Washington D.C. Visitors to the nation's capitol were treated to an unusual sight Wednesday morning as an airborne sleigh powered by eight tiny reindeer and piloted by a short bearded fat man in a red suit landed on the roof the Capitol building.
Later it was learned that Santa Claus had flown his private sleigh to Washington to testify before Congress and request financial assistance to avert what he termed, "The bankruptcy of Christmas." A Not-so-jolly Old Saint Nick presented a dismal business plan for the 2008 event, and indicated that this year might be the last that his North Pole based corporation could continue the tradition of flying around the world on Christmas Eve delivering toys to all the good little girls and boys.
Among the challenges that threaten the centuries long practice, Mr. Claus specifically mentioned higher costs required to feed his reindeer, who prefer corn, reminding Congress of the price impact that their failed Ethanol subsidies had caused. He also testified that his labor costs were spiraling out of control, due in large part to increasingly expensive demands made by the Elves Union.
Meanwhile at the White House, President George W. Bush reiterated his belief in Santa Claus, promising his full support for any legislation to "save Christmas" and encouraging Congress to pass such legislation prior to the January inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama, who according to the President, "is not allowed to believe in Santa Claus because of his religion."
