Everyone knew the Kerry family was rich. How rich is finally coming into focus:

Heinz Kerry's investments, worth an estimated $500 million in 1995, have grown over the last nine years to $1 billion or more, even accounting for large living expenses and charitable contributions, according to an analysis of Securities and Exchange Commission filings, Senate financial disclosure reports, probate documents and other public records.

I don't have a problem with prosperity or wealth as long as it doesn't subvert justice. This article does make issues like this one look extremely silly. The Kerry to Bush ratio is somewhere between 130:1 and 246:1.

I did find these two paragraphs slightly amusing:

Since key details of Heinz Kerry's investments are not in the public record, a precise valuation is not possible. The Times analysis produced estimates as low as $900 million and as high as $3.2 billion.

Three senior executives at investment firms that handle accounts for wealthy clients reviewed The Times' study and said the $1-billion valuation was a fair and conservative estimate.

Does anyone else agree that the liberal estimate would be a more fitting one to use?

(Hat-tip to Rick)