Former Speaker Hastert Indicted

[Guest]

Former Speaker of U.S. House of Representatives Dennis Hastert Indicted - NBC News (http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/former-speaker-u-s-house-representatives-dennis-hastert-indicted-n366276?cid=sm_tw&hootPostID=909b3f2090f80b4515318c9e95dd4800)


The longest serving Republican Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert has been indicted on federal charges for paying hush money to an unidentified person, then lying to the FBI.

Hastert was reportedly paying someone $3.5 million dollars for, as of now, an unknown reason. This person was a long time acquaintance of Hastert's.

Hastert initially was withdrawing the amounts in $50,000 increments, but changed to $10,000 to avoid IRS scrutiny. This is where the lying to the FBI comes in.

Washington is reeling from this news and close acquaintances reportedly have said they were stunned. Hastert has been working as a lobbyist, but his name has been deleted from the firm's website. As in all cases, Hastert is innocent until proven otherwise.

[Guest]

Former Speaker of U.S. House of Representatives Dennis Hastert Indicted - NBC News (http://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/former-speaker-u-s-house-representatives-dennis-hastert-indicted-n366276?cid=sm_tw&hootPostID=909b3f2090f80b4515318c9e95dd4800)


The longest serving Republican Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert has been indicted on federal charges for paying hush money to an unidentified person, then lying to the FBI.

Hastert was reportedly paying someone $3.5 million dollars for, as of now, an unknown reason. This person was a long time acquaintance of Hastert's.

Hastert initially was withdrawing the amounts in $50,000 increments, but changed to $10,000 to avoid IRS scrutiny. This is where the lying to the FBI comes in.

Washington is reeling from this news and close acquaintances reportedly have said they were stunned. Hastert has been working as a lobbyist, but his name has been deleted from the firm's website. As in all cases, Hastert is innocent until proven otherwise.

Big night for you and your hero,.....see Rachel Maddow opened her show by taking us down memory lane to cover any and all Republican bad guys ending up with your story.

Never saw the good in slicing and dicing people in politics...they are people.

But, lets keep an open mind about the shell corporations that the Clintons have, still unexplained and have you read the Politico piece by Paula Jones.

Enjoy...this is your stuff !!!! Hell with the world if we have politicians to libel :)

[Guest]

Hastert indictment offers few clues about alleged misconduct - AOL.com (http://www.aol.com/article/2015/05/29/hastert-indictment-offers-few-clues-about-alleged-misconduct/21188563/?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl1%7Csec1_lnk3%26pLid%3D-64701874)


So many questions being asked today about Denny Hastert's indictment. Was he being extorted because of his position in government, when he was number two in line to be president, or was it something he was covering up from his days as teacher and coach? Because of Hastert's misconduct, he had agreed to pay $3.5 million to keep it quiet.

Hastert had already paid $1.7 million to this person A, who is identified only as someone living in the town where Hastert taught and a lifelong acquaintance. The problem arose when Hastert starting withdrawing the amount in increments of $10,000 to avoid IRS scrutiny and then lied to the FBI.

Hastert could face years in jail if found guilty of these charges.

[Guest]

This should get interesting. I know better now about making judgments before the facts come to light if they do.

[Guest]

OK it is news....another politian accused of wrong doing.....sigh.....what a surprise.

Just another red herring to get our eye(s) off the real issues of the day.

[Guest]

OK it is news....another politian accused of wrong doing.....sigh.....what a surprise.

Just another red herring to get our eye(s) off the real issues of the day.

Good point.

Republican or Democrat, we seem to take such great joy and elation into the character flaws of those who are in the opposite party from ours. As I mentioned last evening, Maddow spent the first 20/25 minutes on this story which is not even a story yet since nobody knows what actually happened.

As they said during the ongoing and seemingly endless scandals in the Clinton administration, lets sort the National Enquirer stuff out from what matters to the country.

Nobody should violate any law and needs to be punished when they do, and that does include BOTH parties.

[Guest]

Power corrupts and it is the reason we should not tolerate even the appearance of a conflict of interest, tax cheats campaign donations that amount to vote buying etc. irrespective of party affiliation. But even if we wanted to act could we? Corruption is becoming so rampant in our society that people just shrug their shoulders. The liberal media ignores stories like the Clinton Foundation, IRS, Benghazi but notice how Haster's Indictment made their headlines

[Guest]

Power corrupts and it is the reason we should not tolerate even the appearance of a conflict of interest, tax cheats campaign donations that amount to vote buying etc. irrespective of party affiliation. But even if we wanted to act could we? Corruption is becoming so rampant in our society that people just shrug their shoulders. The liberal media ignores stories like the Clinton Foundation, IRS, Benghazi but notice how Haster's Indictment made their headlines

In my opinion, the jury is still out on IRS and Benghazi, although the media and WH sort of ho hum it off.

