He should have
just kept his mouth shut
43.7%
He should have
contacted Haggard and given him a chance to come clean
8%
He should have
talked to members of Haggard's church
2%
He should have
waited until after the election to eliminate the
appearance of a political agenda
2.9%
He should have
done what he did, which is go to the press
43.4%
Total Votes: 5369
Comments:
These comments are reproduced as written by visitors to this Web site. They have not been edited for content, grammar, or spelling. The viewpoints appearing here are those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or views of advocate.com, The Advocate, or its affiliates.
Anonymous
We all come out at different times and sometimes unintentionally hurt others in the process (e.g., spouse and children). Nevertheless, Mr. Haggard is responsible for his own behavior and the painful ramifications experienced by his family because of the choices he made.
Mr. Haggard has the right to oppose same-sex marriage even if he is gay. But, if he speaks in public about his beliefs then he implicitly makes his beliefs available for discussion. Mr. Haggard frequently disclosed his beliefs in public so it is fair that another person would 'call him' on the contradiction between his words and his actions.
Mr. Haggard could have avoided this tragedy by (1) not PUBLICLY discussing his beliefs, or by (2) being openly gay.
Finally, his 'political' career may be over, but I doubt that his religious career is. He can market himself as a person helped by God to overcome drug and sexual vices.
To husbands together in Love 30 years
Heterosexists - especially queer heterosexists - never give self-accepting queers a chance to reveal themselves honestly so why would any honest person give a hypocrite that slack? This outing was handled honestly and simply, and ultimately a kind gesture to all.
Johnboy
Traitors and collaborators deserve the severest of punishment. Unfortunately for us, he will come out of his year of treatment and still be one of the Village People.
JL Paul
God, Country and the corps! He had an obligation to God to do as he did; he had an obligation to the US and Colorado to do as he did, and he had an obligation to his gay brothers and lesbian sisters to do as he did. Well done!
JL Paul
God, Country and the corps! He had an obligation to God to do as he did; he had an obligation to the US and Colorado to do as he did, and he had an obligation to his gay brothers and lesbian sisters to do as he did. Well done!
Paul in Dallas, Texas
Haggard is exactly the kind of person who deserves to be outed, so I completely support Mike Jones' decision to go to the media. Haggard was a leader against gay people being treated fairly -- hell, humanely -- and rich merited being pulled down in the full glare of the media.
Jonpaul
That guy should not of outed anyone, no matter of who they are. Mike Jones is a waste of space who took the easy road to try to make him famous. What's his point?
Anonymous
He did a very brave thing to stand up and speak out
Troy Marino
Like Jimmy Swaggart, Jim Bakker and other hypocrite evangelists before him, he needed to be exposed as the hypocrite that he is. But hey, isn't that what religion is all ab out --- hypocrisy?
Anonymous
These events are g-d's judgment, on Haggard for his hypocrisy and rejection of his true nature.
Vicky
You ding dongs sure use the word "hypocrite" loosely. How about you grab your DICKtionary and look up the word. Was Haggard secretly in a gay marriage? No.
If he was then you would be using the word correctly.
Instead of being happy over someones pain how about showing the compassion you demand for yourself? how can you not feel sorry for this shmuck? talk about denial.
George Lutz
Usually, I am not in favor of one person "outing" another. However, when people such as Haggard are in influential positions, and use those positions to propigate their agenda of intollerance, then I believe turnabout is fair play. The old adage "practice what you preach" could never be more appropriate. I would feel the same whether the person in question were Republican or Democrat ... it just so happens that in most instances, these people tend to be Republican. It truly is sad to see prominent people "fall from grace," but as Jim McGreevey would probably admit, it is the best thing that could have happened to him. True happiness can only be found when you are truthful with yourself.
Anonymous
He should have videotaped their sexual encounters and audiotaped their phone conversations, to verify and prove everything he has alleged. If nothing else, he could have always posted them on the net.
Anonymous
Although Haggard almost certainly wouldn't have had the courage to come out if given the ultimatum, the rules of honorable combat demand that he at least get the chance. Only after he fails to act does he become fair game.
Anonymous
1) silence equals death
2) Contacting him would have given him time to create lies and turn everything around and make Mike Jones the "bad guy". Not a good choice.
3) Confess to his people...he is a coward---he would never stand in fron of his "flock" in person with courage---no way.
4) Wait? no..as it was he waited 6 months...he may have come out with it sooner than waited.
5) was the answer--good choice!
doug
Exposing hypocrisy is never a bad thing.
Mr. Jones should be given an award for what he did.
L. Mullins
I'm glad he did just what he did. I deplore the hypocracy of the Christian right. Even more so, as I grew up in it. The Republicans certainly have no problem smearing people, look what the Right did to Bill Clinton. Bill was guilty of bad judgement, but I don't believe it effected the way he governed. Bush adm. has lied, decieved, and taken us into a tragic war. They deserve what they get. All of them. May we all hope today's election starts a turn around.
Anonymous
Haggard brought down on his own head whatever happened.
Mike Jones did the gay community a big favor.
Anonymous
Absolutely he did the right thing by going to the press.
