Forbes has obtained a copy of Buffett's March 5, 1982, letter to Rep. John Dingell, D-Mich., laying out the risks of derivatives to the nation that were, of course, largely ignored. In the letter Buffett modestly refers to his background, referencing his previous 25 years spent as a financial analyst, and 30 years "in various aspects of the investment business." He adds, "I currently have the sole responsibility for an equity portfolio that totals over $600 million." It sounds prosaic now: $600 million!
