further proof that being rich doesn't mean you're smart

Evidence is overwhelming that amassing riches (or better yet, being born rich) does not automatically confer common sense. George W. "born on third base and thinks he hit a triple" Bush and Paris Hilton are classic examples of that.

But the latest example is New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine (D), who is worth maybe $71 million. Corzine is now in intensive care after an accident in his official SUV (hiss). Seems the governor wasn't wearing his seat belt. That violated New Jersey regulations for government vehicles, but really who can blame a state trooper for not forcing his boss to belt up?

But Corzine -- and all the rest of us -- should be smart enough to wear those damned seat belts without being told. It isn't the $46 New Jersey fine to fear, but rather the damage from being tossed around during an accident.