Anonymous
I think any public person who states they believe on thing and do the oposite should be "outed" whethter its gay sex or drugs or whatever.
Dr. Leo Newton
He did the right thing. It is too bad that others have not been brave enough to come forward.. The hypocrisy and hierocracy of the right wing deception should be reviled! ALL Citizens deserve equal status and constitutional/civil/human rights.
Jeffrey
i think he did the right thing. timing can't always be controlled and Haggard is the one who initiated the relationship and lied.
Doug G
Mike Jones did the right thing. Going to Haggard first would have been best, but given Haggard and friends distorted view of reality, its almost certain that they would have "spinned" the truth and made Jones out to be the villain. There should be no mercy for individuals in the closet, who publicly preach homophobia.
ted got what he deserved
As a resident of colorado springs who has met mr. haggard on a couple of occassions, his ultimate crime is hypocracy. The community of colorado springs as a whole isn't the dogmatic stereotype that the entire country sees. Men like ted haggard are responsible for not only that stereotype but for spreading a message of intolerance where they could be advocating love and hope regardless of who you choose to snuggle with at the end of the day...
I hope the religious leaders of our city take this as an opportunity to examine just what forgiveness is truly about and stop preaching hate.
i do want to mention that i am straight here trying to preach the message to be alot less narrow....
Tonya Biggs
Being a 36 yr. old lesbian and growing up in a christian home. This is huge!. I lived a homosexual lifestyle and gave my life to the lord at 28, I started going to church, I enrolled in bible college, and I was involved in every bible study I could. I married a man from my church and two years later we were divorced. Not because I was gay, but because he put on a good christian show being the "great christian guy" but instead was a hateful, abusive man that no one at the church knew until I exposed him. Come to find out, the church knew he was abusive and did not tell me, but I was approched by the Pastor's wife and asked if he knew about my past lifestyle! Interesting how sleeping with someone of the same sex is more important than having the crap beat out of you! I have now balanced my life. I am not perfect and I love the Lord, but I am not hiding and I am a lesbian. I agree that Haggard needed to be exposed. I can not stand for a man or woman to put on a show for people pretending to be someone they are not. I feel for Haggard's wife and family. Haggard should have never done this to his family and he needed to be exposed.
Bill Graefe Jr
Yet another hypocrite exposed to a clueless nation. At least he's been stopped.
Nayar
He will burn in hell for engaging in gay sex. It's what they will say (Christian right) if I or any other person that engages in same sex relationships will get.
Joe
Good for Mike Jones! Maybe now the Religious Right will realize that they are not as holy as they like to have everyone believe they are. Most of the Religious Right are nothing more than a bunch of Hypocrites.
David
Actually, I think what he did was perfect. Of course there was a political agenda. Jones was sick of seeing this hypocrite attack gays and support the discriminatory amendment on the ballot in Colorado.
I'm so tired of people being worried that something like this appears to be political. Haggard had no problem making himself appear to be political in order to gain support for his anti-gay agenda. So, screw him and screw anyone else who says that Jones made a mistake. Grow a spine people!
John ADRIAN
Haggard, by virtue of his very public advocacy of depriving us of basic civil equality, made himself a target for the exposure of his closeted, drug fueled, patronage of a homosexual prostitute. His sin isn't being gay, it's being closeted. On some level he had to know that one day his secret would be revealed. For Haggard the closet door was opened in October 2006. For Jim McGreevey it was in August 2004. McGreevey, at least, turned the knob himself.
mpreston
Ordnarily, I would not condone a public "outing" of anyone, however this seems to be a situation where Mr. Haggard certainly deserved whatever he ultimately received. His biggest abuse was being a hypocrite...
mpreston
Ordnarily, I would not condone a public "outing" of anyone, however this seems to be a situation where Mr. Haggard certainly deserved whatever he ultimately received. His biggest abuse was being a hypocrite...
Bob Olivarez
He got what he deserved. These closet republicans and holier than though evangelicals do us harm. They keep us down while espousing their fake faith to a fake god.
There only god is power and money. Had he done anything else, I'm sure he would have just disappeared.
Mike
Haggard and his hypocritical ilk aren't owed any warning or quarter. In the name of God, they're trying to shove us back in the closet, where a lot of them are waiting with open arms -- and zippers. I believe in forgiveness, but if you want to play hardball then let's rock.
Mike
Haggard and his hypocritical ilk aren't owed any warning or quarter. In the name of God, they're trying to shove us back in the closet, where a lot of them are waiting with open arms -- and zippers. I believe in forgiveness, but if you want to play hardball then let's rock.
Anonymous
If this had been a private individual it would have been a private matter. But this man was using his public power and influence to harm the interests of gay people and it was right that his hypocrisy was exposed.
weber t. jones
I think he did the right thing. The Rev. is not running for public office, so no need to wait. The amendment issues are important enough for Jones to have outed him. The conflicted Rev. is gay and a gay basher. What could be more dangerous than this? It is sad to see those in denial doing harm to those who are not, and I am sorry for him with regards to his being unable to deal with his sexuality . Hatred starts in the home and YES, in the churches who pick and choose which of those 600+ OT laws "they" deem to be applicable to our current times. Just look what it did to the Rev. He needed secular counseling long ago. Had he been able to find other gay christians early on, he might have been a soldier for both Christ and gay rights. Sad. But a rabid dog is a rabid dog. Once the disease threatens to infect others, you just gotta take that mad dog down.
