I think that "worked hard" is relative to the people putting those individuals in positions. Sometimes we have seen in our history that it merely means having a friendship that spans many kin, sometimes it is actual work put in but the point is that phrase varies with different people and situations.

Respect is still not a word that all people deserve. It means " a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements." I can honestly say I do not feel that way towards many people. I simply cannot because I don't see their abilities or qualities. For many that is something hidden behind doors and it should be. I do respect my leader. I can understand the positions in our community, but it does not mean I respect every individual that holds those positions. I can be civil though, and that I believe is what most people actually are. They are being civil, and mature. You can get along in our community on that alone because it does not step out against people in a disrespectful way.

Shantelle, you are misunderstanding what respect means within the context of the mob I feel. Respect within the mob means you should show respect to your superiors, you can call it being civil if you like though. The phrase "respect your elders" is similar in this way, though your superior's may not always be your elders, the same pretty much applies.

You should respect your superior's, which in this case is those people in power and their upper structures, or at least people with more power than you. This isn't because we have done something that you should admire but because if you don't show the appropriate respect then you will land in a sticky situation. There is a difference between having respect for someone and showing them respect. I needn't show you respect, ultimately you're beneath me but I do so because I'm a nice guy... sometimes. 

Respect is directly linked to power, as whoever holds the power will command the respect. Obviously with this in mind, myself and others hold that power and if you don't show me that respect then I have the power to remove you should I wish it. For instance, if I take $5000 from you and then you beat me to a bloody pulp and take all my cash, that is showing a lack of respect and as such I would shoot you.

If I were to tell someone to shut the fuck up and they came back at me with something I deemed disrespectful then I have the power to shoot you, so for fear of your life you need to show that level of respect to myself or whoever else holds the power, if you don't then potentially, you die. 

It's not a nice way to do things but it highlights once more that whoever holds the power, can dictate the rules and the level of respect that needs to be shown.

I think trying to encourage fear into people does not make them respect you. Perhaps fear. We've seen fear often where people do not want to speak at all for fear of death. Power does not equate to respect automatically.

That is just my opinion though.

Again, there is a difference between having respect and showing respect.

I believe you are missing the point. You could mistakenly think someone is showing you respect when they are merely being civil. Would you honestly know the difference? You may not. Civil is a way that can be done well without respect even being involved.

Just because someone believes that they are deserving of respect, does not make that so. They are deserving of their opinions, they are deserving of being able to carry on without being harped on with rude names being thrown around. But it does not mean that it is respect.

The reality is that not everyone is going to be respected or shown respect. You can view it as such, believe it as such but it does not make it true in all cases.

Not a fan of Aretha Franklin but somewhat curious what came out her mouth.

Aretha, if you're still in town drop me a line.

Listening further, I see Robin Hood has graced us with his presence.

Did I arrive in the right place?

What Fitz is basically saying is as a GF they can disrespect a Don by hitting their pockets because they are higher in rank. And it that Don retaliates by using the mug option he will shoot. That is fucking bullshit. Why is it GF's are acting liking thugs anyway? Thugs are the lower ranking family family members.