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 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 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."