What I Learned From… Government
[Once again a big welcome to the members of High Calling Blogs (all 200+ of you).]
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Howdy, y’all!
Today is the first Monday of November, and I think you know what that means, don’cha? Right you are! It’s time for this month’s What I Learned From… groupwrite project! (sound of huge crowd cheering)
Last month we had 44 entries (a new record!) on what may have been the most timely topic of all so far: What I Learned From Stress. This time, however, we’re focusing on something a little different.
Just the same, what do you say we top that record? C’mon; are you up to the challenge?
OK, you may or may not know that tomorrow (November 4) is officially Election Day here in the United States (despite the fact that early voting has been going on for weeks now). Yep; people all over the country are going out and doing their civic duty (uh, you ARE going to vote, right?) and casting their votes for whosoever they choose.
So, since this is such a momentous occasion, it seemed appropriate to theme this month’s What I Learned From… groupwrite project along those lines:
So, our topic this month is: What I Learned From Government
Now, I know what you’re thinkin’. C’mon, admit it. You’re thinkin’ I must be crazy to open the floor up to such a, well, potentially explosive topic, right? Well, lemme just say this about that.
First of all, my mental state has nothing to do with it. I’ve come to accept the fact of my insanity, and I’m OK with it. *Sniff* Second, you’ll note that I did NOT say the topic is politics. I mean, I may be crazy, but I’m not stupid!
Nope, we’re talking about government.
For instance…
It’s a certainty that each and every one of you lives under the jurisdiction of a government, right? Odds are that some of you have even lived under more than one (I have). So ask yourself: what have you learned about government from the experience?
Do you consider government a good thing, or would you prefer anarchy? Something in between, perhaps? Have you always agreed with your government, or do you see room for improvement? Do you even care? Why or why not? What have you learned from the different types of governments across the world?
Etc., etc., etc.
The point is, you’ve lived with it all your life. So I guarantee you’ve learned a thing or two. All we’re asking you to do is share a lesson you’ve learned with the rest of us.
A Quick Reminder
Alright; because this particular topic is, well, what it is, it probably won’t hurt to emphasize the rules. You know we only have two rules here, right?
- Rule #1: Keep it G-rated.
- Rule #2: Be nice.
And please! Let’s keep this on a positive note, y’all! I think it’s safe to say that nobody is interested in hearing anyone’s political rants. Believe me; we’ve been getting our fill of those already! (Besides, there are plenty of OTHER websites dedicated to just that very thing.)
No, what we’re interested in is something you’ve learned from the fact, or existence of governments (and yes, it can be your own or someone else’s). And, just to make it interesting, I’m including all governments since the beginning of time and anywhere in the world.
How to Participate
Don’t worry; taking part in our projects is easy; sorta like writing a blog post. Come to think of it, it’s exactly like writing a blog post. Because to participate you hafta, you know, write a blog post…
Anyway, you are of course free to write anything you like, as long as it relates to (and stays on) the topic. Be specific. Be non-specific. And, since I never impose a restriction on length, be as eloquent – or as brief – as you like. But most of all be yourself!
Not only that; if you’re feeling particularly inspired, go ahead and write more than one entry! (I wrote four posts for our last WILF, while another writer topped that with five! Pretty impressive, I’ll tell ya!)
I’ll collect all the contributions for a period of one week, from now thru midnight, Sunday night, November 9.
Here’s all you have to do:
- Write one or more new post(s) on your blog. As I said, feel free to be as eloquent (or concise) as you like. C’mon; show off for us, why don’cha?
- Include a link to THIS POST (uh, the one you’re reading now).
- Send me an email (rhruzek@sbcglobal.net) containing your name, the title of your post, and the permalink of the post. (This is just to make sure I don’t miss it.)
That’s all there is to it! On Monday, November 10, I will post the entire list of entries right here at the Middle Zone, so be sure and drop by to check ‘em all out. (By the way, that list will also have a permanent spot in the WILF archive page.)
As always, groupwrite projects are open to anyone (you don’t even have to have a blog to enter – just send it to me and I’ll post it as a guest post). But again, please remember, we only have two simple rules around here:
For the sake of the general blogging audience, please keep it G-Rated. (Also please note: this is a request, not a demand, since after all it’s your blog and you can do what you want. Fair warning, though: I reserve the right to link to you – or not.)- Be nice.
All right, ladies and gentlemen; you know what to do! Grab the writing instrument of your choice and go for it!
