X-Message-Number: 23456
From: "Paul Pagnato" <>
Subject: Politics: HEAVEN AND HELL
Date: Wed, 18 Feb 2004 19:02:35 -0800

HEAVEN AND HELL




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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