Tragically, while walking down the street one day, a
female senator is 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, 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 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 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 harps 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
never thought I’d say this. 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. This time when the
doors of the elevator open, 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, when I was here, there was a golf course
and club. We ate lobster and caviar and danced and had
a great time. Now, it’s all a wasteland full of
garbage and my friends look miserable.”
The Devil looks at her, smiles and says, “Yesterday we
were campaigning and today you voted for us.”