While walking down the street one day, a senator is
tragically hit by a truck and killed. His soul arrives in
Heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance.
"Welcome to Heaven," says St. Peter. "Before you settle in,
it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a high official
around these parts, you see, so we're not sure what to do
with you."
"No problem, just let me in," says the senator.
"Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from higher up. What
we'll do is have you spend one day in Hell and one in
Heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity."
"There's no need! I want to be in Heaven," says the senator.
"I'm sorry, but we have our rules." And with that, St. Peter
escorts him to the elevator, the doors open, and he rides
the elevator down, down, down. When the doors open again,
the senator finds himself in the middle of a beautiful green
golf course. In the distance is a club, and standing in
front of it are all his friends and other politicians who
had worked with him.
Everyone is very happy and in formal dress. They run to
greet him, and they reminisce about the good times they had
while getting rich at the expense of the people. They play a
friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster and caviar.
Also present is the Devil, who is a very friendly guy who
has a good time dancing and telling jokes. They are having
such a good time that, before the senator realizes it, it is
time to go. Everyone gives him a big hug and waves while the
elevator rises. The elevator goes up, up, up, and the door
reopens in Heaven where St. Peter is waiting for him.
So 24 hours pass with the senator joining a group of
contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp
and singing. They have a good time and, before he realizes
it, the 24 hours have gone by, and St. Peter returns.
"Well, you've spent a day in Hell and another in Heaven.
Now, you must choose where you want to spend eternity."
He reflects for a minute and then answers, "Well, I would
never would have thought it, I mean Heaven has been
delightful, but I think I would be better satisfied in
Hell."
So Saint Peter escorts him to the elevator, and down, down,
down he goes into Hell. Now, the doors of the elevator open,
and he is in the middle of a barren land covered with waste
and garbage. He sees all his friends dressed in rags,
picking up the trash and putting it in black bags. And it's
hot, hot, hot, and the odor is just horrible.
Sweltering hot. Hot and miserable. The Devil comes over to
him and smoothly lays his arm around his shoulder.
"I don't understand," stammers the senator. "The day before
I was here, and there was a golf course and club, and we ate
lobster and caviar and danced and had a great time. Now all
there is is a wasteland full of garbage, and my friends look
miserable."
The Devil looks at the senator, smiles, and says, "Yesterday
we were campaigning. Today you voted for us."
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