Muammar Gaddafi’s net worth, biography, fact, career, awards and life story

What was Muammar Gaddafi’s net worth?Muammar Gaddafi was a Libyan dictator who had a net worth of at least $70 billion at the peak of his life. Muammar Gaddafi was the longest serving ruler of Libya since the Ottoman Empire, and the longest non-royal ruler still living at the time of his death. His forty-two-year reign has been the subject of much controversy and internal unrest. In February 2011, political unrest within the country boiled over into full-scale violence, largely perpetrated by the military against civilian protesters.Gaddafi was forced out of office and onto the run from rebel forces. Both the United States government and NATO encouraged Gaddafi to turn himself in and liberate his country from continued violence. On October 20th, 2011, after several months on the run, Muammar Gaddafi was captured by rebel forces and executed.? Compare Muammar Gaddafi’s Net WorthWealthAt a certain point in his life, it is believed that Muammar Gaddafi possessed a net worth of $70 billion. If true, this would have made him one of the wealthiest people on the planet.Evidence is now pointing to Gaddafi having a vast hidden fortune of assets in bank accounts, real estate and investments around the world. His personal control over Libya’s vast oil fields are believed to be the primary contributor to his wealth.It’s possible that Gaddafi was worth as much as $200 billion at the time of his death. This would have made him the richest person on the planet — by a long shot.Early LifeIt is believed that Gaddafi was born Muammar Muhammad Abu Minyar al-Gaddafi circa 1942 near Sirte, Italian Libya. He was born into a poor Bedouin family and he became an Arab nationalist while still attending school in Sabha. Later, he enrolled in the Royal Military Academy in Benghazi. While in the military, Gaddafi founded his own revolutionary group, a group which deposed the then Western-backed Senussi monarchy of Idris, which culminated in a coup that took place in 1969.Education/PoliticsGaddafi had a foundational education that was religious in nature and imparted by local Islamic educators.Gaddafi was a prolific scholar, progressing through six grades in just four years. In his school years, Gaddafi was often bullied and picked on due to his Bedouin roots. However, he remained proud of his heritage and unshakeable in his beliefs, inspiring pride in other Bedouin learners/children. Gaddafi was early friends with Abdessalam Jalloud, who would go on to become Prime Minister of Libya from 1972-1977.1969 CoupDuring the middle part of 1969, The Monarchy of Idris became vulnerable as Idris travelled abroad. Gaddafi and his Free Officers recognized this as a prime opportunity to overthrow this monarchy, which incited “Operation Jerusalem”.After removing the monarchical government, Gaddafi announced the foundation of a new Libyan Arab Republic.Economic Reform EffortsCrude oil was his country’s primary export at the time and Gaddafi was seeking ways to further enrich and improve Libya’s rich oil sector. His efforts led to a global increase in crude oil prices and measures he personally put in place ended up bringing Libya $1 billion in estimated additional oil revenues — just in the first year.Foreign RelationsGaddafi was vocal and especially critical of US support of Israel. He sided with Palestinians in Israeli–Palestinian conflicts and opposed the 1948 creation of the State of Israel, viewing this himself as Western colonial occupation influence that was forced upon the larger Arab world.Gaddafi believed that Palestinian violence that was performed against Israeli and Western targets was justified and the response of a deeply oppressed people fighting against colonization of the people’s sacred land.US ConflictsIn the early-to-mid 1980s there was a tremendously growing sense of economic trouble happening in Libya. The country’s annual oil revenues had dropped from $21 billion to $5.4 billion, and Gaddafi was dead set on focusing on irrigation projects that would counteract this deeply detrimental effect.In 1983 Libya commenced its largest (and most expensive) infrastructure project — the Great Man-Made River, which fell behind schedule and remained incomplete up to the start of the 21st century.In the early 80s, US President Ronald Reagan adopted a hardline approach when it came to Libya and claimed it to be a puppet regime of the Soviet Union, drawing on American fear of communism. As a response, Gaddafi played up his own relationship with the Soviet Union as well as threatened to join the Warsaw Pact. Soviets