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Michael Dell is still getting by

What a relief to see that Michael Dell is still worth $14.5 billion, No. 13 on the Forbes list of wealthiest Americans.

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Posted by Doug Clark on Monday, October 12, 2009 at 8:24 am

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SueP

October 12, 2009 - 6:24 pm EDT

Although I'm very unhappy with Dell's plant closing and the negative impact it will have on this region and the people who live here, two things: (1) the recession hit and Microsoft Vista caused a lot of people to stop buying computers (and desktops, made in our local plant, were the worst hit) and (2) Mr. Dell may be incredibly wealthy, but he he built a business AND he's a significant philanthropist. He's not an evil guy (just because he's rich) and hardly deserves the snark.

Doug

October 12, 2009 - 9:41 pm EDT

I might spare Michael Dell the snarky comment if he'd shown up in Winston last week, met with local leaders, workers and the media and said, "Sorry it didn't work out, folks. I personally guarantee we'll meet all our obligations."

He was happy to grab the applause five years ago. It would have been decent for him to return now.

On a more philosophical point, I suppose it's possible to be charitable while retaining a personal fortune of $14 billion but that wouldn't make him generous.