e pluribus unum
•
by Ananias
As a nation embroiled in a war that we did not initiate or invite, we are compelled to face some hard truths regarding our priorities leading up to this point. Just as an addict must first recognize that they have a problem before they can begin developing the productive behaviors and priorities which will develop into the solution; we must, as a nation, recognize that our individual behavior and priorities have contributed greatly to the success of our enemies and the ease with which they have violated our territorial integrity.
In simplest terms, our challenges in preventing the territorial violation of our western states (and likely to devolve into all points of the compass), and the ease with which our enemies are invading, has little to do with the defensive strategies of our nations leadership…it has little to do with our military prowess and capabilities…it has little to do with the diplomatic acumen of our international negotiators and ambassadors…
The primary reason for our vulnerability is our, sometimes dogged, rejection of our national identity as a team dedicated to mutual benefit and shared achievement of our citizenry…e pluribus unum…out of many, one.
The surest evidence of the widespread rejection of the concept of “team” is the ease with which we capitulate our personal accountability to contribute to our collective goals for the temporary personal gratification of strident criticism and divisiveness regarding the methods and strategies employed in our defense.
Therein lies the exceptionally self-destructive behavior of a nation which prioritizes the personal accumulation of power by the individual over the collective, overwhelming strength of an undivided team. When we see an increase in finger-pointing and blame at individuals or strategies, rather than the recognition of our individual responsibility to the team and the consequent selfless contribution to the effort, then regardless of the efficacy or innovation of the strategy, we have already lost.
...e pluribus unum…out of many, one…
Whether it be propaganda or perceived insult borne of personal conviction regarding this truth, the accusation that I am sure to receive is that of hyper-nationalism or even advocacy of a sheep-like collective or a hive mind approach…but, what may surprise you, my fellow citizens, is that I would welcome such an accusation regardless of the source…because it would evidence that which I have always suspected…the only way for our enemies, whether foreign nationals or internal opponents, to win is by compartmentalizing our citizens through the cynical perpetuation and promotion of ideological divisions.
Our enemies know that their success or failure hinges on the maintenance and promotion of American self-identification by political party or vocation or region or morality rather than our individual recognition as indispensable elements of our national identity as a team, as integral contributors to our shared goals, as active facilitators of our shared purpose. The greatest fear that our enemies have for their hostile designs for our nation rest solely on our embrace of a national embrace of the motto: ...e pluribus unum…out of many, one…
As a nation we must accept the disappointing truth that our personal motivation and desire for status in eRepublik so very often widens the very divide for which our enemies and opponents strive. We are doing their work for them. We must be truthful regarding our nature, and once the true enemy is revealed in our common prioritization of individual achievement over collective achievement, only then can we begin to move the curve toward eUS success. Ask yourself these question:
How can I be part of the solution? How can I be one of the many that helps the eUS realize its one goal of unified, overwhelming productivity and success?
How can we embrace the ideal of e pluribus unum?
When one citizen performs a random act of kindness by gifting or donating to a new citizen, not out of personal motivation or the promotion of an ideology, the eUnited States is one step closer to strength. When many citizens follow that example, the eUnited States is one giant step closer to strength. When all citizens follow that example, the eUnited States is strong.
When one citizen mentors a new citizen, not out of personal motivation or the promotion of an ideology, the eUnited States is one step closer to strength. When many citizens follow that example, the eUnited States is one giant step closer to strength. When all citizens follow that example, the eUnited States is strong.
When one citizen selflessly integrates their effort toward following the direction and accomplishing the goals of our chosen leaders, not out of personal motivation or the promotion of an ideology, the eUnited States is one step closer to strength. When many citizens follow that example, the eUnited States is one giant step closer to strength. When all citizens follow that example, the eUnited States is strong.
When one citizen surrenders the pursuit of personal ambition to come for the promotion of national ambitions, not out of personal motivation for publicity or the pursuit of accolades, the eUnited States is one step closer to strength. When many citizens follow that example, the eUnited States is one giant step closer to strength. When all citizens follow that example, the eUnited States is strong.
When we, as a nation (and a community of players) embrace personal accountability for our actions and our pursuit of solutions as part of the greater team, rather than as focusing on the failures, or lack of execution, by others, the we truly begin to recognize the extraordinary power of the ideal:
...e pluribus unum…out of many, one…
And, then, we win as nation regardless of the strength of our opposition. Together we cannot be overcome.
Thank you for your time in review, I appreciate your votes and your comments…let’s dedicate ourselves and focus our investment of time in eRepublik to the one proven ideal that is the only proven vehicle for eUnited States victory…
...e pluribus unum…out of many, one…
Ananias
Proud citizen of the eUnited States of America
Willing contributor to eUS Team Victory
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Comments
First
Good article, btw.
Good article, Ananias. Voted and already subscribed. 🙂
Excellent work!
Let us be strong.
well said. The message of Unity has been echoed in many other papers over the past few days, but nobody is more thoughtful or eloquent than you, Ananias. Stay together, follow orders, and have faith that we can still win this war.
Great article Ananias!
I agree but at the same time disagree. On the one hand, the divisive and contrarian nature of many citizens shocks and disappoints me--it has an adverse effect on America. On the other hand, the US is weaker than the enemy, coupled with fighting multiple fronts, and that better explains losing in my opinion. Good article, Ananias.
Good one
Good article, I agree with you, but Lowell also has a great point.
While our inability to unite is certainly a reason for our nation's current military struggle I agree with Lowell that it isn't the only reason. However you bring up a critical point Ananias, and that is that it is only through working together that we will have a chance to defeat our enemy. Voted, subscribed long long ago old friend.
Great article Ananias. The entire eUSA needs to stand up and stand together to fight PEACE. We can only achieve victory by working together for the betterment of our nation.
Excellent work. I think our leaders could use some fresh ideas, unless this massive retreat is a step toward a greater victory. In the end, they have my full support.
Thanks all!
@Lowell: "On the other hand, the US is weaker than the enemy, coupled with fighting multiple fronts, and that better explains losing in my opinion."
I would be inclined to agree with that statement in our present state of progress as a unified team. My personal belief is that, while we have several areas that we can continue to improve on in the areas of battle execution, communication and training...I believe it is critical that we eliminate any "weaknesses of choice".
Lack of team unity and the efficiency that is gained by clarifying and obtaining agreement on a cohesive central goal, I believe, amplifies "game-mechanic" weakness by our team. It is very hard to measure our true level of competency and strength when we have our forces distributed through ideological divisions in in addition to multiple fronts.
We have a lot to do still to increase our strength, and I was not attempting to put forward the lack of teamwork as the reason for loss, I was putting forward the ideal of teamwork and common purpose as the foundational requirement of victory. So, in essence, my central point may have been better stated as: If we unite selflessly as a team for a common purpose, we will be stronger and more likely to win, however if we continue on course of ideological divisiveness, I am convinced we will lose.
Thank you all again for your comments and support for the eUS working as a team 🙂.
AMERIMAXX!
Needed to be said, and said it was with great eloquence.
Voted!
A wonderful post. In fact one of the best I have read in a great long while.
We stand at a moment when the survivors of a great nation will combine. Rather then thousands of people spread thinly over the lands, we will have thousands standing behind strong walls.
In this time we can reshape our country in whatever manner we want. We can re-establish our statehoods with defenses. Forming a new nation more capable of defending itself.
I for one see this as a glorious moment!