The Clinton thing, time is huge. The time spent on Mitt Romneys money was exhausting, and he had no secret shell company,was not in a position to thus no appearance of selling influence.

There is so much there with the Clintons, starting with they are the complete definition of what the Democratic Party opposes. They are the definition of what they simply railed on during the last election.

Given the Clinton history of impeachment,scandal and rumors of scandal, I am in agreement with Paula Jones (I assume you remember her as one of Monica Lewinsky's predecessors who got a nice lump of money from the Clintons) who scoffs at the women's rights platform when she can speak to abuse, etc of women by Pres CLinton with the silent approval of his wife, Hillary.

Anyone who did have the money of the Clintons could not even sniff a chance at the nomination. Power , money and influence,supposedly the bane of the Democratic Party will head the ticket. Not sure if simple hypocrisy can define this

[Guest]

Hastert indictment offers few clues about alleged misconduct - AOL.com (http://www.aol.com/article/2015/05/29/hastert-indictment-offers-few-clues-about-alleged-misconduct/21188563/?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl1%7Csec1_lnk3%26pLid%3D-64701874)


So many questions being asked today about Denny Hastert's indictment. Was he being extorted because of his position in government, when he was number two in line to be president, or was it something he was covering up from his days as teacher and coach? Because of Hastert's misconduct, he had agreed to pay $3.5 million to keep it quiet.

Hastert had already paid $1.7 million to this person A, who is identified only as someone living in the town where Hastert taught and a lifelong acquaintance. The problem arose when Hastert starting withdrawing the amount in increments of $10,000 to avoid IRS scrutiny and then lied to the FBI.

Hastert could face years in jail if found guilty of these charges.
So many unanswered questions usually doesn't bode well for the accused. I've got a feeling this is going to get ugly.

[Guest]

So many unanswered questions usually doesn't bode well for the accused. I've got a feeling this is going to get ugly.

It appears so. Obviously nothing to do with his time in Washington, but as a teacher and coach, the possibilities are boundless.

Never like anyone to bear this, especially at his age, but you make decisions and then must live with them.

[Guest]

School District Says No One At Yorkville Reported Hastert For 'Misconduct' (http://talkingpointsmemo.com/dc/yorkville-school-district-hastert-statement?utm_content=buffer75852&utm_medium=social&utm_source=twitter.com&utm_campaign=buffer)


The school district where Dennis Hastert had been employed from 1965 until 1981 said today that no complaints had ever been filed against him. They went on to add that they only found out about the indictment yesterday (May 28) when it was released.

[Guest]

This sounds as though the former Speaker (who followed Newt) took lessons from Newt in sexual misconduct and has been paying hush money.

Newt had affairs while married and proved to America he was lower than pond scum.

It now looks as though Denny Hassert is just as low as Pond Scum Gingrich.

[Guest]

This sounds as though the former Speaker (who followed Newt) took lessons from Newt in sexual misconduct and has been paying hush money.

Newt had affairs while married and proved to America he was lower than pond scum.

It now looks as though Denny Hassert is just as low as Pond Scum Gingrich.

I'm sure the omission of Pond Scum Clinton was unintentional.

[Guest]

In my opinion, the jury is still out on IRS and Benghazi, although the media and WH sort of ho hum it off.

The Clinton thing, time is huge. The time spent on Mitt Romneys money was exhausting, and he had no secret shell company,was not in a position to thus no appearance of selling influence.

There is so much there with the Clintons, starting with they are the complete definition of what the Democratic Party opposes. They are the definition of what they simply railed on during the last election.

Given the Clinton history of impeachment,scandal and rumors of scandal, I am in agreement with Paula Jones (I assume you remember her as one of Monica Lewinsky's predecessors who got a nice lump of money from the Clintons) who scoffs at the women's rights platform when she can speak to abuse, etc of women by Pres CLinton with the silent approval of his wife, Hillary.

Anyone who did have the money of the Clintons could not even sniff a chance at the nomination. Power , money and influence,supposedly the bane of the Democratic Party will head the ticket. Not sure if simple hypocrisy can define this

Dear Guest: Lois Lerner was shown to have violated three criminal statutes 1) She helped to target only conservative organization thereby robbing them of equal protection and due process 2) She may have impeded the Treasury inspector general's investigation of the matter by giving misleading statements 3) she risked and may have exposed confidential taxpayer information by using her email address while conducting official business.

