Statement on the Retirement of Warren Buffett

After over 60 years of historically successful investment, Warren Buffett will pass the baton to his successor on January 1. Now that he has more free time, he can re-enter his longtime cause, which is non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. Existing nuclear arms treaties with Russia are either being suspended or ignored, or, in the case of the START treaty, ending next year. Mr. Buffett can play an influential role using his past experience and his passion for world peace. He can also speak out on one of his favorite themes, which is that the super-rich, like himself, are under-taxed. Also, in his latest annual report — all of which would make an instructive book — he reported an astounding fact: his company, Berkshire Hathaway, paid 5% of all corporate income taxes in the United States. That shows how tax avoidance and tax evasion have eroded the corporate tax base for our economy. Save, preserve, and extend the nuclear arms control treaties whose absence threatens the world, Mr. Buffett. Our country needs you. Thank you.

– Ralph Nader