Straight out of college and not terribly sharp, a young reportter lands
a choice assignment: to interview both the president of the United States
and the prime minister of Israel.
Heading to the White House, he is ushered into the Oval office.
Looking at the chief executive's desk, he asks what each of the phones is
for.
"This one," says the president, "is a direct line to the chairman of
the Soviet Union. The one next to it is a direct line to the prime
minister of Israel. And the one next to that is a direct line to God."
"God!" the reported gasps, scribbling furisouly, "Gee, how much does it
cost to call God?"
"Oh, about ten thousand dollars a minute," says the preisdent.
Completing the interview the reporter hops onto a plane and flies to
Tel Aviv. After being introduced to the prime minister, they sit down at
his desk. The reported ask what all of the phones are for.
"With this one," says the prime minister, "I can talk directly to the
president of the United States. And with this one, I can telephone the
president of Egypt."
"And the one next to it?" asks the reporter.
"It's a special line," the Prime Minister says. "With it I can talk
directly with God."
"And how much does it cost you," the reporter asks.
"A quarter"
"A quarter? But the president told me it costs him ten thousand dollars
a minute!."
"That's true," the prime minister replies, "But from here, it's a local
call."
