While walking down the street one day a US senator is tragically hit by
a truck and dies. 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 man. "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 were 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
him to the elevator and he goes down,
down, down to hell. The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a
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 evening dress. They run to greet him, shake
his hand, 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, caviar and champagne. 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 he realizes it, it is time to go. Everyone gives
him a
hearty farewell and waves while the elevator rises. The elevator goes up, up,
up and the door reopens on heaven where St. Peter is waiting for him. "Now it's
time to visit heaven." So, 24 hours pass with the head of state 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 then, you've spent a day in hell and another in
heaven. Now choose your eternity." The senator reflects for a minute, then the
senator answers: "Well, I would never have said it before, I mean heaven has
been delightful, but I think I would be better off in hell." So St. Peter
escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell. Now the doors
of the elevator open and he's 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. The devil comes over

to him and puts his arm around his shoulder. "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, drank champagne, and danced and
had a great time. Now all there is a wasteland full of garbage and my
friends look miserable. What happened?" The devil looks at him, smiles and
says, "Yesterday we were campaigning...... Today you voted".


*Obligatory audio reference.



Bruce J. Richman