Fools' gold

In its brilliance, gold blinds.

How else can you explain the bizarre episode unfolding before your dazzled eyes?

Dozens of locals vociferously attest that they were blinded by Kevin E. Mitchell, owner of CoiNuts in Coeur d'Alene. When he wasn't quoting scripture or, perhaps, making up his own biblical passages along the way, Mitchell was happily taking people's money on the promise that he would deliver gold, coins or other valuables just a bit further down the road, his alleged victims say.

Forgive our bluntness, but most people will research or investigate any sizable investment thoroughly before parting with their hard-earned bucks. Why would dozens of conscientious citizens hand over their valuables to a stranger in a coin shop for a check that bounces higher than a March Madness basketball or, worse still, fork over their life savings on the stranger's promise that they'd land the mother lode a month later?

We don't know the answer, but we wonder if some nuggets of poor judgment were fired in the forges of political fear. Conservative talk-show programs and websites are underwritten by bloodthirsty businesses rabidly encouraging citizens to stock up on gold because Doomsday is speeding toward the USA on Barack Hussein Obama's magic carpet. What, when anarchy ushers in the apocalypse, the smart investors will survive by eating and drinking gold?

Before you invest in anything significant, seek out expert advice. Our region has many qualified wealth managers and investment advisers; pick one who makes you comfortable. It might cost a little but save you a fortune.

One person we don't think all that gold has blinded is Kootenai County Prosecutor Barry McHugh. McHugh, ladies and gentlemen, didn't suddenly get stupid and spineless. As difficult as it can be for citizens to accept that the law, like the lord, sometimes works in strange and mysterious ways, it does. And sometimes it works its way through life's obstacle course excruciatingly slowly.

We suspect this is one of those times, that there are more lengthy paper trails to follow and a lot more going on behind the scenes than those of us in the peanut gallery can see or hear. We want justice, and we want it right now, but sometimes patience and professional pursuit are a prosecutor's best friends.

Give the good guys some time. Unlike some gold dealers, we think they'll deliver.