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(Editor’s note: See if you can spot the “coded” references to the current governmental mess in Washington, D.C.)
“The government, flush with wealth, is expected to be generous. When the price of that commodity drops, a government which would remain in power dare not cut back on this generosity.”—Daniel Yergin, The Prize
“The longer the explanation, the bigger the lie.”—Chinese Proverb
“Wisdom consists of the anticipation of consequences.”—Norman Cousins
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, there was a planet known as Htrae in the intergalactic time of 4102. On this planet, was a land called Asu, a wonderful place with inhabitants, known as Asuns.
The Asuans were unique—they came from many origins, and were a largely compassionate people. Indeed, they had welcomed those seeking a new life throughout their history. Their armies and navies had sailed abroad, to save others in far-away lands, then returned home, sometimes without gratitude. To a fault, Asuans were known as quite giving—and forgiving.
In time, a new ruler was appointed. He was a young king by most standards, but very, very intelligent and particularly regarded for his keen oratorical skills. He was known as King Amabo, and initially was very popular with his subjects. Although he was commander of the armies and navies, he had never served in the legions and never worked in the fields, where the Asuans harvested the resources of Asu. In fact, King Amabo had never really worked anywhere, and his leadership experience was quite untested. Still, he was highly intelligent and very handsome. The inhabitants believed that the times were bright for them.
During his time of rule, King Amabo surrounded himself with many advisors who shared his plan about changing Asu. His advisors were also very intelligent, but they—like the king—were not very experienced in leading the citizens, and it became apparent that they were just not wise. They really did not understand the hearts of the Asuans, and, in time, there was anger among a majority of the subjects. Then, the king and his advisors were determined to exert their will on the people, regardless of the consequences. Sadly, it was a period of great angst and uncertainty.
Now, it happened that Asu had within its borders a great abundance of Lio and Sag, both remarkable substances that produced many, many benefits for the Asuans, including light, fuel and a tremendous number of other uses. A great many Asuans harvested Lio and Sag, and the benefits to the kingdom were enormous. Substantial taxes were paid to the treasuries of both Asu and its regions. From those taxes, the armies were provided to protect Asu from Barbarians, and provided essential services throughout the land. But there was a problem.
Because he coveted high praise from his subjects, King Amabo had his advisors arrange for more and more of the taxes to be given to many more in the land, many of whom, strangely, weren’t even supposed to be in Asu. In fact, as fewer and fewer Asuans paid more and more of the taxes—including enormous taxes from the harvesting of Lio and Sag—a strange thing happened: as more and more Asuans demanded greater benefits from the palace, more and more uninvited travelers came from near and far to benefit from the generous king and his advisors. It was later recorded in the ancient scrolls of Asu, that the treasury had been depleted foolishly. Alas, the Asuans realized that they had been deceived.
Then it came to pass that Barbarians from other lands hated the people of Asu so much, that they wanted all that the Asuans had, including their great deposits of Lio and Sag, and their heads. Even so, the king believed that happiness was still possible for the planet, and he exerted great effort to that cause. In fact, King Amabo believed that he could reason with everyone, especially those from other lands, and that they, too, could enjoy his generosity. He then dismissed many from the great armies and navies of Asu, to enable the continued giving to the demanding citizens and all of the uninvited sojourners.
Soon, there emerged a time of so much evil on the planet, that war prevailed, out of control. In the palace, however, there was great confusion about what to do—it seemed nothing would be done. In addition, there occurred many scandals that rocked the palace and sorely distracted the king. Almost every day, there were whispers about a plot called Furious and Fast, then there were uninvited children on the borders, SRI investigations, whether to be in or out of war, and so many more. Truly, he became known as the Backwards King, because when a decision requiring wisdom was to be made, it wasn’t, and when an unwise decision should not have been made, it was. Sadness was upon the land.
Meantime, the subjects wanted change and hope. As the period known as 5102 began, the harvesting of Lio and Sag had become more efficient in Asu, and a strong request went forward to the king for transport of the excess to other lands, but the king refused. Then there was a great call to create a special viaduct across Asu to enable the flow of Lio and Sag from a nearby land, but the king and his advisors refused again. Worship of land birds and lizards took priority over benefit for the citizens. There was much struggle within the palace during the following period of 5102, together with great division in the land. Hope was low, expectations were dashed, and the citizens were disillusioned. Quietly, the Barbarians continued their movement toward Asu.
Truly, it was a strange time, and as all the citizens of the land waited for a new king, they said it shouldn’t have been like this. 
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