nevertheless were cautious of Gaddafi, many seeing him as an unpredictable extremist that being in cahoots with was undesirable at best. During the Spring season of 1986, the US Navy performed exercises and demonstrations located in the Gulf of Sirte. The Libyan military met this act with retaliation and the US responded by sinking several Libyan ships as a result.Gaddafi’s Link to AfricaWhen the 20th century came to an end; Gaddafi had grown increasingly frustrated from what he viewed as the failures of pan-Arab ideals. Gaddafi was beginning to reject his Arab nationalistic ideals and grew more and more in favor of pan-Africanism, which highlighted and celebrated Libya’s African identity.In June of 1999, Gaddafi would go on to visit Nelson Mandela in South Africa. The following month he attended the OAU summit which occurred in Algiers, where he called for stronger political (and economic) integration, further championing and advocating the establishment of a United States of Africa. At this point Gaddafi would become one of the founding members of the African Union (AU), which was established in July of 2002, replacing the OAU.DeathDuring the 2011 Arab Spring there were intense protests that occurred against what was believed to be widespread corruption, not to mention the fact that intense unemployment was running rampant throughout eastern Libya. Civil war came as a result. NATO saw it fit to intervene militarily, siding with the anti-Gaddafist NTC (National Transitional Council). As a result, the government in power was overthrown. In response, Gaddafi retreated to Sirte, where he would be captured and subsequently killed by NTC militants.
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Nelson Mandela’s net worth, biography, fact, career, awards and life story

What was Nelson Mandela’s Net Worth?Nelson Mandela was a South African political activist, anti-apartheid revolutionary, politician, and philanthropist who had a net worth of $1 million at the time of his death in December of 2013. Nelson Mandela served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999.? Compare Nelson Mandela’s Net WorthWealth DetailsThe majority of Mandela’s net worth came in the form of book royalties from his best selling autobiography, 1994’s “Long Walk to Freedom”. When his health was better, Nelson was also a semi-active public speaker. When he was President, Mandela slashed his salary and then on top of that still gave 1/3 of his pay to South African children’s charities.Towards the end of his life, Mandela’s family waged a fairly bitter war over his wealth. Nelson was married three times and had six children (only three of whom were still living at his death). Nelson placed the majority of his wealth into more than a dozen different trust funds that would simultaneously benefit his children and prevent them from further bickering. Because of these trusts, Nelson himself was not an extraordinarily wealthy man at the time of his death. A long time friend and lawyer named George Bizos declared in April 2013:”If anyone suggests he’s a multi-millionaire, they’re wrong. He’s not a rich man. He has a couple of trusts for his children and grandchildren. His earnings are technically nil, other than the goodwill of people inside and outside South Africa who helped with the education of the children. He has always insisted that money donated should be used for building schools and hospitals”. Early LifeNelson Rolihlahla Mandela was born on July 18th, 1918 in the town of Mvezo in Umtata, which was part of South Africa’s Cape Province. His middle name means “troublemaker” in his native Xhosa language. His paternal great grandfather was king of the Thembu people who lived in what is currently South Africa’s Eastern Cape Province. His father was a local chief and councilor to the monarch. He was a polygamist and had four wives, four sons, and eight daughters. Mandela’s mother was his third wife, and he grew up in the village of Qunu with his two sisters.When he was seven, his mother sent him to a nearby Methodist school, and it was there that he was given the English name of “Nelson.” His father passed away from what was thought to be lung disease when he was nine years old. After his father’s death, his mother sent him to live at a palace in Mqhekezweni, and he placed under the guardianship of a Chief and his wife. He became a devout Christian and attended another Methodist school.When he was fifteen, he began his secondary education at Clarkebury Methodist High School, which was one of the largest Western-styled institutions for Africans in the Eastern Cape Province. In 