Eric Holder as AG would not investigate the IRS matter not only because he was partisan but because evidence came out that his own Justice attorneys were implicated in Lerner's targeting. Kimberley Strassel WJS.

Other news stories explain that Clinton's email as Secretary of State indicate she had early warning of trouble and another story stated both Obama and
Clinton knew one week prior to the attack that an attack was imminent. Obama apparently was more concerned by his reelection then the lives of Americans

The liberal media intentionally just yawn's but if America let's these abuses/scandals go unresolved and those responsible unaccountable then expect further abuses from our government. One wonders why there isn't more moral outrage being exhibited by American citizens

The Clinton Foundations activities are alarming because there are claims that they were selling America and dealing financially with our enemies.This warrants a thorough investigation but again the usual suspect will head fake and feint indignation that critics would damage this wonderful couple

Personal Best Regards:

[Guest]

This sounds as though the former Speaker (who followed Newt) took lessons from Newt in sexual misconduct and has been paying hush money.

Newt had affairs while married and proved to America he was lower than pond scum.

It now looks as though Denny Hassert is just as low as Pond Scum Gingrich.

They join Rep. Eric Massa (D) of NY, Rep Anthony Weiner (D) of NY, Rep David Wu (D) of OR, Rep Mark Souder (R) of IN, and Rep Vince McCallister (R-LA) in this club since the turn of the century.

Wonder how many were not caught...power does act funny on some, although Hastert goes way back before power time.

This stuff has no political bias, does it ?

[Guest]

They join Rep. Eric Massa (D) of NY, Rep Anthony Weiner (D) of NY, Rep David Wu (D) of OR, Rep Mark Souder (R) of IN, and Rep Vince McCallister (R-LA) in this club since the turn of the century.

Wonder how many were not caught...power does act funny on some, although Hastert goes way back before power time.

This stuff has no political bias, does it ?


This sounds like all the more reason why women should be running things. When was the last time a woman was involved in a sex scandal of this sort?

[Guest]

This sounds like all the more reason why women should be running things. When was the last time a woman was involved in a sex scandal of this sort?

Well, "all the more reason" does not apply. I find NO reason to elect a woman BECAUSE SHE IS A WOMAN.

Unlike you, obviously, I have concern for my country thus looking for leadership and ability to work with others and putting the country first.

On those scores, one I do not know well and the second lacks leadership and certainly does not put the country first. I am assuming she can work with others until shown otherwise.

You favorite candidate comes with more baggage, which includes her husband and his couple sex scandals, unexplained finances, and...well....the rest are mostly my opinion.

Bottom line is Ms Clinton should stay clear of any sex scandal talk

[Guest]

Well, "all the more reason" does not apply. I find NO reason to elect a woman BECAUSE SHE IS A WOMAN.

Unlike you, obviously, I have concern for my country thus looking for leadership and ability to work with others and putting the country first.

On those scores, one I do not know well and the second lacks leadership and certainly does not put the country first. I am assuming she can work with others until shown otherwise.

You favorite candidate comes with more baggage, which includes her husband and his couple sex scandals, unexplained finances, and...well....the rest are mostly my opinion.

Bottom line is Ms Clinton should stay clear of any sex scandal talk

A humorous thought.

Do you think Ms Clinton would be put off her game a bit if she walked out to a visit and saw Paula Jones, Gennifer Flowers and Monica Lewinsky's all sitting in the front row ?

It is meant to smile at, and not a personal attack. Those 3 are proven scandals thus not just stone throwing. Talk about political dirty tricks, huh ? Of course you could add Kathern Wiley and a few of the others.

[Guest]

A humorous thought.

Do you think Ms Clinton would be put off her game a bit if she walked out to a visit and saw Paula Jones, Gennifer Flowers and Monica Lewinsky's all sitting in the front row ?

It is meant to smile at, and not a personal attack. Those 3 are proven scandals thus not just stone throwing. Talk about political dirty tricks, huh ? Of course you could add Kathern Wiley and a few of the others.


And this has exactly what to do with Speaker Hastert's indiscretion? But thanks for playing.

[Guest]

And this has exactly what to do with Speaker Hastert's indiscretion? But thanks for playing.

Absolutely not one thing. I suppose post 12 took us off track but nothing at all.

