The State of the Universe(Martin Green) 2023GOD (Approx. 400 wds.)


The State of the Universe

God woke up from his nap and asked his right-hand man, that is, right-hand angel, Michael, to give him the latest report on the state of the universe. This was not an easy task considering the many galaxies in the universe and the countless number of planets in them.

Michael concentrated on the latest developments. God was pleased that the inhabitants of the primitive planet Ogg had advanced from the Stone Age to the Iron Age. He was also pleased that the inhabitants of the advanced planet Einstein had all but eradicated disease. As always, he was amused at the antics of the inhabitants of the planet Sitcom. When Michael paused to catch his breath he said, “All in all, things seem to be going well in the universe.”

“Er, yes. But I haven’t gotten to the planet Earth yet.”

“That pesky minor planet that I created as an afterthought and that has given me nothing but trouble since? What have they been up to now?”

“Well, you know there’s a war in Ukraine. Now war has broken out in the Middle East again.”

“Again. So what else is new? That’s an old story.”

“Yes, but this time it may become more widespread. I’m sorry to report that the period of relative peace after World War II and the Cold War when the United States and other democracies were in the ascendant seems to be over. The dictatorships in Russia, China, Iran and some others have formed an alliance and they are ready to challenge the existing order.”

“Hmmm. It might be time to unleash some lightning bolts.”

“Did you forget? You decided that was too barbaric. And outmoded.”

“So I did. I may have decided too soon. But what about the United States? Surely they’ll take some action.”

“The United States has become a divided country. There’s a large faction that even believes the United States has been evil and and has no moral authority any more. It’s similar to the 1930’s when dictatorships were thought to be the coming thing.”

“I may have to unleash some lightning bolts after all. Human beings were supposed to be intelligent. How could they be so stupid?”

“That’s not all. In the United States, the next year’s presidential race might be a rematch of two candidates most people don’t want.”

“What! That’s beyond stupid.”

“Yes, and that’s not all.”

God held up his hand. “That’s enough. I don’t want to hear any more. But keep your eyes on any more developments. I’ll be on the heavenly golf course.”

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