Alfonso
Good for him. I think its very brave of him to expose the hypocrite. Mr. Jones afterall is confessing that he is a prostitute, a drug dealer and a user. Those are not easy things to admit to the world. Mr. Haggard has done nothing but try and make the lives of gay people in this country difficult. He deserves all this scrunity.
K
One should never become the very thing that one seeks to expose. Whilst he may have been a hypocrite, he is also a man. He is, therefore, fallible. We should have affordfed him the grace, and respect that he has denied others. After all it is written, beware "you teaches of the law, for you will be judged more harshly." he will answer to a greater judge than any of us, and we should have taken the higher road. After all, we should never cause harm, by exposing it. That irony is both perverse and beneath any ethical man.
Anonymous
When the "Morally Righteous" declare war on anyone, then they should expect that they will be caught in their own self deception. They will use any means to achieve their goal with no regard for anyone else so using such tactics to expose their truths of deceit is necessary and unfortunate for all. Deception not only deceives the used but the user as well!
john overfield
Haggard deserves what he gets for spreading his biggotry and hatred. NOt to mention the fact his hypocrocy - nothing worse that what that thing did to demonize human beings.
K
The Bible teaches us that if we have a issue against a brother (fellow Christian) we must approach him. If he fails to address that concern, then approach his elders. If they fail to address the matter then raise it with the fellowship.
As much as his expose' has raised the issue of hypocracy, I question at what expense. I for one am a better man than that, and my ethics say that the man (Haggard) is more important than any utilitarian benefit we may have from his exposing. Respect for the person is paramount, and Haggard should never have been used as a means to an end.
Aleksei
Kudos to Mike Jones for exposing Haggard. Haggard is one of the worst offenders of being a homophobic bigot who works for policies that are dangerous to the interests of the lgbt community. Now I hear that James Dobson will be counselling Haggard. All of this is just so twisted.
Leigh Fleming
More gay/lesbian people should "out" the self-righteous people who make judgements and dare to call themselves Christians!! I"m sure there are many more "Haggards" out their thumping their Bibles while secretly seeking gay sex in the shadows. . .How shameful. . .Bravo!! Mr. Jones!!
Anonymous
I think generally he did the correct thing. We don't need more hypocrites regardless of the situation. Of course, he could've allowed Haggard to come clean on his own initiative; if he had not come clean, then it would be time to call the press. Generally, I think Mike Jones did the right thing. I'm tired of all of these ministries that profess one thing and then say, well, it applies to others but not to me. This world if full of too many people who routinely say, yup, applies to them but not me. Actually, I applaud Mike Jones.
riffraf002
The right is hurting gay americans who pay taxes vote are in the military in Iraq. We are a strong force united. Lets support anyone who helps are comunity. Haggart and Foley got what they put out. Down with the closet.
jer
Even though Haggard is the worst example of a hypocrit, Jones should have given him the opportunity to cry and sob and make a ridiculous spectacle of himself - THEN if Haggard chose not to come forward IMMEDIATELY, it would have been Jone's mandate to go to the press.
Claus
He also should have contacted Haggard.
fire fox
get real haggard know what he was doing he made his bed let him sleep in it.
hiding behind a church & drugs is total bull , that is like tring to change your d.n.a.
you were born to be who you are .
Raymond Jarvis
It would have been a tad bit more fair (presuming that fairness is relevant) to have allowed the politician to have revealed it himself to see just how truthful he was. It is not that I think that he would have been totally forthcoming, but, rather, that it probably would have sunk him even deeper into his self inflicted quagmire.
Anonymous
Too much hypocrisy in American religion, too much hypocrisy in American politics. Mike Jones should be given the Nobel Prize for TRUTH.
Anonymous
Bless you Mike.
Anonymous
The hypocrite got exactly what he deserved.
Michael J
Haggards double life while condemning gays should be exposed.
mike in Texas
I am happy the two faced basterd has to deal with it now. I have met so many church guys that spew disgust over gays and they are usually the ones suckin off some guy in the basement of the church.
Anonymous
I agree 100% with what Mike Jones did and go to the press but now we will see Haggard go get his repartive therapy and be a testament that gays can change. Sorry Haggard it wont work, once gay ALWAYS gay. Repartive therapy doesn't work, been there done that.
Anonymous
Now we will see Haggard go get his repartive therapy and be a testament that gays can change. Sorry Haggard it wont work, once gay ALWAYS gay. Repartive therapy doesn't work, been there done that.
Mauricio Romero-Gonzalez
Jones only do what he believed was right. Before or aftewr election is only circumstantial, doing has the apperance of political agenda, because is to break one of the conservative icons in the country
Sherwood
I think the rabid condemnation these faschist fundamentalist Christians place on almost anything sexual (other than the missionary position within marriage) is due to a hidden erotic pleasure they get from the denial of sex. This later comes out via visits to prostitutes (Jimmy Swaggart and others besides Haggard have been caught in this), Catholic priests abusing boys, etc.
