Is the Santa Claus-dying kid story made-up b.s.?

Capturing the sentiment of the general public on social media.

 

The Knoxville Web site archives are tough to search because you can't include commas in your searches, but over the last six months, I couldn't find any obits for "age 5."

 

You're a mean one, Mr. Dick.

 

Ah, my bad. Thought you meant here, amongst us intellectuals.

Yeah I was thinking, this seems like a story that isn't going to get much scrutiny outside of this thread. People read a sweet story, share it on their tweets or whatever and move on, feeling like the world is a magical place.

 

Case in point: I just told my girfriend I thought the story might be fake.

Her response: "You're a monster."

 

For the record, I don't think the story is fake. I believe the reporter talked to country Kris Kringle.

But ol' Santy might be one of those rare birds who likes getting attention even if it will undoubtedly bite him in the ass.

 

Mrs. Whitman will play devil's advocate for about 30 seconds, sigh and turn away from me, indicating that she is not interested in countenancing this possibility. This little scenario plays out quite a bit in our parts. She knows she can't win.

 

I have no doubt that the reporter talked to this clown, who told him the story as reported.

 

Anyone verify yet whether he was an Army Ranger?

 

What a heartwarming tale it would be if he were one of those guys who guarded his local school with his uniform on after a major school shooting event.

 

I don't even believe this Santa believes it.