Now we know why...

Once upon a time, 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 Archangel, 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 beautiful streams, hills, and forests. 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 til you see the idiots I put
there."