Religion is the most destructive thing man invented, with thousands of years of each sect fighting the other over who has the right god, etc. Gays have suffered for centuries from these hypocritical jerks.
l. bro. michael riley, lfc
"What should have Mike Jones done?" >>tough question to answer , but as it stnds now , it would be best for Mike to move on with this chapter in his life , so as not to appear in "glory for his revelation" of Haggard > I say this MORESO for Mike , not for the protection or benefit of Rev. Haggard ! Mike seems like a well adjusted gay man , who was not seeking any fame or fortune , but this notoriety befell him. I pray it all settles and now the truth is known , let the chips fall where they may.
Mike Scott
I believe Haggard, just another hypocritical "religious nut", got what he deserved, but I can see where his followers could be so angered about losing Haggard that they may completely look past his faults and possibly be even more energized than before to vote against us simply because of who it was that "took Haggard away from them".
Anonymous
The amazing responses here show why the LGBT community will never understand those who follow a religious life. Just because the preacher is a sinner does not lessen the message. It is agreed that he should be removed, but he should also be prayed for. Remember that we are all sinners. The message of truth is still the same, regardless of the imperfections of the messenger.
Anonymous
Well done Mike Jones!. Its simply wrong to out people who just want to get on and live there lives .. but Haggard preaches hatred towards our way of life and our values as gay people.
Gregg, London.
Kenneth Falk
As a person who was also in a similar situation a number of years ago. I came out to my wife and got a divorce. I knew that there was no way I would change. Living with such self hate becomes like a bomb and what happend with Haggard should have happened to him a long time ago. What a hypocrite.
Anonymous
I applaud what Mike did. He put himself on the line to expose this hypocrite. I know the police are investigating, and I hope they don't find Mike guilty of selling drugs or prostitution.
It's one thing to live in the closet, but it's another to go out of your way to ruin the lives of gay people.
One thing Mike should have done is saved more evidence. the fact that he didn't proves he's a good guy, who really didn't intend to hurt this shmuck.
J.Crist
Whats the difference between what there saying in the Mosques in the Middle East and what there saying in The New Life Church in the Mid West? There preching the same hatrad but were fighting over there and not in our own back yard!
Bobby
I support Mike's actions 100%.
Anonymous
This is the only way to have an impact on society. Mr. Haggard did not mind blasting gay men and women from his pulpit and any other time the media would listen.
Gary Jones did what he needed to do.
The timeing was correct as well since the church has made same sex marriage a major agenda this election year.
R. Goulet
Those who live in glass houses shouldn't throw bricks.
Jack
Congratulations to Mike Jones. He did the right thing.
Mitch Bunting
It is important that hypocrites like Ted Haggard are exposed. Haggard was in a position of power, having gay sex, and using his power to harm gay people. Any pain brought to his family is 100% the fault of Haggard himself.
Clarence Brooks
He did the right thing going public. When hypocrits and bigots rear their ugly heads and voices in public spaces endangering the civil rights and civil liberties of others, then they should be OUTted!!!
Anonymous
Given the hypocrisy of Haggard (engaging in a covert gay relationship on one hand while condemning homosexuals on the other hand) Mike Jones did the right thing.
kevin g, NYC
Mike Jones is a hero for exposing once again the hypocrisy of the evangelicals and the religious conservatives. He should be honored and treated as a hero by the gay community.
Anonymous
i'm not sure why Mr. Jones did what he did, but the truth needed to come out. no pun intended. I feel for Haggard's family. I hope the family can come out of this strong and still loving each other. If Jesus forgives us our sins, then certainly we should all forgive Ted Haggard for his deceptions.
Paul Sammon
All of these phoney baloney hippocryte non-christians need to be outed. They spew hatred and intolerance to all LGBT people. I also think that Mel White (author - A Place at the Table) should contact him and offer him the opportunity to publicly state that his homosexuality is NOT abhorrent in the eyes of God, but a gift from God, a natural state and NOT a fall from grace. This is his hour. The world [religious right as well as the rest of the world) is watching. He needs to know that he is ok gay, that God loves him as he is just as in the hymn - "Just As I Am." He has the opportunity to affirm every marginalized gay and transgendered person. Just Do It!!
Anonymous
Mike Jones did the right thing. It exposes the hypocrisy that often exists in the evangelical agenda. Hopefully in the long term, it will make evangelicals come to realize that one of the Ten Commandments is, "Thou shalt not lie." Jesus preached against hypocrisy, but neither Jesus nor the Ten Commandments said, "Thou shalt not have same-sex attractions."
Arnold Pomerantz
Press exposure maximumized coverage, and that was justification enough. Anything that shines a light on the hypocrisy of right wing church leadership is justified. They play an insidious game with our lives
labeling us sinners, fostering homophobia. Exposing this pathetic man highligted someone who is homosexual and yet still believes it is an abomination. God indeed makes no mistakes, we too are god's children. Haggard stuffed his true feelings and has no idea that being gay or lesbian is who we love not who we bed.. Now he will "be restored" by his fellow pastors exposing again how indeed this enemy cloaks their ignorance, ignoring the teachings of love from Crist and contemporay Psychology, which finally agreed 30 years ago we were not pathological but as "normal" as heterosexuals. Being gay or lesbian is indeed a force of nature, and as Franklin Kameny said "gay is good"..
