What to expect when the campaign is over (and what we forget, every time)

[DFW]

This is an updated version of an old tale, but no less true for all that:


While walking down the street one day a US senator 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 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
to hell. The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf
course. In the distance is a clubhouse and standing in front of it are all his
friends and other politicians who had worked with him.

Everyone is very happy and in evening dress. They run to greet him, shake his
hand, 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, caviar and champagne.

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 hearty farewell 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 senator 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, then, you've spent a day in hell and another in heaven. Now choose your
eternity."

The senator reflects for a minute, then he answers: "Well, I would never have
said it before, I mean heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better
off in hell."

So St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell.

Now the doors of the elevator open and he's 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 as more trash falls from above.

The devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulder. "I don't
understand," stammers the senator. "Yesterday I was here and there was a golf
course and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and caviar, drank champagne, and danced
and had a great time. Now there's just a wasteland full of garbage and my friends
look miserable. What happened?"

The devil looks at him, smiles and says, "Yesterday we were campaigning...today
you voted."
-------------------------------------

If McCain gets in, we know it'll be hell.
But if we get in, we had better be prepared
for the idea that we might not necessarily be
in heaven--not right away, in any case, and
maybe not at all.

[Voice for Peace]

1. That's a good version of the tale.

I don't expect politicians to bring about heaven. Heaven is an individual and internal experience which is independent of external changing circumstances.

[DFW]

2. At this point my expectations are low.

I'd just be happy to see some politicians bring an end to
the damage still being wrought every day by this lame excuse
for an administration, and heaven is for me just every one more
day that I and each member of my family is alive without any serious
illness or need. Other than that, it is just a convenient rhyme for
"seven" when writing songs (low expectations there, too).

[Voice for Peace]

3. Agree. And don't forget eleven, leaven, and you can go with

even, oven, woven, forgiven, and more!

My hope or expectation is that with outstanding leadership this ship
can steer around the iceberg and actually go somewhere.

Listening to Obama's town hall meeting from PA, it was nice to hear
him talking about wanting to be held accountable as president.
I believe him on this point.