The State of the Universe at the End of 2024
by Martin Green

 

 

God listened as his right-hand man, uh, angel, Michael, gave his annual "End of the year State of the Universe report" for 2024.  Considering the many galaxies and the planets in those galaxies, it was a lengthy report.  Not so good news was that on the planet Elon iPhones had been invented.  Better news was that on the planet Felineo cats had become the dominant species and seemed to be governing wisely.  In any case there were no rats to spread disease on that planet.

 As usual, Michael had left that pesky little planet Earth for last.  “Do you want to wait until tomorrow?” he asked.

 “No,” said God.  “We might as well get it over with.”

 “Well, the climate keeps getting worse.  There are still areas of famine.  There are still wars.”

 “What about the Middle East?”

 “Yes, that war is still going on.  Israel is holding its own but there are still nations dedicated to its extinction.”

 “And Ukraine?”

 “That was is still going on with no sign of its ending.  What is worse is that the anti-democratic nations like Russia, China, Iran and North Korea have gotten together and their threat is worse than ever.  The Earth is closer to another world war than it has been for a long time.  And now each side has nuclear weapons.”

 “Hmmm, that is not good news.  What about the United States?”

“That democratic nation is still very much divided.  As you know, Donald Trump has been elected president again.This means that nobody knows what will happen.”

 “Hmmm.  Bush, Obama, Trump, Biden and now Trump again.”

 “Yes, and it might have been Hillary and Kamala.”

    “How did the American people allow that to happen?”

 “There are many reasons and it’s rather complex.  Should I try to give you an explanation?”

 God waved a dismissive hand.  “No, spare me that.  Let’s leave it to future historians, if there are any left.”

 “You know you always have the option of declaring Earth to be a failed experiment as you did for Mars and end the human race.”

 “Yes, the Martians were skilled at warfare but when they planned to conquer other planets that was going too far.”

 “And the Earth?”

 “Let us see.  If it comes to nuclear warfare I’ll give it serious consideration.  Meanwhile, I’m off to the heavenly golf course.  I think I know how to correct my slice.”

 “You’ve been saying that for eons,” said Michael softly.

 “What was that?”

 “Nothing.”

“Good.  Keep me informed.”  God strode off, shaking his head and muttering, “Bush, Obama, Trump, Biden and Trump again.  How in My Name could that happen?”     

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