A FABLE FOR OUR TIME
While walking down the street one day a senator is 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 high officials of your eminence around these parts, you see, and we're not exactly sure what to do with you."
"No problem. Simply let me in", says the now former Senator.
"Well now, I'd like to, but I have to account for my decisions higher upî, says St. Peter. "Iíll tell you what we'll do: youíll spend one day in Heaven and one day in Hell after which you can choose where you want to spend Eternity."
"Really, I've already made up my mind. I want to be in Heaven," replies the senator.
"I'm sorry but we have our protocols and Iíll have to trouble you to follow the two-day scheme."
And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to Hell. The doors open and to his amazement he finds himself in the middle of a rich green golf course. In the distance is the clubhouse and standing in front of it are all his deceased friends and late political colleagues. They run to greet him, hug 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 thermidore accompanied by a very dry Pouilly Fumee. Also present is the Devil, who really is a very friendly, affable figure, quite unlike the historical stereotype. They are all having such a good time drinking, talking & dancing that, before he realizes it, it's time to go. Everyone gives him a big hug and waves while the elevator rises.
The elevator stops at the very top and the door opens to Heaven where St. Peter is standing and waiting for him.
"Now it's time to visit Heaven", he announces. And so a further 24 hours pass with the senator joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. The company is excellent and once again the senator enjoys himself greatly. Before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter is at his side.
"Well then, now that you have spent one day in Hell and another in Heaven, you must choose your location for Eternity."
The senator reflects carefully for a minute and then slowly answers: "Well, I would never have thought I'd say this ... I mean, Heaven has been delightful, but I think on careful consideration I would prefer to be in Hell."
So Saint Peter escorts him, to the elevator and they go down, down, down once more to Hell. The doors of the elevator open but this time the Senator is standing in the middle of a barren, desolate land, covered with waste and garbage. He sees all his friends dressed in rags, picking up trash and putting it in black bags. The Devil comes over to him and throws an 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 all ate lobster and drunk wine and danced and had a great time. Now, all that's here is a wasteland full of garbage, and my friends are suffering."
The Devil looks at him, smiles and says, "Yesterday we were campaigning. Today you voted for us!"
12:50:29 AM 
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