God was missing for six days. Eventually, Michael, the archangel, found
him, resting on the seventh day. He inquired of God. "Where have you been?"

God sighed a deep sigh of satisfaction, and proudly pointed downwards
through the clouds, "Look, Michael. Look what I've made."

Archangel Michael looked puzzled, and said, "What is it?"

"It's a planet," replied God, " and I've put Life on it. I'm going to call
it Earth and it's going to be a great place of balance."

"Balance?" inquired Michael, still confused.

God explained, pointing to different parts of earth. "For example, northern
Europe will be a place of great opportunity and wealth, while southern
Europe is going to be poor. Over there I've placed a continent of white
people, and over there is a continent of black people. Balance in all
things." God continued pointing to different countries. "This one will be
extremely hot, while this one will be very cold and covered in ice."

The angel, impressed by God's work, then pointed to a land mass and said,
"What's that one?"

"Ah," said God "That's Washington State, the most glorious place on earth.
There are great rivers and small streams, forested hills and a barren basin.
The people from Washington State are going to be handsome, modest,
intelligent and humorous, and they are going to be found traveling the
world. They will be extremely sociable, hardworking, high
achieving, and they will be known throughout the world as diplomats, and
carriers of peace."

Michael gasped in wonder and admiration, but then proclaimed, "What about
balance, God? You said there would be balance."

God smiled, "There is another Washington...wait until you see the idiots I
put there!