What Time Hath Wrought

Day 2,471, 16:54 Published in USA USA by Tyler Bubblar



It’s interesting the changes that can be brought on by the simple passage of time. Great nations rise and fall, mountain ranges are cataclysmically created and then slowly worn down. Nothing lasts forever yet while we are in the moment we often believe the opposite. Years ago I was a history major in college. To me few things are more fascinating than the aforementioned phenomena. The Egyptians, Romans, Aztecs, Mayans, Incas, Chinese, Greeks, and so many others built Empires and architectural marvels they believed would last forever. The political and geographical power they built have long since faded leaving only decaying ruins as evidence of their time and passing.





One such example is the Island of Rhodes. More than 2000 years ago the Island of Rhodes and the Egyptian Empire had a successful trade alliance that inspired the envy of many. Rhodes was viewed as the weaker of the two, an army was assembled and landed upon the island to lay siege to the City. After a year the invading army fled in defeat. They were in such a hurry that they left behind machines and weapons of war in their abandoned camps. The people of Rhodes celebrated their victory in the most mocking way possible. They sold and melted down the abandoned instruments of war and constructed one of the seven Wonders of the ancient worl😛 the Colossus of Rhodes. The statue made of a bronze exo-skin over an iron frame was 110 feet tall and built on top of a 50 foot marble base. It was a defiant declaration of enduring wealth, power, and might.

50 years later an earthquake toppled it to the ground. Over the years looters and pillagers have so completely dismembered the fallen monument that we only have imagined artistic renditions guessing at what this Wonder must have looked like. In fact no one today is certain of where it actually stood. Here today, gone tomorrow. Truly nothing of this world lasts forever. Yet it’s legacy endures today. The Statue of Liberty was based on what the artisans of the time conceptually believed the Colossus of Rhodes to look like. The Statue of Liberty was built to be a representation of the Roman Goddess of Liberty, and Rhodes built theirs to be a representation of the Greek Sun God Helios.






You might ask what does this have to do with eRepublik? The answer is sometimes what we do, does not leave as direct a lasting impact as we would hope or believe, yet as a counter they can and frequently do echo through time in ways we never would have anticipated. As said above nothing stays the same. People are often no exception to this. Many great players have shined brightly for a time only to dim or fade out. Quite often on irc or in the media the conversation will turn to some of the legends of V1 or v2. Even though they are gone or just not here as strongly they have left their mark on the eWorld.

Time has also had its effect on me and my growth as a player in eRepublik. A year ago today I published this article announcing a run at the presidency. As a fresh returnee to the game I was passionate and fiery about the issues I felt were paramount. So in order to shine a light on them I made a go of it. To be blunt it was a disaster. If I could make a list of 5 things I have done in this game that I either would do differently or just not do this would easily be top 2 on the list. My resume was practically non-existent and I was laughed out of every primary other than my own. After a week or so I dropped from the race.





Experience is a harsh but effective teacher, it can change one’s perspective and understanding. Over the past year I have seen (and been a part of) the hard work put in on a daily basis to the governance of this nation. This hard work has paid off in many obvious ways. For example the high bonuses that we enjoy. However, that is not something that comes without cost or consideration. As highlighted by President DMJ, the relatively high number of nations we get bonuses from require forethought and careful planning.

The many aspects of government are no different. A year ago when I announced my intentions to seek the Presidency I didn’t know that. I didn’t understand the importance of building relationships in this game in order to be successful. Recently I had the privilege of twice getting squashed by Gnilraps in a bid to win CP. The first loss was fairly obvious well before it’s arrival. I was beaten almost at every turn in the primaries. My lopsided defeat was in no way a surprise to me when it came. The following month looked a bit different. Gnil, was a bit late in announcing his bid for reelection, as such I had a sizable lead in winning endorsements. I logged in expecting a much tighter race. It was a drubbing again. Not quite as bad but a beating nonetheless.





After each loss I was approached privately by many friends who were concerned I would leave the game. Very often that is what happens for one reason or another to those on the losing end of a CP race. Soon after my second loss to Gnil I was approached about heading up DHS for the month. Grateful for a chance to serve the eUSA I accepted. I am not sure if I have ever thanked Gnil for offering a job to someone who ran against him not once but twice, but I would like to do so now.

Thank you Gnil for a chance to be useful to your administration and the nation. Since those failed runs I have served as Secretary of Homeland Security twice. Chief of Staff for Molly Emma, and Vice President for DMJ. I would also like to thank them along with Wild Owl, New Azazel, Frost, Oblige , and Paul Proteus ( all the CPs I have served under in some capacity) for the chance to serve this nation and be useful. I would also like to thank the Federalist Party they welcomed me in with open arms and gave me numerous ways to get involved both at the party level and nationally.





As previously said I have done this a few times now, but I am announcing my candidacy for President of the eUSA. Losing a campaign is never fun, but it is an opportunity to learn and it’s my belief that I have done that. Over the next 10 days I will do my best to lay out my vision of the eUSA and the route I would like us to take. I believe that we are in an exceptionally good place, but there is always room for improvement and of course the need for a leader who will not screw up a good thing. I have the experience and a fantastic assembled team to be just that leader. For those who are curious as to what my qualifications and achievements are they stand as follows:

Current Vice President to DMJ
Chief of Staff twice
Secretary of State once (Deputy Twice)
Secretary of Homeland Security 5 times
SecMed once (Deputy twice)
Fed Party President 3 times
Speaker of the House (Deputy Speaker once)
SHIELD CO



I have done this a few times now. Each time I have made a heavy emphasis on domestic programs and issues. Recent events have shown that it does not take much for a Department that is humming along to go awry. Often the perception is that there is a cabal of elitists that jealously guard the reins of power and government. While it is true that there are a few faces that are constant at the top, it’s equally true that the need and desire for new blood is strong. A frequent critique of Cabinets is that it is the same old faces just shuffling from Department to Department. To a point especially of late this true. Apathy and attrition are strong forces in this game. However that also means that opportunity to serve and advance exists like rarely seen before. If you are interested in serving please fill this form out. http://tinyurl.com/TB4CPadmin

Let’s do this again one more time eAmerica!

Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more, Or close the wall up with our English dead! In peace there's nothing so becomes a man As modest stillness and humility; But when the blast of war blows in our ears, Then imitate the action of the tiger: stiffen the sinews, Summon up the blood.