I often go through my ancestors journal at night, the same journal I now call my own to document my experience's for my son to possibly learn a few things. Periodically I notice how little things have changed through the years. One in particular that I constantly notice, which I believe has a significant effect with our lifestyle the way we live it, is the code of silence. Which in our little thing of ours we call omertà. Omertà is probably one of the most important rules of thumb one should abide by when living in the field of work we do. Not only is it a guideline but it stores the balance between the decisions we make. If we felt like doing whatever without future consequence, then the world we know would be completely destroyed while we watched the structure of ours crumble to the law abiding citizens. Once again we would be considered just immigrants working at the local fruit and vegetable stand.  Since I've been born into this world, my father's words and including documentation within the journal would express the importance of omertà and why we follow it. First I will read you a section from the journal where my grandfather explains the meaning of omertà before I go into my own observation as to why i'm concerned it's no longer being treated with such importance. 

"

Dec. 13 

  What a long day today. Antonio arrived back from Sicily and during his trip he decided to discuss a few of his criminal activities to the BrianAroa family which in turn lead to the arrest of himself along with six other family members. He has now been added to the hit list of his former family. Reason being? Simple, he had broke the code of silence. You see Within Mafia culture, breaking omertà is punishable by death. Whoever appeals to the law against his fellow man is either a fool or a coward. Whoever cannot take care of himself without police protection is both. It is as cowardly to betray an offender to justice, even though his offences be against yourself, as it is not to avenge an injury by violence. It is dastardly and contemptible in a wounded man to betray the name of his assailant, because if he recovers, he must naturally expect to take vengeance himself. You see, the more actions are spoke about, the more likely others who's purpose to seek vengeance themselves whether by death or law, are to use it as a means against you and your family. Your actions not only speak for yourself, but they represent who you serve. If you can't keep family what it is, a god damn family, then surely you are no good to us. 

"

Now on with why I fell things have changed after reading the importance he expressed within just that short paragraph.

The man clears his throat and sips some water. 

Here, I have an exercise for you all. Some time after reading this, get into a long discussion with a random mafioso on the street. Now don't start off strong, don't jump straight to the point get friendly with the individual then start asking questions about his family and how things operate. See if he doesn't tell you more then you should know. Then once finished with that, go grab a slice of bread at the coffee shop. Sit around minding your own business and see if you can't hear how someone is gloating about tossing some dunski into the river. How his earnings are within his family, or how close he is to being Made within the family. I promise you, if you just keep it in mind, this code of ours, and really pay attention to how much information is shared you'd be in awe. I don't think that is how our ancestors would have liked to see things but then again, time changes cultures. 

There really isn't anyone to blame or any real reason as to why things have changed. Although I will say that I believe there should be more notice taken to such mannerisms and to the code itself. I'm a firm believer that all families should instill the code with extreme importance, whether it's done or not is irrelevant. Now I do remind you these are all my opinions and what I have noticed since I have entered the world of crime. Anyone is free to agree or disagree. I just feel it made a wonderful topic to discuss. I bid you all a good day. 

The man hops of the podium, snatches a cracker, then steps back into the shadows. 

Alfonse hears of a man speaking on Omerta and decides to offer up a bit of advice. "While you have made an interesting topic for discussion LynxX, I would like to mention to everyone here an old saying where I am from: Beleive only half of what you hear and none of what you see."

Alfonse smiled with an assured look on his face as he walked away with a hand in his pocket.

Listening to LynxX speaking, Tyrion found himself nodding in agreement. When the Capo was done speaking, he approached him.

Some very astute observations there, LynxX. As sad as it may be, I think you're right. Too many mobsters these days have an increasingly relaxed attitude toward discussing things that should never leave the confines of their family. The people doing this seem not to comprehend the possible consequences of their actions. Its a distinct slip from the old ways but as you said, a gradual one. The nature of gradual change is, to often go unnoticed until the change is common practice. It tends to be seen by those not present for the transition. None the less, I do feel the importance of utter secrecy should be something all leaders seek to re-enforce among their members.

Alfonse also makes a good point. The lose lips are often little more than bravado. Inflated stories designed to gain recognition, reputation and respect that hasn't been genuinely earned. This happens a great deal. The coffee shops and street corners are full of 'The one that got away' fishermen stories and amateur conspiracies. As easy as it is to discount such adolescent behaviour, it also opens the ground for a wealth of misinformation and subterfuge from more nefarious mobsters with much more sinister objectives.

All said, it takes a sharp eye and a keen ear to pick one from the other. Our world is full of lies. Some harmless, some not. Its the challenge of every individual to keep a clear view among the tangle of different objectives and motivations. The path we have chosen is a difficult one. A strict adherence to the code of Omerta will help anyone keep their feet.

Alfonse, shouldn't that be the other way around?

Lynxx my friend, I must agree with your observations as well. Our ancestors have been around for quite some time and the practices they held dear do seem to be gradually slipping away.

Now while both Alfonse and Tyrion both have a point, I do not believe that any information should he shared. The reason for this is simple, A wise man once said you can fool some of the people all the time or all of the people some of the time, but you can not fool all of the people all of the time.

What this means to me is that any information even false information in the hands of the wrong person can be used to hurt the Family. For this reason Omerta should be followed at all imes.

I see the Omertà as much more than a simple rule to be regarded - but as a family-centric attitude. It is easy enough to enforce silence with painful penalties, but unless a family-first attitude is embodied - silence won't come naturally. Too often people think about themselves and their own renown - without even considering the repercussions for family. Family comes first, always.

LOL MrBean, Should it? :)

Reckless listens to the speech intently, thinking about what he's going to say while the other Mobsters voice their opinions. He stands up and clears his throat.

If this is something that has become a problem, maybe we should end it now. Mafia law says Omerta is punishable by death, and as you all should know by now, we are not your ordinary scuzzballs. We have a system set in place that keeps us from being those disgusting petty criminals, and it must be upheld, if you see Omerta being broken within your Family, talk to your higher ups about what should be done to take care of the problem. We are after all, our own police are we not? Please excuse me for the metaphor, I do not intend any disrespect in comparing what we do to the scum that call themselves "Law Upholders".

Reckless sit's back down.

LynxX sits back and listens to the responses before making one himself. 

Thank you all for your opinions. It's nice to see some speeches get heard amongst the crowd and not going unnoticed. With that said, do we make that move of enforcing it in a more strict manner or do we just make it common knowledge? Regardless of the answer to that question, a family will run as the boss wants it ran, which I feel it should be. I just wanted too express my own views on the manner in which I see I have received very thought out responses which is encouraging. 

LynxX goes back to puffing on his smoke and draws his attention to the next speaker. 

I honestly think it should be common knowledge.

But - I don't think it is enough to be written on some chalk board and briefly mentioned in passing, it's something that should be taught in the living example of veteran mafiosos to the young bloods.

I believe in running a tight ship and allowing decendants to learn from their ancestors mistakes.