Vic A
Mike Jones is a HERO in my mind!!...We need more people like him in the gay community. I admire this guy's integrity to put "doing the right thing" over personal gain and self interest, unlike some in the gay community who will do everything to undermine the fight for equality for their own personal gain and agenda. I'm talking of despicable people like TAMMY BRUCE, and that guy Jon Kyle who appeared on advocate. These people are ever ready to enjoy and make-use of the hard-won "anti-discrimination" and other rights that fair minded politicians (mostly democrats) have fought for, while at the same time criticizing these very same people for their own agendas. Talk about HYPOCRISY!!!
Jack White
Did you know that HYPOCRISY was one of the things that Jesus warned about the most?
Maybe these HYPOCRITES should read the bible that they have been thumping on so long.
Anonymous
I think he did the right thing!
C.Davis
If he had given Haggard a chance to come clean, would that have been as effective in exposing Haggard's hypocrisy? Haggard's influence has been so oppressive to GLBT people for so long that his very public outing is nothing compared to what he deserves.
Anonymous
All these hypocrites need to be outed. Hooray for Mike Jones.
Jim Stramel
yes, there is a right to privacy, but when public figures hypocritically harm our interests, the people have a legitimate interest in knowing who these now public figures are and how/why they vote.
Alan Reeser
I'm against outing people, but when it comes to hypocritical bastards like Haggard, or anyone else, they need to be outed to show the world what a lying bastard they really are.
Patrick
It helps that I live in Canada. It's not like this wouldn't happen here, because of course it has, but with the protection of hate laws that we have here, Haggard and his ilk in the evangelical movement especially wouldn't wield the political power that they do, and most important they would not be able to say what they do to motivate their "troops"
Exposing the hypocrisy of men like Haggard is just one of the queer battle cries we own.
javier
christianity is nothing more than a bunch of sick degenerate control freaks using mind control on low i.q. breeders to give them a sense of worth.
Patrick in Seattle
The hipocracy has to stop, living a secret gay life and then judging others for doing the same.
Dave
Giving Haggard a chance to "come clean" would have been a waste. He's lied for many years, and brought hatred to the LGBT community. He needed to be outed the way he was. I just hope for the other "fundamentalist evangelical leaders" that are doing the same thing get caught, and soon--it will go a long way to help end the frenzy of hatred.
Miguel
Closet case hypocrites, such as "Reverend" Ted Haggard, and any other "Evangelical" pastor or "Family Values" politician need to be exposed. When they continue to spew hatred for us, to their followers, it causes physiological harm to GLBT youth and others struggling with their sexual identity and incites violence. It's about honesty, not vendetta.
Anonymous
Contacting Haggard first is the preferred first choice, but follow up with public disclosure would be probably be appropriate next step depending on Haggard's reaction to the confrontation. Public disclosure or outing someone is something ordinarilly to be avoided but this is no ordinary situation.
kerry bashed at st. linus in oak lawn
come on..........how many more hate crimes do we have to endure at the hands of these hypocratical bigots who promote discrimination?
madamboots
it is amazing how sensitive "gays" are to "the coming out process" of any individual of all ages. - "when the time is right". an opportunity to be "out" when they chose should have been this haggard's choice. exposing this guy was wrong regardless of the anti-gay, ban gay marriage act fight. the individual should have been mature enough to take it up with haggard one on one and not to the public (church, political, family and friends) this jones sounds like he wanted special attention. jones apparently does not have his personal life together in the first place, 'crystal meth' runner and an article written about him sounding a whore. jones wants to stand up all of a sudden in his "life-style of bad choices and scream for " gay rights" - i do not think so. this gay just makes the rest of us gays look bad. character. is that not what society accepts? we want are rights equal, but to go in with a representative (as society sees him) like jones using a personal attempt for attention disguised as "this is for gay rights" is wrong. if gays supported this jones they are in desperate support for the gay rights fight of equality!
tee, wyoming
Heroic action. Not to do so, after consideration, would be like listening to the addict preach about his addiction while sharing in it. Fundamental evangelical christians (FECs) preach "If it is doubt to you, it is sin." Seems Mr Haggard settled his doubts with a convenient moral amnesia before and after the trysts (for 3 years, with "holy" income and family image, and needed drugs to do it). FECs judge one error by a prophet to reveal a false prophet, and Mr Haggard claims to have been "warring" against his "dark side" all his life. Schizophrenic and exactly like the self-excusing of any addict ("The devil makes me do it). Mr. Haggard (with Mr. Foley) needs to devote as many years to his "recovery" (or self-acceptance as gay, AND restoring the injury caused his family and others--think 12 Steps) as he has spent, and may still be spending, hiding from who God made him to be.
Marshall B. (Seattle)
Exposing the regligious right's hypocrisy is a big step in moving toward the day when America (and the world) realizes Gay people are everywhere, that too many Gay people hide, that too much life energy is spent doing so. and hating those who don't.
