I knew when I told the story of Bob McLean, a local Santa mailman being disallowed to don the red drapery, I’d get a reaction. But I had no idea it would be this heavy.
Within a day of the story appearing in print and online, The Reporter received countless calls, emails and comments. The story has been picked up by national TV news, and Bob’s family members are sending it off to the Colbert Report and the Tonight Show.
All this feedback represents a common theme – frustration that in such a hard time for many people, a man would not be allowed to bring a little slice of happiness because he wasn’t wearing a regulation postal uniform.
And you know what, I agree.
First a little background, I’ve never been a huge Christmas guy. I grew up in a family that celebrated Christmas, but didn’t live it. So I’m not speaking from a “War on Christmas” point of view here. But, as a lot of people say, we need this.
Businesses are facing a difficult climate, and people have less money to spend on their kids this year. Bob speaks fondly of the wide-eyed look children give him when he passes by on the street. Why take that away?
Santa Claus and the United States Postal Service go way back. As depicted in the Christmas classic, “Miracle on 34th Street,” if it weren’t for the postal service, and the thousands of letters they brought to Judge Harper, there wouldn’t have been a Santa Claus at all.
Also, the Postal Service has always been a key cog in the Christmas crunch. How else would I get my annual present off to my parents at home in Oregon?
So, in response to all this feedback from postal carriers nationwide, and Bellevue residents who want to see Santa Bob, he went rogue. Tuesday night, KING TV caught up with Bob as he toured his Bellevue Way and Old Main route with his Santa hat and jacket on.
Many are now worried that this act of defiance will cost the 40+-year veteran of the Postal Service his job. But Bob says he’s not worried about it. He plans to wear the outfit again on Christmas Eve. The worst that could happen, he gets sent home early, a first for him on the day before Christmas.
Nat Levy can be reached at 425-453-4290.