1939, he went to the University of Fort Hare to obtain a Bachelor of Arts degree, and he studied English, anthropology, politics, and native administration. He was active in the school community, taking up ballroom dancing, performing in the drama society’s productions, and teaching Bible studies. He was suspended from the university after participating in a boycott over the poor quality of food and did not return to finish his degree. Instead, he moved to Johannesburg and enrolled at the University of South Africa in order to finish his education. After earning his Bachelor of Arts degree, he decided to pursue a career in law.Legal Studies and Early ActivismMandela enrolled at University of the Witwatersrand to pursue his law degree, and as the only black student, he was a frequent target of racism. Around this time, he began to believe that South Africans should have the right to political self-determination. By 1948, he was actively supporting anti-apartheid measures through boycotts and strikes. His involvement in politics and activism distracted from his studies, and he did not receive a law degree. In 1950, he became president of the African National Congress (ANC) and was also elected president of the ANCYL. While he had previously been opposed to communism, his attraction to it grew after reading the literature of Karl Marx and Vladimir Lenin. In 1952, he got a job at the H.M. Basner law firm, and he along with other anti-apartheid activists started to prepare for their Defiance Campaign against Unjust Laws. The campaign was intended to follow a path of peaceful resistance and was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi. In the summer of 1952, he was arrested and convicted of statutory communism, which was a charge often brought against anti-apartheid figures. He received a sentence of nine months of hard labor, which was suspended for two years. The next year, he obtained his law degree and opened the nation’s only African-run law firm.Resistance and Treason TrialIn the beginning of 1955, Mandela realized that the path of peaceful resistance would not be successful in ending apartheid. With the collaboration of other African nationalist and anti-apartheid groups, he helped draw up a Freedom Charter, which demanded a democratically run, non-racialist government. In 1956, he was officially accused of high treason against the state, and his trial began in August of 1958. He and the other defendants successfully filed a motion to have the three judges presiding over the case replaced, and following their replacement, the charges were amended to accuse ANC leadership of treason by advocating for revolution. His treason trial was resolved in March of 1961 with a verdict of not guilty. Soon after, he organized with nationalist groups to engage in sabotage of key infrastructural elements in the country with the goal being to pressure the government, not to harm individuals.Prison to PresidencyIn August of 1952, Mandela was arrested and charged with inciting strikes and leaving the country without permission. He was found guilty and sentenced to five years in prison. In July of 1953, he and other activists were charged with sabotage and conspiracy to violently overthrow the government. They used the trial to highlight their cause, and Mandela gave his famous “I Am Prepared to Die” speech during the trial. The defendants were found guilty and sentenced to life in prison. Mandela spent eighteen years at a prison on Robben Island beginning in 1964. The conditions were initially very poor, and he was allowed few visitors. He was transferred to Pollsmoor Prison in Cape Town in 1982, and two years later he was offered to be released on the condition that he vow to never use violence as a political weapon. He refused the offer and was released in 1990 with no conditions. Mandela continued to fight to end apartheid, and although there was civil unrest resulting in casualties, he was elected President of South Africa in 1994 and successfully transitioned the nation away from apartheid minority rule and into a democracy.Personal LifeMandela retired from politics in 1999 but continued his philanthropic activities. He earned much of his wealth from the royalties from his 1994 autobiography “Long Walk to Freedom.” Hw was married three times. He married Evelyn Mase in 1944, and they had three children before divorcing in 1954. He then married Winnie Mandela in 1958, and they had two children and separated in 1999. His final marriage was to Graáa Mache in late 1998. Mandela died on December 5th, 2013. He is buried in Qunu in the Eastern Cape Province.
