I just saw an interesting story online. I’m not sure if this is interesting, stupid, bizarre or maybe all three. Or maybe “interesting but stupid” as the saying goes.

Now and then there’s a news story to remind us that few things are as simple as they may seem.

Donald Eugene Miller Jr. remained dead this week, even though he was feeling well enough to stand up in the Hancock County, Ohio, probate court and ask Judge Allan Davis to recognize what sounds pretty obvious: He’s alive.

Read or listen to the whole story on NPR, Judge: ‘You’re Still Deceased As Far As The Law Is Concerned’.

If the court is unable to rule that an obviously living person is still alive because he was declared dead years ago, several very interesting questions arise.

Can he collect Social Security and go on Medicare when he reaches the appropriate age?

Does he now pay Social Security and Medicare tax if he does work? Does he pay other taxes?

Will he be required to have health insurance under the ACA?

Of course if he was dead but is now alive, there are other questions.