Even Dumber Than Getting in the Balloon Was Coming Out of the Box

Calling it now - this is going to be a nanny-state festival. News is already reporting that neighbors said dad "often put kids in harm's way" by doing things like taking them storm-chasing. Bad parents didn't keep kids locked in a padded yard with jello-filled bubble suits. I'm sure we'll find out that dad was prone to fits of temper and likes to drink beer on the weekends. Because dads like that are sooooo hard to find.

That kid just did more to put himself in harm's way than dad ever would have done for him.

Posted by Andy at October 15, 2009 3:51 PM

This family turns out to be nothing more than publicity whores gone wild...the reality TV stints, the kids' rap video, the 'storm chasing' efforts by dad (with family in tow)...

Posted by Uncle Jefe at October 15, 2009 4:23 PM

In my nonage in Savannah had I pulled this stunt I'd have been hiding in Nova Scotia or Oaxaca. Can't blame the kid.
And as a parent I must add: Gee, what could I put in my backyard, other than a f**king loaded gun, that would endanger my kids the most? Yes! A giant experimental balloon! I must get right on that.
Actually, in retrospect, my kids knew more about handling a loaded gun safely at six than they did a giant party balloon.

Posted by Velociman at October 15, 2009 4:24 PM

These kids want a surrogate Grandfather who'll show 'em all sorts of dangerous stuff I'm available. Loud noises late at night, neighbors trying to figure out where the hell that.....came from. Love a chance to relive my wasted youth with some real boys.

Posted by glenn at October 15, 2009 5:24 PM

Cute Kid. Gota love him.

Posted by Fat Man at October 15, 2009 7:10 PM

12 Monkeys moment!

Posted by Trimotor at October 15, 2009 9:44 PM

12 Monkeys moment!

My God...that is exactly what I thought this afternoon!

Posted by Mumblix Grumph at October 15, 2009 11:44 PM

There are so many unanswered questions.
Why was it designed to look like a flying saucer?
What gas was it filled with?
What is (or was) the lifting capacity of the balloon and was it sufficient to lift the weight of the boy?

Posted by ChiefTestPilot at October 16, 2009 4:02 AM

A corny hoax which any good cop worth his salt would have sussed out within ten minutes of arrival at the family home. Somebody should be sacked for failing to find the nipper in the loft. I doubt the Sheriff has the stomach to mount a prosecution for false reporting and wasting police time and resources. That would further expose the investigative incompetence of his officers. Policing seems to be all pseudo psychology and sociology these days. Diligence, common sense, a nose for horseshit and penetrating interrogation seem to have abandoned as prerequisites for holding the badge. Political correctness trumps gritty policing. Not to mention a routine written search procedure, with a second-check safeguard.

A godsend for 24 hour cable news channels though. And it even made it on to American Digest - a coup indeed. Heh, heh, heh.

Posted by Frank P at October 16, 2009 1:20 PM

Too small a volume for the balloon to lift more than a couple of yapping Chihuahas (which sounds like a splendid idea).

Posted by Roderick Reilly at October 16, 2009 1:23 PM