Soros, Hastert Spar Over Drug Charges
Billionaire George Soros, who contributes to numerous liberal and Democratic-leaning advocacy groups, is calling for a public apology from U.S. House of Representatives Speaker J. Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.), who recently implied that Soros receives money from drug cartels, The Hill reported Sept. 1.
In a Fox News interview with anchor Chris Wallace, Hastert said, "You know, I don't know where George Soros gets his money ... if it comes overseas or from drug groups or where it comes from."
Asked if he thought Soros got money from drug cartels, Hastert responded, "Well, that's what he's been for a number years -- George Soros has been for legalizing drugs in this country. So, I mean, he's got a lot of ancillary interests out there. I'm saying I don't know where groups -- could be people who support this type of thing. I'm saying we don't know."
"Your recent comments implying that I am receiving funds from drug cartels are not only untrue, but also deeply offensive. You do a discredit to yourself and to the dignity of your office by engaging in these dishonest smear tactics. You should be ashamed," Soros wrote in a letter to Hastert.
Soros further called on Hastert to prove his claims. "I must respectfully insist that you either substantiate these claims -- which you cannot do because they are false -- or publicly apologize for attempting to defame my character and damage my reputation," said Soros.
Soros gained his wealth from investments and currency speculation. He formed the Open Society Institute in 1993, which, among other causes, supports the legalization of marijuana.
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