(Sammy)
Makes a Choice
While walking down the street one day, a senator is tragically hit by a
truck and killed. 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 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."
"There's no need! 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 into Hell.
The doors open, and he finds himself in the middle of a beautiful 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 formal dress. They run to greet him, 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 he realizes it, it is time to go. Everyone gives him 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 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, you've spent a day in Hell and another in Heaven. Now, you must
choose where you want to spend eternity."
He reflects for a minute and then answers: "Well, I would never have
thought it, I mean Heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be
better satisfied in Hell."
So Saint Peter escorts him to the elevator, and down, down, down he goes
into Hell. Now, the doors of the elevator open, and he is 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. And it's hot, hot, hot and the odor is just horrible.
Sweltering hot. Hot and miserable. The Devil comes over to him and
smoothly lays his arm around his shoulder.
"I don't understand," stammers the senator. "The day before 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 the senator, smiles and says, "Yesterday we were
campaigning ... today you voted for us."
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