On the eve of execution, an assassin spoke.:
"Son, let me tell you something: everything is the opposite of what it seems. Them politicians, what they say they wantin' to defend is really what they wantin' to betray. People talkin' 'bout 'Country first' really puts it last. Things we doin' in name of saving the world is destroying the world. Only thing people really wantin' to save is their greed."
"But papa, I must save you."
"What for? I've already decided I'm a Christian."
"No man may call himself a Christian. That substitutes your judgment for God's. One can only say one hopes to be a Christian."
"I can call myself a goddam Christian if I want to!"
The Button Man's son sighed, his priestly robes raising and lowering upon his shoulders. "Father, you've killed on command your entire life. All is forgiven if one repents, but first you must admit what you are: a murderer and a criminal."
"Be careful how you talk to me, boy," seethed the Button Man.
"Why? Am I your savior?"
"Listen, kid. Some people is dead before they're born. There's no place for 'em in this world! You can preach all you want but there's no praying your way off the cross."
"Don't nail yourself to a cross and call yourself Jesus. That's beyond despicable. Harming yourself makes up for nothing and does no one any good."
"Look, don't lay the world on me, boy. I just did what I was told, no questions asked. You want to complicate everything with your questions, so be it. That you, not me. What do you want from me? I'm just a button man."
"Those are lies you tell yourself. You can't vote your way into heaven. That's the oldest lie going."
"Everyone lies, especially you priests. But see, only lies I believe is God's lies, so I'm good."
"Son, let me tell you something: everything is the opposite of what it seems. Them politicians, what they say they wantin' to defend is really what they wantin' to betray. People talkin' 'bout 'Country first' really puts it last. Things we doin' in name of saving the world is destroying the world. Only thing people really wantin' to save is their greed."
"But papa, I must save you."
"What for? I've already decided I'm a Christian."
"No man may call himself a Christian. That substitutes your judgment for God's. One can only say one hopes to be a Christian."
"I can call myself a goddam Christian if I want to!"
The Button Man's son sighed, his priestly robes raising and lowering upon his shoulders. "Father, you've killed on command your entire life. All is forgiven if one repents, but first you must admit what you are: a murderer and a criminal."
"Be careful how you talk to me, boy," seethed the Button Man.
"Why? Am I your savior?"
"Listen, kid. Some people is dead before they're born. There's no place for 'em in this world! You can preach all you want but there's no praying your way off the cross."
"Don't nail yourself to a cross and call yourself Jesus. That's beyond despicable. Harming yourself makes up for nothing and does no one any good."
"Look, don't lay the world on me, boy. I just did what I was told, no questions asked. You want to complicate everything with your questions, so be it. That you, not me. What do you want from me? I'm just a button man."
"Those are lies you tell yourself. You can't vote your way into heaven. That's the oldest lie going."
"Everyone lies, especially you priests. But see, only lies I believe is God's lies, so I'm good."
-----
When the Button Man arrived at the Pearly Gates, Saint Peter was on vacation, replaced by a flunky.
"What do mean he ain't here?" insisted a fuming Button Man.
"I mean exactly that. Saint Pete told me anyone shows up just send them straight to hell."
"That's a outrage! You can't do that just cause someone tells you to. Think, man, think!"
"What do you want from me? I'm just the Lever Man." Then he pushed the lever down.