Catherine Haug
The really injured parties of this expose are Haggard's wife and children. For their sake, Mike should have given Haggard a chance to come clean, and break it to his family before they heard about it in the press. I don't think there was any need to wait til after the election
Eric
I think when you pay for sex there is an implicit understanding of privacy that goes with this territory. Escorts, prostitutes etc. can't go spilling the beans on their clients and expect to make a living. That said, the hippocrisy that Haggard espoused is nauseating. Why is everyone so much more shocked at the gay angle rather than the street drugs he was buying and using. The meth is way more dangerous, soul-sapping and mind-altering. You don't have to take drugs, but you can't change your sexual orientation.
Susan
Mike Jones should've given Haggard a chance to come clean before going to the press.Jones engaged in "kiss&tell." Haggard should've told the truth,instead of being "outed."
Reading Haggard's confession,he sounds like a poor man filled with self-loathing,whose self-deception led to the deception&betrayal of others.Not only has he hurt&betrayed his congregation,but his family too.It's a tragedy for everyone.
Anonymous
he should have taken pics and videos of the actions he and haggard did, and should have published them on the internet, and should hve sent copes to the churches haggard headed... to show the complete hypocrisie of the top of the church!
Anonymous
He was right to expose Haggard for the self righteous hypocite he is. At least he did not try to blackmail him and create a tawdry situation. I only wish I could be so lucky as to expose someone like Haggard. I would do it in a minute. Kudos to Jones. He did the gay community a great service.
Anonymous
I think he should have contacted Haggard first, and if Haggard hadn't done anything after that, then Jones did the right thing by coming to the press and exposing Haggard as hypocritical.
charles alexander
Mike Jones was remiss along the way in not warning Ted Haggard of the dangers of using crystal meth. If he did, indeed, put the hypocritical evangelist in touch with a drug source, Jones committed a callosued act for which he should be ashamed. Outing is one thing; endangering the health and sanity of another human being is another.
Anonymous
Yet another "christian" bites the dust. The old adage "Me thinks thou protestest too much" (or something like that), rings soo true these days in referring to the religious right. So self righteous and hypocritical. Real, honest christians must do more to examine their leadership in all areas if they are going to base their politics on their religious "principles" and so called "values".
Anonymous
No mercy, sensei.
Anonymous
As a fellow Christian, he should have confronted Rev. Haggard about Haggard's public statements.
Ernest
No downfall is too big for the hypocrites who want to s*ck d*ck on one hand and then preach against us on the other. You GO, Mike!
Anonymous
Hypocrisy and dishonesty are rampant throughout the radical religious right. I not only would have done what Mike Jones did, but I would have waited until tonight (election eve) to get the greatest effect.
JR
These closeted queer Republicans have no problem with helping to inspire prejudice, hatred and violence against us. Their logic is always the same: "There are other issues that are more important." There is also the greatest of Republican principles: greed. You'll never find a bigger hypocrite than queer evangelical homophobes. Out them. It was an act of courage by Mike Jones.
JR
These closeted queer Republicans have no problem with helping to inspire prejudice, hatred and violence against us. Their logic is always the same: "There are other issues that are more important." There is also the greatest of Republican principles: greed. You'll never find a bigger hypocrite than queer evangelical homophobes. Out them. It was an act of courage by Mike Jones.
Pat
I wish Senator Strum Thermond's daught had exposed his hypocrisy before he died, look at the harm he did to black people while sleeping with one. He too was a right wing Republican
Alan Anderson, Salt Lake City, Utah
The Christian Right needs their hypocrisy thrown back in their faces. This is America, and they have no right to judge us. I was taught as a child the only entity that has the right to judge was God. The gay bashing done by these people is for power and greed, but their actions certainly are not Christian.
Anonymous
I give Mike Jones credit. He is brave, especially to be in Denver, I'm sure it isn't easy for him during this time. Of course, it's sickens me to think that the 'spin' that the Evangelicals will use is that Haggard was tempted, sinned and is repentent. It's clear that denial and deception is okay until you are caught. I'm a gay out Catholic who once had a high school Jesuit priest who, when I questioned the conflicts in my own life and the world around me said, "All religions are simply supposed to give a soul a path towards a relationship with God. You have a relationship with God, you have been down that path..."
John Ross
I believe he should have given him a chance to come clean but we all know how hypocritical the Christian leadership is so the chances are slim to none that he would have. So no matter if the guy was a prostitute or hustler or scum, he had a right to expose these people ( in this case Haggard) for what they are or he is. That's not outing thats justice.
Marvin Burrows
In this case where Haggard was active in promoting the amendment and involved with Jones at the same time reveals Haggard's deception.
Anonymous
As a gay man, I always hope my people with do better; but sometimes you get the Jones's and Haggart's . What really catches me off guard is the everyday joe's who carry hate for other's and hate within themselves to the point they can't over look, forgive, and take a higher road. It sad that Haggard can't deal with himself, sadder that Jones feels he has to ruin someone life. The saddest is everyone else acting the way they are. It doesn't speak well for the gay lifestyle.
