The old priest lay dying in the hospital. For years he had
faithfully served the people of the nation's capital. He
motioned for his nurse to come near.

"Yes, Father?" said the nurse.

"I would really like to see George W. Bush and Dick Cheney
before I die" whispered the priest.

"I'll see what I can do, Father" replied the nurse.
The nurse sent the request to the White House and waited for a
response. Soon the word arrived. Bush and Cheney would be
delighted to visit the priest.
As they went to the hospital, Bush commented to Cheney "I
don't know why the old priest wants to see us, but it will
certainly help our images."
Cheney couldn't help but agree.

When they arrived at the priest's room, the priest took Cheney's
hand in his right hand and Bush's hand in his left. There was
silence and a look of serenity on the priest's face.

Finally Vice President Cheney spoke. "Father, of all the people
you could have chosen, why did you choose us to be with you
as you near the end?"

The old priest slowly replied "I have always tried to pattern my
life after our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

"Amen" said Cheney
"Amen" said Bush

The old priest continued... "He died between two lying thieves.
I would like to do the same."