How to Tell if You're Rich

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We Americans have no idea what it's like to live without water to drink much less bathe. We have all the modern conveniences and most reliable food source at least in quantity if not quality in the world. We drive cars that guzzle gasoline and fill the air with smog and complain about our sales taxes that average around 5% when other countries have 17% sales taxes or higher. We complain about income taxes that a pittance compared to other industrialized nations. We complain about big government taking over this or that but what would we have without our government? We would have to dig wells for water and hope it's not contaminated by chemicals or bacteria, we would have to all buy generators for electricity, we would have to burn our garbage or let it pile up somewhere or pay someone to let us dump it on their land. We would have to keep our money in a mattess or a jar because the banks wouldn't be protected by the FDIC and we would all be at the mercy of the doctors who may or may not have been trained properly. So get off your high horses about Government control and quit being scared to death of change. That's what the lack of education does - makes you afraid of progress.

Karen Oliver-Paull of SC 10:41AM March 25, 2010

You know you're rich if you have all you want and have some money left over. "He who is richest is not one who has the most - it's the one who needs the least"
You know you're rich by the real friends (not business associates) you have.
You know you're rich when you give time and money to others who are less fortunate.
The billionaire with no friends (Howard Hughes, John D. Rockefeller, etc.) were not rich. They died unhappy.
This article only discusses money, not being rich.

Bruce of KY 9:26PM August 27, 2009

Jm..
republicans believe people should work for what they get...not be given things....how does that translate into a ritzy lifestyle....being conservative(republican) only means you use what you earn...

et of TX 1:10PM August 14, 2009

Sometimes as you know it's easier to point fingers at someone than do something worthwhile to change or improve something. As the greatest nation on earth we have the ability to help our leaders help us to be a better nation. Republicans always say no to change because of thier ritzy lifestyle and power pleasures. The democrats look for ways to change things to improve the poor and middle class. Why not help our president succeed and help him succeed. His success will help our nations health and the world. It is sad and shameful that some people will do anything to stop success and improvement. Jealousy and corruption is the evil in many politicians. All those in recent scandals should give up all they have by force and be mandated to be servant to the public for life. Maybe the corruption in future politicians will cease. But we are asking too much aren't we. So that is why we need to prevail and pray for our leaders and Mr. Obama, he has a family as we all do. I pray that he is successful.

JM - El Paso, Texas of TX 12:39AM August 13, 2009

In My Opinion its best to be LUCKY than to be rich , but better to be RICH AND LUCKY.

Bill of FL 7:23PM July 28, 2009

We as a society bought into the idea that it is OK to farm out the best and the brightest to obestiy and early death and let the young people pay the bills. The human was made to work. The older people are supposed to provide their maturity to the work force.
I am still working at 72 and love it. I suggest those that were considering early retirement re-arrange their thinking and get used to be productive.

cato2 of MD 4:54PM July 17, 2009

WITH THE ECONOMY THE WAY IT IS, I CAN'T IMAGINE, RETIRING, I'M 58, BEEN SAVING, 401K, AND EXTRAS, BUT, I DON'T SEE IN THE NEAR FUTURE, ANY WAY FOR ME, TO RETIRE. ESPECIALLY AT AN EARLY AGE, 62 WAS MY ORIGINAL GOAL, NOW DEATH OR USPS CLOSING IS LOOKN LIKE REALITY.
SOME ELSE REMARKED ABOUT BEING BLESSED, WITH HEALTH, AND ABLE TO WORK, NO BIG BILLS, OR HOUSE PAYMENTS, NO NEW CAR PAYMENTS, I GUESS IN THE END RESULT OF THIS SUBJECT, I'M LUCKY. BUT , IN NO WAY, DO I SEE AN END, OR A WAY OUT. BUT, I'M ONE OF FEW THAT'S ENJOYED LIFE, WHILE, TIMES WERE GOOD. AND GLAD I DID.. GOD BLESS AMERICA...........

GLOW of FL 8:40AM July 12, 2009

Mike i could not agree with anymore! that take (comment) was like MJ last shot of the bulls in 98. i tell people all the time what you just said.

Irie Pacific of HI 12:02AM June 30, 2009

Although I know this article is in terms of riches from a "financial/economic" point of view, there are riches to be considered beyond money. Many individuals have been blessed with money and material wealth - but there are others who are "rich" through family, friends, etc. These "riches" don't pay the bills, but they often bring a level of happiness that eludes individuals whose only "wealth" is within the pocketbook and the acquisition of material goods.

lin of OH 11:36PM June 29, 2009