It was a weird coincidence… but then, I’m a little more informed about politics now, so I wouldn’t be surprised to find out it was intentional.

Democratic presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich recently spoke publicly about his skepticism over President George W. Bush’s sanity—literally. Said Congressman Kucinich:

I seriously believe we have to start asking questions about his mental health… There’s something wrong. He does not seem to understand his words have real impact.

Then, at the debate yesterday, Chris Matthews went to town after asking Kucinich to confirm that he (Kucinich) had once seen a UFO. It was as if “Hardball” Matthews couldn’t get enough laughs out of popping the UFO question on other candidates too—do you believe in UFOs? Is there a government conspiracy (haha)?

First of all, it was one of those questions that really doesn’t help in a debate—sure, it might be interesting to know what a candidate thinks, but it was about as useful as Adam Curry asking if Ron Paul is a “folder” or a “scruncher”… irrelevant and irreverant.

Second, it was clear from the context that Dennis was just being honest—he saw something in the sky, and couldn’t identify it, hence it is an Unidentified Flying Object (UFO). He marveled at the sight of it, and felt some kind of awe. This is a reaction I would expect from any open-minded individual at the sight of something mysterious.

But the spin on the incident was out of this world—almost as if it was an intentional jab meant to cripple Kucinich’s earlier claim that President Bush may literally be insane. Who wants to believe our president is crazy on the word of some crazy guy, right?

If it’s any consolation, Dennis, you’re not alone.

UPDATE: Our favorite government news source, Fox News reports Dennis Kucinich’s UFO Comments Prove He’s Nuts.

… has an interesting and informative article from Ambrose Evans-Pritchard, The Sky Has Already Fallen. Well worth the read if you would like to know why the “bears” (such as myself) believe the market fundamentals aren’t that great, and why we will likely be entering a recession (or worse).

Andrew Sullivan recently posted an email message that gives voice to precisely what I’ve been feeling in the past year or more. I think many of us are feeling the same way, and if so, this is a profound moment in history. We are on the verge of a “new way”, possibly forged by the likes of Ron Paul and Barack Obama.

What’s interesting to me is that I tend to agree with the author of the email, but from the other side—I’m a Ron Paul supporter thinking that Obama might not be so bad when compared with Hillary or Giuliani. Maybe the void in our current spectrum will be filled by a coalition.

Read Toward a New Conservatism.

And I believe the dollar’s loss is a big part of the reason we’re seeing the highest ever price in gold and oil.

Also, CNN is reporting a “brutal sell-off on Wall Street“. One news source indicated the loss may be on rumors that other SIV (structured investment vehicles) may be collapsing.

Here’s a humorous British comedy on what an SIV is if you’re new to the term (like me).

I’ve been awed by the number of positive news stories related to Ron Paul’s presidential bid, now that he has reported raising $5.1 million in the 3rd quarter of the year. Check out some of these quotes:

The surprisingly strong performance by Paul, an obstetrician-gynecologist from the Houston area, more than doubled his $2.3 million haul in the second quarter and reinforced the grass-roots strength of his large online fan base.

Paul has been a formidable presence in Republican presidential debates, challenging top rivals like former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Arizona Sen. John McCain and strongly condemning the Iraq war.
(Reuters)

Paul has raised more than $8 million so far this year.

“Here’s a guy nobody is paying attention to and he’s raising real money,” said a stunned Tony Fabrizio, a Republican strategist unaffiliated in the presidential contest.
(Associated Press)

Another Paul constituency, interestingly enough, comes from the military. A study by the Center for Responsive Politics found Paul received more campaign cash from members of the military than any other Republican presidential candidate.

The study, of contributions of $200 and more during the first two quarters, shows that Paul has raised three times as much from members of the military as what’s been raised by GOP fundraising frontrunner Romney, and four times what Giuliani garnered.
(ABC News, Video Here)

Paul, who has $5.3 million cash on hand, now has his sights set even higher.

The campaign has set a goal of getting $12 million in contributions for the fourth quarter.

Fundraising in the third quarter slowed for most candidates other than Democratic front-runner Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (N.Y.), but in terms of growth, nobody was as successful as Paul.
(The Hill)

And, on a personal note, I just want you all to know that in a kind nod to me and the good name of Ron Paul, my sister-in-law, Leah, donated before the end of the quarter to give the campaign part of its boost. As far as I know, this is (like us) the first time she’s ever donated to a political campaign. You rock, Leah!