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Cindy McCain’s net worth, biography, fact, career, awards and life story

What is Cindy McCain’s Net Worth and Family Wealth?Cindy McCain is an American businesswoman and philanthropist who has a net worth of $400 million. This impressive number is largely the result of her family business, Hensley & Co.Cindy inherited majority ownership of the beer distribution company in 2000. She currently serves as the chairwoman. That being said, McCain is probably best known for being the widow of the long-serving senator and one-time Presidential candidate, John McCain.After becoming a special education teacher, she married John McCain in 1980. She then became closely involved with her husband’s political career, and today she has close ties with various charity organizations. In addition, Cindy is the mother of well-known talk show host Meghan McCain.? Compare Cindy McCain’s Net WorthHensley & Co. OwnershipIn 2000, McCain inherited majority control of Hensley & Co. and became chair of the company after her father passed away. The company rakes in more than $400 million per year in revenue and employs over 1,200 people. Hensley is also the third-largest Anheuser-Busch distributor in the United States and one of the largest privately-owned companies in Arizona.Early LifeCindy Lou Hensley was born on May 20th of 1954 in Phoenix, Arizona. Raised by Hensley & Co. founder James Hensley and Marguerite Hensley as an only child, Cindy grew up in an extremely affluent family. After graduating from high school, Cindy attended the University of Southern California, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in education by 1976. She then continued her studies and obtained a Master of Arts degree in special education by 1978. Although she was offered a role in the family business, she declined and spent a year working as a special education teacher in Avondale, Arizona.Marriage to John McCainOne year later, Hensley met John McCain at a military reception in Hawaii. Although John was already married, he soon ended his marriage and married Cindy in 1980. Hensley notably signed a prenuptial agreement that kept her own finances within her control, and the pair filed separate tax returns. Although John didn’t get any money from his new wife, he most certainly benefited from her connections as he worked his way up the political ladder. She then provided him with loans to fund his various campaigns.Substance AbuseIn 1989, Cindy became addicted to Percocet and Vicodin. She developed the opioid addiction after receiving spinal surgery. The stress she felt after the operation was compounded by the political scandals her husband was dealing with at the time. At one point, she was taking 20 pills per day, and her physician was writing illegal prescriptions for her. Her family later had to stage an intervention to help her get clean, and she was plagued with accusations of being a drug addict for many years – especially during her husband’s various campaigns.Real EstateIn 2018, it was reported that Cindy McCain had purchased a $2.8-million home in Phoenix, Arizona. Her new home spans 5,000 square feet and features five bedrooms, marble floors, and a large backyard.This was far from her first real estate investment in Phoenix, and she sold another home in the area about a decade prior. Back in 2008, she and her late husband sold a 14,500-square-foot mansion nearby for $3.2 million. This property sat on 2 acres of land.One year prior, the McCains moved into a condo in Phoenix. Initially, they purchased a $4.67-million condo in the 12-story, glass building in downtown Phoenix. Two years later, they purchased the downstairs unit for $830,000 and combined the two properties into one massive residence. Around that time, they also purchased a $700,000 loft for their daughter. Eventually, they put this Phoenix property back on the market for $730,000.In addition, the McCain family also owns a ranch in Cornville, Arizona. The property spans 15 acres and is worth about $1 million. The couple spent 20 years transforming the property and created a number of guest houses and cabins. After John’s passing, the family pledged to turn a strip of land on the property into a special area for local birds.Finally, the McCain family’s vast real estate portfolio also includes properties in California and Virginia – mostly condos scattered across the two states. One notable property lies in La Jolla, San Diego. The condo spans 1,429 square feet and it was eventually sold in 2017 for $1.3 million. Another two condos lie on beachfront property in Coronado, California. One of these condos was purchased for $2.6 million, while the other cost the McCains $2.1 million. Both were sold in 2014.Way back in 1993, Cindy appears to have purchased a 2,000-square-foot property in Arlington, Virginia through a trust for $375,000. In 2017, she cashed in and sold the condo for $1.2 million, collecting a substantial profit margin. Cindy McCain also sold her childhood home in Phoenix for $3.2 million in 2006.Financial DisclosuresThese real estate holdings were made public knowledge during John’s presidential campaign, when he was forced to disclose financial information. These disclosures revealed far more than just real estate investments. The couple also revealed that they owned 13 cars back in 2008. Cindy wears suits by Escada, a German fashion designer. These suits usually cost around $3,000 each.In addition, the disclosures revealed that the McCains had set aside investment funds for their children worth between $2.7 and $5.8 million. Charitable donations were also highlighted, including $500,000 to various private schools and $210,000 to the US Naval Academy Foundation. After John’s presidential campaign, $9 million in leftover funds were transferred back into the McCain Institute Foundation.
