And the World’s Richest Person Is …
Well, it's not Bill Gates, but the Microsoft mastermind did come in second place in this year's countdown of Forbes' top 10 wealthiest people in the world. So who was No. 1? That would be Mexico's Carlos Slim, for the second year in a row.
Well, it’s not Bill Gates, but the Microsoft mastermind did come in second place in this year’s countdown of Forbes’ top 10 wealthiest people in the world. So who was No. 1? That would be Mexico’s Carlos Slim, for the second year in a row. –KA
Wait, before you go…Reuters:
1. Carlos Slim (Mexico) – $74 billion, telecommunications
Slim, 71, first showed a business talent as a 10-year-old selling drinks and snacks to his family. After studying engineering, he founded a real estate company and worked as a trader on the Mexican stock exchange. Cigar-smoking Slim is known for a “Midas touch” in acquiring struggling firms and turning them into cash cows.
His enormous wealth contrasts starkly with his frugal lifestyle. He has lived in the same house for about 40 years and drives an aging Mercedes Benz, although it is armored and trailed by bodyguards.
He has become involved in combating poverty, illiteracy and poor healthcare in Latin America and promotes sports projects for the poor, but has never voiced plans to give away large chunks of his wealth to charity.
If you're reading this, you probably already know that non-profit, independent journalism is under threat worldwide. Independent news sites are overshadowed by larger heavily funded mainstream media that inundate us with hype and noise that barely scratch the surface. We believe that our readers deserve to know the full story. Truthdig writers bravely dig beneath the headlines to give you thought-provoking, investigative reporting and analysis that tells you what’s really happening and who’s rolling up their sleeves to do something about it.
Like you, we believe a well-informed public that doesn’t have blind faith in the status quo can help change the world. Your contribution of as little as $5 monthly or $35 annually will make you a groundbreaking member and lays the foundation of our work.
Support Truthdig
Africa
We need to dispel the myth that billionaries are geniuses.
The Amazon founder says he plans to give grants this summer to scientists, activists and nonprofits working to protect earth.
According to a new Bloomberg analysis, the wealthiest 500 people gained $1.2 trillion this year, increasing their net worth by 25%.
It's not enough to tax away their wealth. Let’s get the über-rich off our airwaves, too.
Once oligarchs seize power, they dismantle outside controls to create a corrupt economy and finally a corrupt state. Tyranny follows.
Moderate Democrats like Biden are in denial that the sea change needed to reach goals can coexist with the status quo for the rich.
There are currently no responses to this article.
Be the first to respond.