Ex-hostage files for bankruptcy | The Columbus Dispatch

How do you go bankrupt after winning 26 million, even after the lawyers cut? If they gave me that much, I'd put it in safe investments and turn into a tax-hating Republican.

Just another good example of some idiot with too much money and not enough intellect to manage it. This sort of thing ticks me off because in the end, it costs someone other than him...ridiculous!

If i had that kind of lump sum...I would buy a nice place someone warm and tropical and no one would every hear from me again..

There is a reason liberal journalists don't have money!

Very good businessman.

And it is anyone's business because...

Have to laugh wrote:

And it is anyone's business because...

agreed

liberal AND proud wrote:

How do you go bankrupt after winning 26 million, even after the lawyers cut? If they gave me that much, I'd put it in safe investments and turn into a tax-hating Republican.

Sad, and contrary to one of the jackass posts here, Im sure "lack of intellect" had nothing to do with it. People make emotional impulsive decisions. They have problems no one else knows about. And I'm sure it is one helluva lot easier to blow through $26 million than you might think. Bad investments. Bad decisions. Indulgences because you feel rich. And a whole lotta friends who want your money.

I remember all the news coverage when Terry was being held hostage and I remember the joy when Americans heard he had been released. I can't imagine the trauma he must have gone through during the time he was being held hostage so I'm really sad to see he made such poor judgments with the money he received. To venture out and start a business was ok but he didn't need as many as he got involved in and that haste to live high on the hog only sunk him into despair.

Terry ~ I'll keep you in my prayers with the hopes you can get back on your feet and make wiser decisions in the future. You have much to give to society so maybe it took falling on your face to make you realize how blessed you really are ~ at least you lived through something none of us have so enjoy each day and know you can make the most of the days ahead. God bless you and God bless America !! Keep your chin up :)

Have to laugh wrote:

And it is anyone's business because...

As a coldly practical matter, because bankruptcy filings are public records and "Former Hostage Blows Through $26 Million" is news.

Ohio Lawyer wrote:

<quoted text>
As a coldly practical matter, because bankruptcy filings are public records and "Former Hostage Blows Through $26 Million" is news.

Also, for those who file bankruptcy, the losses and costs are passed on to other consumers through higher fees, rates, etc.

Ohio Lawyer wrote:

<quoted text>
Sad, and contrary to one of the jackass posts here, Im sure "lack of intellect" had nothing to do with it. People make emotional impulsive decisions. They have problems no one else knows about. And I'm sure it is one helluva lot easier to blow through $26 million than you might think. Bad investments. Bad decisions. Indulgences because you feel rich. And a whole lotta friends who want your money.

And relatives you never knew you had!

Interesting. Curious to know how much it did cost him to get that settlement. I don't think it came cheap. I agree with the poster who mentioned problems we don't even know about. Good grief, I wouldn't even want to imagine the psychological horror he probably went through and then had to try to adapt back into life in the US as well as handle money and businesses.

Anony wrote:

Interesting. Curious to know how much it did cost him to get that settlement. I don't think it came cheap. I agree with the poster who mentioned problems we don't even know about. Good grief, I wouldn't even want to imagine the psychological horror he probably went through and then had to try to adapt back into life in the US as well as handle money and businesses.

Maybe as much as a third of it. Hard to say. Depends on the retainer agreement between him and his lawyer(s) and the facts.

Ohio Lawyer wrote:

<quoted text>
Sad, and contrary to one of the jackass posts here, Im sure "lack of intellect" had nothing to do with it. People make emotional impulsive decisions. They have problems no one else knows about. And I'm sure it is one helluva lot easier to blow through $26 million than you might think. Bad investments. Bad decisions. Indulgences because you feel rich. And a whole lotta friends who want your money.

A whola lotta friends just about says it all. Friends and family come out of the woodwork when they think you have something they want. I have a sister that is over 40 years old and still says "What did you bring me," when I visit her. I don't visit her too often!