While walking down the street one day a U.S. Senator was tragically hit by a truck and died. His soul arrived in heaven and was met by St. Peter at the entrance. (If you’re of a secular persuasion, bear with this story for a minute as the point is worthwhile).

"Welcome to heaven," said St. Peter. "Before you settle in, it seems there is a small problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, so we're not quite sure what to do with you. Most of your elite peers have chosen to go elsewhere."

"No problem. Just let me in, I'm sure we can work something out." said the Senator.

"Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from higher up. What we have decided to do is have you spend one day in Hell and one in Heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity."

"Really, I've already made up my mind. I want to be in Heaven," said the Senator.

"I'm sorry, but we have our rules."

And with that, St. Peter escorted the Senator to the elevator and down he went, down to hell. The doors opened and he found himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance was a clubhouse and standing in front of it were all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him. Everyone appeared to be very happy and everyone wore evening dress. They ran to greet him, shake his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the people. They played a friendly game of golf and then dined on lobster, caviar and drank the finest champagne.

Also present was the Devil, who was a really friendly guy, and who had a good time dancing and telling jokes. They were all having such a good time that before he realized it, it was time to go. Everyone gave him a hearty farewell and waved while the elevator rose into the distance. The elevator went up, up, up and the door reopened in heaven where St. Peter was waiting for him.

"Now it's time to visit heaven."

Twenty four hours passed with the senator joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They had a good time and before he realized it, the twenty four hours was gone and St. Peter returned.

"Well, then, you've spent a day in Hell and another in Heaven. Now you have to choose your eternity."

The Senator reflected briefly, then answered: "Well, I would never have said it before, and I don’t want to offend you, I mean Heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better off in Hell."

So St. Peter escorted him to the elevator and back down, down, down to Hell he went. The doors of the elevator opened and the Senator found himself in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage. He saw all his friends, dressed in rags, arguing among themselves, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags as more garbage fell from above

The Devil eventually came over to him and put his arm around the Senator’s shoulders.

"I don't understand," stammered the Senator. "Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and a beautiful clubhouse. We ate lobster and caviar, drank champagne, and danced and had a great time. Now there's only a wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable. This is not what I wanted. What happened?"

The devil looked at him, smiled and said, "Yesterday we were campaigning which is a lot different than reality. You saw what you wanted to see and heard what you wanted to hear. Today you voted."

Karma bites back.