> An old country preacher had a teenage son, and it was getting time for
> the boy to give some thought to choosing a profession.
>
> Like many young men, the boy didn't really know what he wanted to do,
> and he didn't seem too concerned about it.
>
> One day, while the boy was away at school, his father decided to try
> an experiment. He went into the boy's room and placed on his study
> table four objects.
>
> A Bible.
> A silver dollar.
> A bottle of whisky.
> And a playboy magazine.
>
> "I'll just hide behind the door", the old preacher said to himself.
> "When he comes home from school this afternoon, "I'll see which object
> he picks up. If it's the bible, he's going to be a preacher like me
> and what a blessing that would be! If he picks up the dollar, he's
> going to be a business man, and that would be okay, t oo. But if he
> picks up the bottle, he's going to be a no-good drunkard, and Lord,
> what a shame that would be. And worst of all if he picks up that
> magazine he's going to be a skirt-chasing bum."
>
> The old man waited anxiously, and soon heard his son's footsteps as he
> entered the house whistling and headed for his room.
>
> The boy tossed his books on the bed, and as he turned to leave the
> room he spotted the objects on the table.
>
> With curiosity in his eye, he walked over to inspect them. Finally,
> he picked up the Bible and placed it under his arm. He picked up the
> silver dollar and dropped into his pocket. He uncorked the bottle and
> took a big drink while he
> admired this month's centerfold.
>
> "Lord have mercy" the old preacher disgustedly whispered. He's gonna
> run for Congress.