A Senator Arrives in Heaven
While walking down the street one day, a senator is tragically hit by a truck and dies. The 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."
"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 the senator to the elevator which then goes down, down, down to Hell. The doors open, and the senator is left in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a club house and standing in front of it are friends and other politicians who were co-workers. Everyone is very happy and in evening dress. There is much greeting and hugging and reminiscing about life and 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, it is suddenly time to go. Everyone gives big hugs and waves while the elevator rises. The elevator goes up, up, up, and the door reopens on Heaven where St. Peter was waiting.
"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 the 24 hours went by. St. Peter returns and says, "Well, then, you've spent a day in Hell and another in Heaven. Now, choose the place where you want to spend eternity."
After reflecting for a minute the Senator 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 with Saint Peter as an escort they go to the elevator and down, down, down to Hell it goes. Now, the doors of the elevator open, and the senator is in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage. All of the Senator's friends are dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black plastic bags. In addition, it's hot, hot, hot. Sweltering hot. Hot and miserable. The Devil comes over to and lays his arm on the senators neck.
"I don't understand," stammers the senator. "Yesterday I was here, and there was a golf course and club house, 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 the formerly elected official, smiles and says, "Yesterday we were campaigning...today you voted for us."