Oh, you have news on Hastert's "inscription" BEFORE in politics. Like I said as soon as they started after Gingrich as if Hastert did something in office, it went to another subject.

Hey....this is neat...stick around and act as monitor. We oft times get off thread subject......anytime we talk about ISIS, it gets switched so we could use your help in maintaining order.

Not sure what "thanks for playing" means....famaliar term from on here, and if that means you are with the crony crew....well, then I understand the playing comment !!!

But you got us.....please keep an eye.

[Guest]

Absolutely not one thing. I suppose post 12 took us off track but nothing at all.

Oh, you have news on Hastert's "inscription" BEFORE in politics. Like I said as soon as they started after Gingrich as if Hastert did something in office, it went to another subject.

Hey....this is neat...stick around and act as monitor. We oft times get off thread subject......anytime we talk about ISIS, it gets switched so we could use your help in maintaining order.

Not sure what "thanks for playing" means....famaliar term from on here, and if that means you are with the crony crew....well, then I understand the playing comment !!!

But you got us.....please keep an eyey.

Again, the "Less Than Gang Of Six" old grumpy man appears to give his worthless comment. Please realize that here and on Topi-, we do not wish to hear from you.

[Guest]

Again, the "Less Than Gang Of Six" old grumpy man appears to give his worthless comment. Please realize that here and on Topi-, we do not wish to hear from you.

You are mistaken - many of us do wish to hear.

[Guest]

Is it just me, or is everyone who posts in this thread showing up as "Guest"? What's up with that?

[Guest]

Again, the "Less Than Gang Of Six" old grumpy man appears to give his worthless comment. Please realize that here and on Topi-, we do not wish to hear from you.

An incorrect assessment?

[Guest]

How surprising can the news be. He lived with his chief of staff while in D.C. That is so odd.

[Guest]

Dear Guest: Lois Lerner was shown to have violated three criminal statutes 1) She helped to target only conservative organization thereby robbing them of equal protection and due process 2) She may have impeded the Treasury inspector general's investigation of the matter by giving misleading statements 3) she risked and may have exposed confidential taxpayer information by using her email address while conducting official business.

Eric Holder as AG would not investigate the IRS matter not only because he was partisan but because evidence came out that his own Justice attorneys were implicated in Lerner's targeting. Kimberley Strassel WJS.

Other news stories explain that Clinton's email as Secretary of State indicate she had early warning of trouble and another story stated both Obama and
Clinton knew one week prior to the attack that an attack was imminent. Obama apparently was more concerned by his reelection then the lives of Americans

The liberal media intentionally just yawn's but if America let's these abuses/scandals go unresolved and those responsible unaccountable then expect further abuses from our government. One wonders why there isn't more moral outrage being exhibited by American citizens

The Clinton Foundations activities are alarming because there are claims that they were selling America and dealing financially with our enemies.This warrants a thorough investigation but again the usual suspect will head fake and feint indignation that critics would damage this wonderful couple

Personal Best Regards:

This one made me chuckle!!!!!

[Guest]

Dear Guest: Lois Lerner was shown to have violated three criminal statutes 1) She helped to target only conservative organization thereby robbing them of equal protection and due process 2) She may have impeded the Treasury inspector general's investigation of the matter by giving misleading statements 3) she risked and may have exposed confidential taxpayer information by using her email address while conducting official business. :faint::ohdear:

Eric Holder as AG would not investigate the IRS matter not only because he was partisan but because evidence came out that his own Justice attorneys were implicated in Lerner's targeting. Kimberley Strassel WJS.

Other news stories explain that Clinton's email as Secretary of State indicate she had early warning of trouble and another story stated both Obama and
Clinton knew one week prior to the attack that an attack was imminent. Obama apparently was more concerned by his reelection then the lives of Americans:popcorn:

The liberal media intentionally just yawn's but if America let's these abuses/scandals go unresolved and those responsible unaccountable then expect further abuses from our government. One wonders why there isn't more moral outrage being exhibited by American citizens:clap2:

The Clinton Foundations activities are alarming because there are claims that they were selling America and dealing financially with our enemies.This warrants a thorough investigation but again the usual suspect will head fake and feint indignation that critics would damage this wonderful couple :blahblahblah::blahblahblah::blahblahblah::blahbla hblah::blahblahblah:

Personal Best Regards:

This one really made me yawn.