[Further note from the Proprietor - I realize it takes time to write your entries (that's why I started announcing the topics a week ahead of kickoff day), but would you mind too terribly not waiting until midnight on Sunday night to notify me? When everyone waits to the last minute (you know who you are!) it sometimes gets a little difficult to get them all compiled by Monday's 6 am post time. I surely thank you, and as a token of my appreciation - have yourself a cookie!]
30 responses so far
Middle Zone Musings is a comfortable place to stop, have a cup of coffee, swap a few stories and share practical ideas for the real world. I don't ask for much, just a bit of your brain every now and then. Have a seat, take a load off, and relax...
[...] is my entry in the monthly group writing project “What I learned from..” hosted by Robert Hruzek at Middle Zone [...]
Hi Robert, I saw something about the government last week that I realized, but the event emphasized it in an hilarious way. I never imagined that you might choose this for a topic. What an exciting challenge. You always bring out the best in me since I wrestle with topics awhile and thus, you send me deep into the “old” noodle.
You can count me in.
Robyn McMasters last blog post..Is Your Brain in Gear at Work?
Howdy, Robyn! I knew you’d be inspired, so I planned this one just for you! Besides, the ol’ noodle always needs a good challenge now and then, don’t it?
[...] month’s topic for Robert Hruzek’s writing challenge is What I Learned From Government. The first thing that comes to my mind is Plato’s The Republic, one of the most influential [...]
Let’s see if this comment goes through! My post is What I Learned From Plato’s Republic: http://cheerfulmonk.com/2008/11/03/what-i-learned-from-platos-republic/ . As usual, I love your writing challenges.
Jean Browman–Cheerful Monks last blog post..What I Learned From Plato’s Republic
What I learned from government would, by definition, violate both rule 1 and rule 2.
@Jean – OK, the comment-retrieval machinery here at the Zone seems to have posted your comment just fine this time, Jean. At least SOMEthing works around here!
@Sterling – Well… it doesn’t have to be OUR government, ya know! Are there (or were there) any governments you could write about? Take your best shot!
[...] Link to the announcement post on Middle Zone Musings. [...]
[...] my friend, Robert Hruzek asked what we learned from Government lately, and my immigration story flashed back. I learned a [...]
[...] For Other Posts About Government (not politics) this month visit: Middle Zone Musings [...]
Hmm…, Robert. Seems like you have blown the Whistle and the contestants are currently on the race, but they will arrive at the finish line very soon…
[...] subscribe to my feed. Thanks, and a tip o’ the hat to ya![Note: This is my entry for this month's What I Learned From... groupwrite project. The challenge this month is to share something I've learned about the topic of [...]
[...] Robert Hruzek asked high calling bloggers and middle zone muse-ers to write about what we learned from government. [...]
@Wilson – Well, it’s over and done now, Bubba!
Here is my post Robert http://www.spyjournal.biz/what_i_learned_from_government
Cheers
Our blog post is here:
http://redletterbelievers.blogspot.com/2008/11/no-government-will-save-us.html
david Ruperts last blog post..No government will save us
@Tim – Hey, thanks for joining us this month, Tim! (or is it Jethro?) Either way, welcome to the Zone, and I hope to see ya next time, too!
@David – I appreciate your entry, David. Don’t forget to drop by on Monday for the results!
Hi Robert
Here’s my promised contribution (from a SF-book):
Freedom, not me!
Karin H. (Keep It simple Sweetheart, specially in business)
http://fess2.blogspot.com/2008/11/top-10-things-ive-learned-from.html
Gmans last blog post..Top 10 Things I’ve Learned from Government!
@Karin – Thank, Karen; can’t wait to read this one!
@Gman – Got your entry – thanks a herd, Bubba!
[...] This is my entry for Robert Hruzek’s What I Learned From… groupwrite project. The topic this month is what I’ve learned about the topic of [...]
[...] I read the theme for this month’s group writing project at Middle Zone Musings, it was déjà vu all over again. I was sure Robert had run out of topics and was starting to [...]
Here’s my little bit different take entitled Grace, Government and Sovereignty:
http://relevantblog.blogspot.com/2008/11/grace-government-and-sovereignty.html
Thanks for the contribution, Mary! And a great reminder, indeed!
[...] seems there’s only a little time left if you want to get your entry in for this month’s What I Learned From Government groupwrite project! Yup; you have until midnight, Sunday night before I turn into a pumpkin for you [...]
I just found out about this- new to the High Calling blog community. What a difficult, thought-provoking assignment this was.
Here’s mine: http://memoriaarts.typepad.com/memoria_arts_life_in_the_/2008/11/what-i-learned-from-government.html
Thanks, Joy! Hope you come back each month, too!