Sometimes I feel that after 7 years of my reign as King of Shushan, I am still cleaning up a big mess. A mess that’s not my fault. I inherited the worst economy in the history of Persia. Wars with the Babylonians and the Chaldeans.  And the climate was changing from burning too much cow dung. So it would be a mistake to hold me responsible for the current situation. Context, people.

And now folks are complaining about Haman.  Saying he wants to kill the Jews. But Haman was in fact appointed by the previous Administration’s King. Not naming any names, but he goes by “W the Younger”. So a lot of folks are getting upset about Haman. And to be truthful, for outsiders like Mordecai to pop off with their opinions. Without the facts….. well it just isn’t helpful. And it makes my job as King more difficult.

Now back to Haman….

If Haman is not careful; and if he continues to act in this manner; then he should not be surprised if we choose to take drastic measures. Such as making thousands of Cuneiform “Hashtags” on clay tablets that say “#NoToHaman”….. So he needs to watch himself.  And I tell Haman not to call my bluff.

But back to the problem at hand….

So Queen Esther and Mordecai, they’re quite religious. And sometimes, when folks have been left behind by the Iron Age, they cling bitterly to their slingshots and their religion. And to be truthful, Mordecai simply does not have the unique background and education to truly appreciate the situation. Like I do.

Now some folks want me to step in and stop what they call a potential “genocide” in Shushan. Because they say Haman wants to kill the Jews. But it is not that simple. I’ve spoken to Mordecai.   And quite frankly, he is often wrong. Now Mordecai seems to think that Haman does not have…..legitimate grievances. And to be frank,  Haman can be a real hothead. Truthfully, both of them disappoint me. There’s plenty of blame to go around. Everyone’s a little wrong. Except me of course.  But it’s my job. As the leader. To rise above. These petty grievances. And try to find. A consensus.

Now Let me be perfectly clear.  The statements made by Haman, they constitute a red line.  And if it was up to me, you can rest assured that there would be severe repercussions for his actions.  But unfortunately, here in Shushan, as your King I am not in a position to simply do these things.  First we must consult with the council of provincial chieftains.  And quite frankly, the council has been quite obstructionist.  Now some may say that they’re acting this way out of personal dislike for me.  And some of the folks in the Casbah who perform right-wing poetry and folklore, well they’re not too helpful. Like Rushambian Limbaughvus.  Guys like him.

Anyways, where was I? Oh Yes, Haman.  Haman needs to know that he’s on the wrong side of history.  Aaaand he needs to get with the program.  I mean, we’re here in Shushan and it’s already like the 3rd Century Before The Common Era. Get with the program.

Now Haman’s supposed plan. To kill the Jews. Looks serious. So I have dispatched. My grand vizier. Johnius Kerryezer. To look into it. And he’s working. With our regional allies. And within the framework of the world. As we currently know it.

So Mordecai says that Haman is constructing gallows. So these gallows, they don’t yet exist. Now Mordecai thinks they’ll be ready next month. But he doesn’t see the intelligence that I see. I have the best wizards and magicians in Persia. So for him to pop off like that, frankly, it’s chickenshit unprofessional. Anyhow, I’ve talked to Haman, and he says that the gallows are for scientific research. And if we want to truly build relationships and end the old quarrels, quite frankly we need to take Haman at his word.  And find a consensus.  So I have some great news.

Minister Johnius Kerryezer has struck a deal with Haman.  Haman will refrain from building the gallows for around 10 years. Or at least to the end of my reign one moon after the next Winter Solstice.  Which is a really long time. But hopefully a few years. I will have completed my third papyrus scroll by then. And I will be in my second career of performing oratory lectures throughout the land. But back to the deal….

In exchange for Haman’s promise, the treasury will release to him 50 thousand ingots of gold.  Prince Josephus Bidenopolos is on his way as we speak to deliver the news to Mordecai. So people of Shushan, I’ve solved your problems again. You’re welcome.