Hastert caught in 'tangled web'

Holy Cow. I don't know what's more shocking. Dennis Hastert's indictment, the fact he has the ability to pay millions in (unsuccessful) hush money or stupidly lying to the FBI about something that doesn't even seem to be a crime.

"Lobbying and consulting" must pay very, very well. Or perhaps the frumpy grandfatherly Mr. Hastert was also receiving a lot more than his base salary during all those years of service in Illinois and then Washington, D.C. How do these public servants get so rich on their salaries?

How could we have trusted someone to serve in public office all those years who, when confronted by the FBI, which was curious about the reason for his withdrawals - which weren't even illegal - said he did not trust the banking system?

If he had told the FBI the truth, they would have left him alone to deal with his blackmail and apparent moral problem.

Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.

Don Ruhter

Barrington