AZTank
If someone is in the closet and has no political power, or doesn't speak against gay people than let that person be. No need to out them, but when a person has political power, has homosex and then campaigns against the gay community let him have it w/both barrels. As an atheist it makes me laugh when the Catholic Church or Evangelical protestants and Muslims engage in the behaviors that so clearly go against their god and his wierd anti-sex ways. I rejoice at the news of these bastards getting due.
AZTank
If someone is in the closet and has no political power, or doesn't speak against gay people than let that person be. No need to out them, but when a person has political power, has homosex and then campaigns against the gay community let him have it w/both barrels. As an atheist it makes me laugh when the Catholic Church or Evangelical protestants and Muslims engage in the behaviors that so clearly go against their god and his wierd anti-sex ways. I rejoice at the news of these bastards getting due.
Anonymous
It is time to make big headlines to expose the hypocrisy of these religious people and other supposedly "straight" men who frequent male prostitutes and then bash the GLBT Community every chance they get.
Anonymous
Not that I would side with the likes of Haggard; but I'm more shocked over so many gays making Jones (king of the low lifes) a hero. Are we so needed that we will jump on any bandwagon so long as it going our way!
Anonymous
He did the right thing! Doing the right thing is never easy. What needs to be said is that conservatives are creating this problem. If Haggard had been able to live as a gay man he would not be in this situation. Gays do not destroy families, but living a lie does.
Anonymous
He did the right thing! Doing the right thing is never easy. What needs to be said is that conservatives are creating this problem. If Haggard had been able to live as a gay man he would not be in this situation. Gays do not destroy families, but living a lie does.
Anonymous
He did the right thing! Doing the right thing is never easy. What needs to be said is that conservatives are creating this problem. If Haggard had been able to live as a gay man he would not be in this situation. Gays do not destroy families, but living a lie does.
Anonymous
He did the right thing! Doing the right thing is never easy. What needs to be said is that conservatives are creating this problem. If Haggard had been able to live as a gay man he would not be in this situation. Gays do not destroy families, but living a lie does.
Anonymous
He did the right thing! Doing the right thing is never easy. What needs to be said is that conservatives are creating this problem. If Haggard had been able to live as a gay man he would not be in this situation. Gays do not destroy families, but living a lie does.
Anonymous
He did the right thing! Doing the right thing is never easy. What needs to be said is that conservatives are creating this problem. If Haggard had been able to live as a gay man he would not be in this situation. Gays do not destroy families, but living a lie does.
Anonymous
He did the right thing! Doing the right thing is never easy. What needs to be said is that conservatives are creating this problem. If Haggard had been able to live as a gay man he would not be in this situation. Gays do not destroy families, but living a lie does.
Anonymous
I live in Colorado Springs, and I think Mike did the right thing. Haggards hate remarks from the pulpit is what makes this town the one of the religious hot spots in the United States. Mike did alot of thinking and talking to the news station in Denver before he went public. Maybe this will have a affect on the way the religious right here in Colorado Springs treats gays.
Anonymous
He did the right
thing! Doing the right thing is never easy. What needs to
be said is that conservatives are creating this problem. If
Haggard had been able to live as a gay man he would not be
in this situation. Gays do not destroy families, but living
a lie does.
Jim
Mike Jones did exactly the right thing. What on earth could Ted Haggard have been thinking to be having sex with a man and then campaign in favor of anti-gay legislation? As a public figure with a large ministry and as an outspoken homophobe, Haggard put himself in this position, and going public about Haggard's hypocrisy is only fair. I'll bet Jones is not the only man Haggard slept with and that in the future we'll hear more from various escorts. I am also reading quite a lot of fundamentalist nonsense about the insidious evil of homosexuality and how it’s “pervasive and destructive tentacles are capable of reaching deep within the church squeezing the life out all who fall within its illicit embrace”. In their eyes, gay men are not only responsible for the failure of heterosexual marriage but also for driving heterosexual ministers into the arms of male sex partners!
Gary Johnson
I agree with Mr. Jones. We as gay people are trying to be equal to straight people with marriage, domestic partner benefits. When you get someone like Mr Haggard who condemns gays and gay marriage, I think he deserves what he gets. They say what goes around comes around..
David
The only thing I dislike about Mr. Jones' disclosure is that it has presumably destroyed Mr. Haggard's life. Imagine yourself in Mr. Haggard's shoes - try and feel the shame, hurt, and anxiety of a disclosure like this. Try and imagine how you would begin to pick up the pieces and start anew.
As a gay man, one who has experienced a public outting, so to speak, my heart goes out to Mr. Haggard because I know what it feels like. I was not ready to come out - someone else made the decision for me. Even though my experience ended up being a positive one, for many, it does not.
I do not want to imply that I in any way agree with the hypocracy of Mr. Haggards actions and the lies he told ... I'm feeling a great deal of compassion for this man.
Jay
Having heard Haggard's statement to his church, I feel sorry that he was unable to come to terms with his sexuality. But since he turned his issue into rhetoric and actions that were harming others, I feel Jones did the right thing in exposing his hypocracy.
