And Other Political Issues. Part 1

I must admit that this interview was not an easy one to procure. I know many people have sensed that God has deserted us for the last 2000 years or so. I simply believe that the 2008 US Presidential Elections and the critical time the world faces today would be good reasons for Him to talk to us again.

So, I've been spending some time fasting and supplicating in the Judea Desert and hoping to get a word or two about the situation. Finally, and in the last moment before I was about to give up, the clouds parted and a fiery chariot alighted down beside me and whooshed me up unto it. For the next 40 days and 40 nights I conducted the following exclusive interview with God while flying around the world in the chariot. We even made a quick journey to Titan but that's not the subject of this interview.

I tried to keep things on track about the upcoming elections and the distressing plight of our world, the famine and disease ridden countries, international terrorism, religious fanaticism, globalization trends and the fast paced advancements in science and technology. But... well, God being who he is, as I'm sure you all understand... well, you can all imagine that He'll talk about what he wants to. This is a given that we all apparently must learn to live with. So, please bear with the tangents we go off on. Below is Part One.

Micahel Netzer (M-N): Umm.. Thank you, sir, for this opportunity. We're flying pretty high here, is this necessary?

GOD (G-D): We could forget the interview and I'll drop you back down to starve in the desert... if you think you know what's necessary.

M-N: No, no. I didn't mean that. I mean, it's just that this chariot is wide open from all sides and doesn't seem to have any seat belts... but it's alright. Seems to be alright. Alright. Let's see now, where do we begin?

G-D: Why do you need a beginning? Just jump in the middle somewhere and we'll eventually cover everything anyway.

M-N: Right. Let's start with the 2008 US Presidential elections. America, as the world's leading superpower, is becoming entangled in a Vietnam-like war in the Middle-East that's costing many lives and threatens to immerse the entire region into nuclear conflict. Most Americans are torn between doing what's right to help rid the world of terrorism and the additional suffering which this war is causing to the region. Neither of the two polarized political powers in America seem to have a reasonable plan or solution to this dilemma. How would you advise Americans to vote in the upcoming elections?

G-D: Why do you believe that how people vote will change the outcome of the situation in the Middle-East?

M-N: Well, most Americans feel that the political party they support will bring a more desired result, based on their political outlook.

G-D: So this is about political outlook, then? I have an entire big world that's in a lot of trouble on my hands here, because of the way people think... and Americans appear to only be concerned with their political outlook.

M-N: True. But most people believe that political leaders are directing world events and bringing about the present outcome.

G-D: What about all the capital funding which places politicians in office? Don't Americans know that the people paying for the election of politicians have something to say about things?

M-N: So how would you advise Americans to conduct themselves in this election?

G-D: First of all, Americans, and people everywhere, should remember whom it is that is ultimately running the show here, and that events are unfolding as they are for a good reason. The situation is difficult and will become more so on that front. But attempting to manipulate events by fomenting inner political strife will not help anyone in America.

M-N: Are you saying Americans shouldn't vote?

G-D: People can do what they'd like. I don't, however, advise anyone to become delusional about the ability to sway the outcome of these events by voting.

M-N: That's very radical advice. Democracy is founded upon the people having their say in government.

G-D: This is true for a situation where the elected government heeds the will of the people. Within the present situation, however, if the people want to have a say in what government does, they have many venues to speak their mind, the most important of which are their minds and their mouths. But people don't use these to say what's on their minds anymore, and are rather content to merely vote once every 4 years, believing that's all that they need to do within a democracy. Quite a shame.

M-N: Are you saying then, that in the absence of a clean political process and system, the people should raise a populist voice of discontent against the government which represents them?

G-D: Are you not the one who first said so, in your wacky-change-the-world-through-comics web site. The Creator's Party, as I recall. Has a nice ring to it, actually. Love the idea.

M-N: Yes, but the comics creators aren't really hot on the idea yet. Except maybe for Elliot Maggin, running for congress.

G-D: Don't give up hope so fast. I have a few surprises in mind that'll change all this.

M-N: Well, until that happens and with all due respect, sir, maybe we should stick to the very real concerns that the people have about the situation we're in.

G-D: If you continue speaking to me in this tone, I might begin looking for someone else to do your job.

M-N: No, no, no. God forbid! I mean, I'm alright with all this. You know that. I wouldn't be here if I wasn't. But there are a lot of people all over the comics industry waiting to see the changes you promise... and frankly, most of them aren't too convinced yet.

G-D: So maybe you'd like to sit here in my place and run the show yourself. Is this what you're saying?

M-N: No, not at all. You're right. Forget I said that. Where were we?

G-D: We were talking about The Creator's Party and how comics will become the vehicle for changing the world. Now, as I remember, you suggested a very good candidate for President, from amongst the creators.

M-N: Actually, he's been busy with the Growing Earth project and hasn't put any effort into positioning himself politically.

G-D: There you go again, thinking you know how to run things better. It is exactly this work he's doing on that science project which will catapult him into public acclaim and position him for political leadership.

M-N: I've sensed that, but most Americans aren't prepared to vote for a candidate who doesn't have political and administerial experience. Especially one who comes from a populist entertainment field.

G-D: Do you mean like Ronald Reagan or Arnold Schwarzenegger? And there you go again telling me what most Americans think. Don't you realize I know what most Americans think? When most Americans become aware of what this man has accomplished in his life, they'll see he's more worthy and suitable than anyone else to lead America out of the mess that it's in today. The man has a clear record of concern for his fellows as evident in the struggles he waged for the creators, in the face of the corporate giants who were abusing their rights. The outstanding results he's achieved speak for themselves. Think of what the comics industry would be like today without his influence. He has shown impressive administerial abilities by founding one of New York's most prestigious commercial art studios, and turning it into a viable multi-million Dollar business, against strong competition and the natural tendency artists display to not want to bother with business issues. He's been a leader and voice for truth and justice in his environs since his first days in the comics. He has placed his reputation on the line in order to tell the entire scientific truth about how the universe works, which Einstein was frankly afraid to reveal to the world, when he was given a chance to do so.

M-N: Thank you for saying that. Maybe it's time to move on to some other issues. Can we first take a break here and organize our thoughts a little for Part Two?

G-D: Go ahead if you need to. I'm already quite organized, thank you. But I understand if you think you need a break.