[Guest]

It's amazing how stupid Hastert is. Any applicable statutes, either criminal or civil, have expired since the alleged incident happened about 30 years ago. Dummy Denny should have hired Bill Cosby for an advisor. Just deny everything and don't pay anybody a cent. Especially if this is an isolated incident. Who is more believable, Hastert or some 50ish ex student from a small town?

Why he would agree to $3.5 million is unbelievable! Then, instead of writing checks or just making electronic money transfers, he pays the guy in cash!

What an idiot!

[Guest]

It's amazing how stupid Hastert is. Any applicable statutes, either criminal or civil, have expired since the alleged incident happened about 30 years ago. Dummy Denny should have hired Bill Cosby for an advisor. Just deny everything and don't pay anybody a cent. Especially if this is an isolated incident. Who is more believable, Hastert or some 50ish ex student from a small town?

Why he would agree to $3.5 million is unbelievable! Then, instead of writing checks or just making electronic money transfers, he pays the guy in cash!

What an idiot!

I think its funny that controls put in place by the Patriot Act ensnared him, he pushed that act through while speaker. Fitting!!!

[Guest]

This forum amuses me at times. Reps and Dems pointing fingers at each other and missing the points altogether. How does a former school teacher elected to serve the people come up with enough money to pay 3.5 million dollars in extortion. That is what the discussion should be about. In my opinion.

[Guest]

This forum amuses me at times. Reps and Dems pointing fingers at each other and missing the points altogether. How does a former school teacher elected to serve the people come up with enough money to pay 3.5 million dollars in extortion. That is what the discussion should be about. In my opinion.

This was the first thing I said to my family, who live in IL, when I heard the news.

[Guest]

This forum amuses me at times. Reps and Dems pointing fingers at each other and missing the points altogether. How does a former school teacher elected to serve the people come up with enough money to pay 3.5 million dollars in extortion. That is what the discussion should be about. In my opinion.

Why ? Everyone knows, or should know that he made a ton, a BIG ton of money after leaving office as a lobbyist, as many politicians do. He made a lot of money.

The thread itself was only intended to throw mud, thus any change would have been welcome.

It has absolutely not one thing to do wit our current world or politics, except maybe a discussion on the lobbyist trade.

He was very comfortable, and made some money in real estate as well, but the biggest chunk was as a lobbyist.

So you sort of distort the facts when you refer to him as an ex teacher.

[Guest]

Since you sort of "softly insulted" this forum 😀 I did just a quick check.

He lobbied....his firm collected 8 million from one company he worked for; he had a seat on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, and got paid for the occasional speech.

He was well off, and despite what you think of this forum, although happy it amuses you, if he were just an ex teacher, that flag would have been waving strongly.

[Guest]

This forum amuses me at times. Reps and Dems pointing fingers at each other and missing the points altogether. How does a former school teacher elected to serve the people come up with enough money to pay 3.5 million dollars in extortion. That is what the discussion should be about. In my opinion.


Today on Meet The Press, Chuck Todd said Hastert was worth half a million dollars when he was in congress. Today he is worth 12 million.

Of course he will soon be worth a lot less since he lost his lobbying job and had to resign the board of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, plus all the legal fees he will conceivably have to pay.

It is the hypocrisy of these people that is jaw dropping. Newt Gingrich resigns in disgrace, Bob Livingston (R-LA) the replacement for Gingrich can't even step into the job because of marital infidelity with a co-worker, and now we find out that Speaker Hastert, the one selected for his squeaky clean reputation, was not so squeaky clean after all.

Meanwhile, Bill Clinton leaves office with an approval rating in the high 60%, the same Bill Clinton they impeached.

[Guest]

Today on Meet The Press, Chuck Todd said Hastert was worth half a million dollars when he was in congress. Today he is worth 12 million.

Of course he will soon be worth a lot less since he lost his lobbying job and had to resign the board of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, plus all the legal fees he will conceivably have to pay.

It is the hypocrisy of these people that is jaw dropping. Newt Gingrich resigns in disgrace, Bob Livingston (R-LA) the replacement for Gingrich can't even step into the job because of marital infidelity with a co-worker, and now we find out that Speaker Hastert, the one selected for his squeaky clean reputation, was not so squeaky clean after all.

Meanwhile, Bill Clinton leaves office with an approval rating in the high 60%, the same Bill Clinton they impeached.

Is this intended to be a defense of Pres Clinton ? Is this to suggest lack of hypocrisy with Pres Clinton ?

I ask only because as seems to be the norm, you speak of ONLY one political party implying something you know not to be true.

Dis associating Pres Clinton from personal hypocrisy, if that is your goal is beyond hopeless.