While walking down the street one day a famous head of state (the party affiliation doesn't matter) is tragically 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 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 man.

"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 ruler.

"I'm sorry but we have our rules." And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and goes down, down, down, down to Hell. The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a club, and standing in front of him are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him, everyone very happy and in evening dress. They run to greet him, hug him and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at expense of the people. They play a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster and caviar in the evening.

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 and says " Now it's time to visit Heaven."

So 24 hours pass with a group moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a good time; and, before they realize 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 your eternity."

Everyone reflects for a minute, then the head of state answers: "Well, I would never have said it, I mean Heaven has been delightful, but I think we were better off in Hell."

So St. Peter escorts the group to the elevator and once again they go down, down, down to Hell. Now the doors of the elevator open and they are in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage. They see all their friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags. The Devil catches up with them and lays his arm on a neck.

"I don't understand," stammers the head of state. "Yesterday we were 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 him, smiles and says, "Yesterday we were campaigning. Today you voted for us!"