Hastert hiding behind power politics

The Daily Herald's article on the Hastert trial April 14 reported that the prosecutors admitted the "abuse allegations" but they agreed not to use Hastert's statement to authorities that he was being extorted/blackmailed to boost his potential sentence. The judge, however, said the blackmail story happened "less than a year ago" and he would consider that an aggravating factor at sentencing.

Having followed this story in the paper, we have learned that according to the defense attorneys, Hastert is sorry for his "transgressions" - code for sexual abuse of children - has "misrepresented" information - code for lying to the federal authorities - and called massaging the groin of a 14-year-old boy "ambiguous."

A different language for those with power to use to avoid the consequences of their behavior. Does anyone believe if they were so charged we would be treated like Hastert? I think we know the answer.

Part of Hastert's defense is his declining health, but I am sure he would receive excellent care in whatever federal prison he hopefully will be sent to.

If no prison time is the decision, we will again have another example of some of us being above the law.

William J. Filstead

Arlington Heights