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Al Franken’s net worth, biography, fact, career, awards and life story

What is Al Franken’s Net Worth?Al Franken is an American comedian, actor, writer, and politician who has a net worth of $10 million. Franken started his career in the entertainment world in the 70s before transitioning toward politics in the 2000s. Al received seven Emmy nominations and three wins for his work on “Saturday Night Live.” He worked on the show from 1975 to 1980 and then again from 198 to 1995. Franken then left the show in 1995 after losing the “Weekend Update” hosting job to Norm Macdonald.He first became known for his political activism with “The Al Franken Show” before becoming elected to the United States Senate in 2008 in an extremely narrow victory against Republican incumbent Norm Coleman. However, his senatorial tenure would eventually end 10 years later amidst a sexual harassment controversy.After being forced to resign, Franken went back to radio and hosted the “Al Franken Show” on SiriusXM radio. In 2021, he embarked on a comedy tour, doing stand-up for the first time since entering the Senate back in 2008.? Compare Al Franken’s Net WorthEarly LifeAlan Stuart Franken was born on May 21st of 1951 in New York City. Raised by a printing salesman and a real estate agent in a Jewish household, Franken moved to Albert Lea, Minnesota at the age of four. The family then relocated again two years later, this time to St. Louis Park, Minnesota. After graduating from university, Al attended Harvard and majored in political science. He eventually graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts by 1973.Franken had exhibited a love for performing as early as high school, when he teamed up with Tom Davis for various comedy projects. The pair performed on stage together in Minneapolis, and their act mainly focused on political satire. After leaving university, the pair found themselves in Los Angeles, although they struggled to find success in those early years.Saturday Night LiveFranken and Tom were eventually hired as the two original writers for “Saturday Night Live,” which premiered in 1975. Occasionally, the pair would also perform on the show as well. Al’s first stint with “SNL” lasted for five years, and he later returned in 1985 for another 10-year stint. During this period, Al was nominated for an Emmy Award 15 times, winning five times for writing and producing. During this period, he became famous for portraying characters such as Stuart Smalley. Tom and Al also teamed up to write a number of scripts for movies like “One More Saturday Night.” The pair booked acting roles in a few movies as well, such as “All You Need Is Cash” and “Trading Places.”Franken’s first stint at “SNL” ended in controversy, as he mocked NBC’s president Fred Silverman and was subsequently booted off the show. However, he eventually returned in 1985, writing and performing for the show over the next 10 years before ultimately leaving in protest when he was replaced as “Weekend Update” anchor by Norm McDonald. Franken later admitted to using cocaine during his time as a comedy writer, although he quit when close friend John Belushi died of an overdose.Saturday Night Live SalaryAl and Tom were recruited as two of the original writers for a new comedy show debuting on NBC in 1975 called “Saturday Night Live”. In the first season, Tom and Al split a $350 weekly salary.Political CareerAfter leaving “SNL,” Franken published a number of well-received books and continued to write various scripts. He also booked a number of acting roles during this period. In 2004, he started to turn his attention towards more political topics when he started hosting the radio show “The Al Franken Show.” However, Franken had already established a reputation as a political activist before this time.In 2007, he left radio and ran for Senate. He eventually won a seat in an extremely narrow victory of just a handful of votes. During his time as Senator, Franken developed a reputation for being an extremely effective member of the democratic party, while he was also able to work effectively with Republicans and more right-leaning groups when needed.ControversyIn 2017, a woman named Leeann Tweeden claimed that Franken had kissed her without consent back in 2006. These allegations were widely circulated by right-leaning media groups. Photos from that period later showed Al Franken “miming” groping Tweeden’s breasts while she was asleep, although no physical contact was seen in the image. In his defense, Al claimed that he didn’t remember the incident but apologized anway.Over the next few days, a slew of additional women came forward with their own sexual harassment allegations against Franken, many of them claiming that they had been groped while posing for pictures with Al. The Senate Ethics Committee later launched an official investigation into Franken’s conduct, and several groups called for his resignation while additional allegations continued to surface. In the end, Al wasn’t even given the chance to tell his story before the Ethics Committee and was forced to resign.A few years passed, and it soon became clear that there were certain inconsistencies with many of the accusations made against him, including those made by Tweeden. A number of Senators who called for his resignation later expressed regret at their actions, admitting that he wasn’t given a chance to tell his side of the story. During this period, additional women were still coming forward with allegations against Franken.Financial ReportsAccording to Al’s federally released financial disclosures, he had a net worth of $6.2 million when he entered the Senate in 2009. During his decade in public office, Al’s net worth fluctuated between $5 and $9 million.
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