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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 Gavriel at the entrance.
"Welcome to Heaven," says Gavriel. "It seems that we have to resolve a problem before you settle in. We seldom see a high government 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 can't do that yet. We'll have to let you spend one day in Gehinnom 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, Gavriel escorts him to the elevator, and he goes down, down, down into Gehinnom.
When the doors open, he finds himself in the middle of a beautiful green golf course. In the distance is a club, and all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him are standing in front of him. Everyone is very happy and in formal dress. They 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 tref lobster and caviar.
Also present is the Devil, 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, he has to leave. Everyone gives him a big hug and waves while the elevator goes up, up, up.
The elevator door reopens in Heaven, where the angel Gavriel 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 G-d returns.
"Well, you've spent a day in Gehinnom 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 more satisfied in Gehinnom."
So G-d escorts him to the elevator, and he goes down, down, down into Gehinnom. The elevator doors open, and he is in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage. He sees his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags. The odor is terrible, and it's hot, hot, hot.
Swelteringly hot. Hot and miserable.
The Devil comes over and 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 tref lobster and caviar and danced and had a great time. Now there is just a wasteland full of garbage, and my friends look miserable."
The Devil smiles at the senator and says, "Yesterday we were campaigning. Today you voted for us."
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