important in what we do because it allows us to function together in a violent world. So, the best thing you can do as you grow is to use your chain of command and then accept whatever comes of it as the decision of those above you and as you become better known and as you grow into further prominence and rank in this thing of yours your voice will hold more weight."

"So it would seem that my secretary, Joe, has done a good job of replying for me in my absence and for that I thank him,  there isn't much else that I would add to what has already been said. However JagAvery to answer your latest question , if I were you in the scenario you outline then I wouldn't keep quiet nor call out Mr Durden. I personally would approach either Godfather Chivarly or someone in his upper structure with the problem and politely ask if something was already done to address to the problem and if not is it something I/we could work on. At that point regardless of whether I am told to solve the problem or shut my face, I would do as I was told."

Joe chuckled

"Mr Mattsr is far more succinct than I but we seem to be in agreement."

“I thank both of you fine gentlemen for helping me with understanding how more loaded matters might be approached. This will surely aid me in making smart decisions on when to speak and when to remain quiet.

With the outlook you give on how things might be handled by the top, we can learn that things might not be handled at all, even if the matter actually calls for it. That sounds like a fair thing in an unfair world. However I can imagine there are people who feel very strongly about certain topics that they find it a better pill to swallow to leave things just as they are.

In those cases, speaking up in public might make them find support with others outside of their chain of command. Shining a light in dark spots where suspected traps can be found, might not remove the danger, but might alert others to the presence of it. Questioning one’s methods, might make way for alternatives.

I fully agree with the idea that with safety and stability in mind, following the chain of command and submit to whatever outcome is wisest. I can also understand if people still go out of their way in their communications regardless of what is wisest for their personal careers. People like Columbus, the Wright brothers, Edmund Morel, Henry Ford and many more examples in history have proved that sometimes it’s worth to go right where everyone goes left. For a better world, sometimes you need to take risks.”

Seeing it grows darker, Jag shakes hands with both Mr. Scalise and Mr. Mattsr before setting off to a warmer place. He gained a lot of new insights this evening. Today had been a good day.

Shantelle had been listening nearby. She took in everything that was said and smiled politely as she waited on her turn.

"Excuse me, if I may? I have been listening and some points raise a question in me. In this hypothetical situation, if nothing is done about it and it is deemed inappropriate, how do you feel this reflects on the upper structures? Does this affect the views do you think for all of them? Or say just that specific area?

We are talking about very big values in terms of respect. While some may believe it is something that must be given, others believe it to be earned. But if we are to respect our higher ups and not merely be civil, do you think these things would influence that respect? Of course I suppose you could fake it right?"

Joe turned and looked at the most recent speaker

"Well, as I mentioned before, just because you do not see action taken does not mean that action as not been taken. The thing people sometimes forget is that just because you want to know something doesn't mean you are entitled to know it in this thing of ours. When I bring a concern to my chain of command I expect that they will take appropriate action and whatever the outcome is I accept it - I pledged my loyalty and trust to my crew leader, my family, and my city and my not liking a decision doesn't change that fact."

"Now, if you are asking if I saw a number of situations occurring with no repercussions what would I do - well, frankly, I am not sure because I have never been faced with this,. However, whatever I did it would be dealt with within my family and it certainly would not be discussed on the streets. Each of us took an oath to our families when we got our buttons and those that don't have them still agreed to certain rules. Omerta is not a fun catch phrase and it is not something I take lightly. I gave my word as an associate and then strengthened it upon getting my button that I would not discuss family business outside of the business and no matter what may occur it is my honor that demands that I stand by that."

Shantelle smiled at the person answering her question.

"I do see what you are saying. I am not necessarily saying an action must be taken or information must be shared.

Let's say you have a group of individuals that think one thing, and a select few that know any circumstances that may sway someone to the contrary. So if the majority feel that it is inappropriate but perhaps the select few don't for whatever reason that is being withheld.. Do you think that this would reflect well on those select few in terms of people respecting them? If you were part of the larger group would you be able to give proper respect or would you rely on being civil? I don't believe that anyone should be rude just because they can do so and I would never advocate such.

