Andy Rooney Reviews The Forbes 400 List

(CBS)  We're always reading about the poor and the jobless, but every once in a while it's nice to read about people who have all the money they need. Or more than they need, really.

Every year Forbes Magazine comes out with a list of the 400 richest people in the United States. I notice my name isn't on it again this year.

Years ago Sam Walton of Walmart had $4.5 billion and he was the richest person in the U.S. but today the richest person is Bill Gates. Bill has $50 billion, even though he lost $7 billion in the recession recently. Then comes Warren Buffet at $40 billion and Lawrence Ellison with $27 billion. I don't know Lawrence Ellison personally - as a matter of fact, I never heard of Lawrence Ellison, before. Sam Walton's heirs are now 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th richest. They ought to pool their money so they could be number 1.

Whatever happened to the Rockefellers, anyway? They were richest when I was a kid.

I've often wondered at what point spending money no longer is any fun for a rich person.

If I buy a suit, a tank of gas or a quart of milk, I'm actually aware of how much I'm taking out of my pocket to give to someone else. I wonder if a billionaire is bothered by spending $250 for a suit when a suit in the next rack is only $90?

I have a comfortable amount of money now but there was a time in my life when I didn't so I know what having money is like and I know what not having enough is like. Having more money than I actually need makes me uneasy though. I'm uncomfortable having quite a bit when some people don't have enough.

Next year I plan to look at Forbes Magazine richest list just to make sure I'm not on it. I've got enough to worry about.
Written by Andy Rooney

[jaydee1963]

Andy, This is the funniest thing I've ever heard you say.
You've never heard of Lawrence Ellison???? Even God has heard of Lawrence Ellison.

[milo55]

Larry Ellison was selling database vapor ware back in the 70's (oracle) that almost landed him in prison. Today he should be working in a car wash rather than be on the Forbes richest list..

[milo55]

Andy, wrong thing to say 'Having more money than I actually need makes me uneasy though. I'm uncomfortable having quite a bit when some people don't have enough.'... the needy and not so needy but want free money will now hound you to death..

go ahead and retire.. its ok...

[keithcthomas]

Andy,
If you are true to what you say, that you are not happy about having so much and others have so little, I would be very happy for any help that you can give me and my family to get us on our feet. I'm a recently retired Soldier. I work but past deployments and lack of competitive pay has put us in a great financial bind. If you would get us on our feet I can manage it from there.