As someone who works at a hedge fund, I take some offense to the comments about hedge funds and George Soros. I can think of no other private individual who has done more to promote democracy and clean government in places like Russia, Czechoslovakia, Georgia, Hungary, and South Africa. Likewise, prior to Gates’ and Buffet’s recent announcements, I can’t think of any living philanthropist who has given away a greater percentage of his fortune (ca $5bn at last count). As an industry hedge funds are publicity shy, which is too bad considering what a positive force they are in US philanthropy. Bottom line is, if you don’t like risk, stay away from risky assets like stocks, currencies, commodities, and real estate.