Would your respect or if you lacked any respect for said individual would it fall onto the select few as a whole, or merely to one individual? To me respect is a very huge thing. It is not a term I would toss around lightly. "

Joe collected his thoughts for a moment before responding

"First, I want to make sure I correctly understand your question. If I do, I believe you are asking if I could continue to respect a person or persons who does something without giving the reason that seems to most to be something that should cause a loss of respect even though they have information that would otherwise deem it necessary or proper?"

"I think it depends on who it is - if it was one of the leading members of my family, absolutely - and not because of who they are. I am part of the family I am part of because I trust those above me and I believe that when they take actions they do so with good reason. My trust in them allows me to continue to respect them even if I do not understand everything that might be going on. They have earned that trust through their past actions and if it were to ever be called into question I would strive to resolve that doubt within the family. If I was unable, honestly, I don't know what I would do and I hope that never occurs."

"If it was a random group that I knew nothing about and had no reason to respect in the first place - of course I would lose respect, though I, like you, would continue to be civil. And then, of course, there are plenty of shades of grey in between. I don't think that respect is something that can be quantified in pure black and white of either yes I respect you or no I don't - there are levels of respect and while i will grant anyone a certain level to begin with out of common courtesy my level of respect for a person goes up or down based on their actions and how quickly I lose all respect based on one action will depend on my level of respect before that action was taken." 

Mattsr i couldn't have explained it better. It gets on my nerves when someone complains about their bloodline getting shot when all that comes out of their mouth is disrespect. For your accomplishments i congratulate you, no way in fucking hell could where you sit in this world at this time be from luck. You dont get to run a crew and survive multiple wars on your first ever run by luck. Its pretty simple you work hard and you show respect then you get rewarded for just that. People cant complain for not having things others do when they sit around and do the bare minimum, get out there make a name for yourself and show your loyalty and respect for the brothers and sisters you stand by.

How many can say they have undying loyalty? its a trait that honestly dosent come to often sure there are people that have shown they have it but theres the ones that when shit hits the fan the hop to the other side with their dick tucked between their legs.

I dont care if the otherside spits in my face with disrespect, im still going to smile because it pisses them off that much more and makes you the better person not to mention the tommy gun i have coming to their mothers house.

All in all you spoke the truth and i appreciate it, to you enjoy your day and keep kicking ass!

My breath is never, ever considered wasted. Respect is earned Mattrs. Rank does not dictate automatic respect especially those fed with a silver spoon. The ulterior motive for the silver spoon remains to be seen. Do you outwit or are you a fool/tool?

I know as an experienced Cl my made men are entrusted with recruiting when I hand them that job. Do you hold the same standards ort do you have to check with LV first?

You're an experienced CL? Never heard of you.

Angy was distracted reading some papers when she stopped in an article titled Respect written by Mattsr. Reading intently she noticed that there had some comments below this, and one of the last ones made her nod and reflect:

"We are in a free world where everyone has the right to express their opinions and thoughts about facts and values ​​but not everyone is prepared for the consequences, that some words uttered without reflection and foundation can entail and this is usually followed by suicide of this same person. Interesting way to show respect, because the same is not won or achieved but rather built throughout within society and organisations.

I wish I had the chance to have more clarification on this point "have to check with LV first" however you are no longer among us to discuss this. I hope you did not have to check with LV and could commit suicide before making that decision."

Returning to the initial topic. Our world revolves around respect and I believe that we must ultimately respect the positions of leadership, however everyone deserves to be respected no matter what position they occupy unless they have done something very serious to lose it. If someone has reached a higher station along the way, such as the chance to run a family or a prestigious position because they have worked hard for it, as well as having the courage to help with the growth of their organisation then for me, that also deserves the ultimate respect.