While
walking down the street one day, a female senator is
tragically hit by a truck and dies. Her 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 woman.
"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."
"Really, I've made up my mind.
I want to be in Heaven," says the senator.
"I'm sorry but we have our rules."
And with that, St. Peter escorts her to the elevator.And
she goes down, down, down to Hell.
The
doors open,and she finds herself in the middle of a
green golf course. In the distance is a club and standing
in front of it are all her friends and other politicians
who had worked with her. Everyone is very happy and
in evening dress. They run to greet her, hug her,and
reminisce about the good times they had while getting
rich at expense of the people. They play a friendly
game of golf and then dine on lobster and caviar. Also
present is the Devil, who really is a very friendly
guy who has a good time dancing and telling jokes. They
are having such a good time that, before she realizes
it, it is time to go. Everyone gives her a big hug and
waves while the elevator rises.
The elevator goes up, up, up, and the door reopens on
Heaven where St. Peter is waiting for her. "Now
it's time to visit Heaven." 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 she realizes it, the 24
hours have gone by, and St. Peter returns. "Well,
then, you've spent a day in Hell and another in Heaven.
Now, choose the place where you want to spend eternity."
She reflects for a minute and then answers:
"Well, I would never have said it, I mean Heaven
has been delightful, but I think I would be better off
in Hell."
So Saint Peter escorts her to the elevator,
and she goes down, down, down to Hell. Now, the doors
of the elevator open, and she is in the middle of a
barren land covered with waste and garbage. She sees
all her friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash
and putting it in black bags. And it's hot, hot, hot.
Sweltering hot. Hot and miserable.
The Devil comes over to her and lays
his arm on her neck. "I don't understand,"
stammers the senator. "Yesterday 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 a wasteland full of garbage, and my friends
look miserable."
The Devil looks at her, smiles and says,
"Yesterday we were campaigning...today you voted
for us."
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