Unicorn
I think what Mike Jones did was RIGHT. His occupation has nothing to do with this. His lifestyle should have nothing to do with this. The FACTS are a religious Leader who had direct access to the Oval Office of the White House and the President of the US, LIED. Haggard is GULITY of being HYPOCRITICAL, with effects being that a group of US Citizens are denied Equal Rights, Protection and Laws in this county.
Michael F
Sex workers sell not only sex, but a measure of discretion. But, Haggard decided to be a homophobe...and lost the privilage of the closet. Besides... to make a generalization, people you buy meth from are not the kind of people I would trust to be discrete.
Anonymous
The hypocrisy has to be exposed!
Unicorn
I think what Mike Jones did was RIGHT. His occupation has nothing to do with this. His lifestyle should have nothing to do with this. The FACTS are a religious Leader who had direct access to the Oval Office of the White House and the President of the US, has admitted to buying drugs (oh yeah, I buy stuff and through it away, never having used what I bought. Must be nice to have that kind of money. Why not give it to a charity where it could have done some good?). I always tell folks in a public broad cast I don’t know someone, only to admit within the next 48 hrs again on public camera, that I received a massage from said person I do not know and that I bought the drugs from them that I ‘threw away’.
He is GULITY of LIEING TO THE AMERICAN PUBLIC and his congregation. He is GULITY of being HYPOCRITICAL, with effects being that a group of US Citizens id denied Equal Rights, Protection and Law in this county.
Peter Di Leo
Given Haggard's aggressive and influential stance promoting discrimination against LGBTQ lives, I believe Mike had an obligation to publicly challenge Haggard's duplicitous life and ministry.
Anonymous
He did exactly what he should have. We should all feel an obligation to expose the rampant hypocrisy of the Christian right whenever and however we can.
Arron
I think it was the right thing to do. I'm against outing anyone, but I believe in reaping what you sow. Haggard needed to feel the full force of the discrimination he was putting on the LGBT community. Now he might have seen a glimpse of the pain he has caused millions and that is what he should truely be asking forgiveness for.
musclehippy
Well bros, let's all hope we fare well tommorrow. In spite of this bigoted hypochritical piece of "human" religious shit being exposed for the conniving puke he really is, I fear our marriage rights will be banned in the dumbfuck state of Colorado.Let's all hope we can at least take back one segment of congress if not BOTH and get these fuckin' conservative pukes packin' and headin' for the hills! I wish us ALL the best. Peace.
[The Rev.] Roger Allee
Perhaps, Jones might have gone to Haggard and given him a chance to come clean. However, as an out gay clergyperson, I am deeply angered by those in positions of church leadership who hide their orientation and I am particularly angered if they preach against their orientation while being on the down-low. That goes for politicians as well. Jesus said, "the truth shall set you free." He also preached love, not discrimination, hate, or marginalization. Haggard needed to be honest with himself and everyone. I am sorry that he brought on himself and his family and his parishioners the turmoil of emotions they must deal with now.
musclehippy
Well bros, let's all hope we fare well tommorrow. In spite of this bigoted hypochritical piece of "human" religious shit being exposed for the conniving puke he really is, I fear our marriage rights will be banned in the dumbfuck state of Colorado.Let's all hope we can at least take back one segment of congress if not BOTH and get these fuckin' conservative pukes packin' and headin' for the hills! I wish us ALL the best. Peace.
[The Rev.] Roger Allee
Perhaps, Jones might have gone to Haggard and given him a chance to come clean. However, as an out gay clergyperson, I am deeply angered by those in positions of church leadership who hide their orientation and I am particularly angered if they preach against their orientation while being on the down-low. That goes for politicians as well. Jesus said, "the truth shall set you free." He also preached love, not discrimination, hate, or marginalization. Haggard needed to be honest with himself and everyone. I am sorry that he brought on himself and his family and his parishioners the turmoil of emotions they must deal with now.
Alan -- Little Canada, MN
I appreciate how Mr. Jones exposed the hipocracy without being mean or wishing Mr. Haggard ill-will. He acknowledged the difficult times that are ahead for Haggard, his family and church. It will be interesting to see what path Haggard will follow now that the hiding is over. Will he walk through hypocritical self-loathing and acts of hatred into his authentic self? I could say "Amen" to a man with Haggard's zeal, if he lived his life honestly, and preached the equality of all souls.
Matt M
People like Ted Haggard publically preach against homosexuality, against marriage equality, and against basic human fairness in the name of religion, all while doing the same things -- and worse -- behind their own closed doors. These people deserve to be exposed for their hypocracy, especially during an election period when such exposure can really change how people think about the issues they are voting on.
Alan -- Little Canada, MN
I appreciate how Mr. Jones exposed the hipocracy without being mean or wishing Mr. Haggard ill-will. He acknowledged the difficult times that are ahead for Haggard, his family and church. It will be interesting to see what path Haggard will follow now that the hiding is over. Will he walk through hypocritical self-loathing and acts of hatred into his authentic self? I could say "Amen" to a man with Haggard's zeal, if he lived his life honestly, and preached the equality of all souls.
Sue W.
And people ask me why I live in Colorado Springs...
I am proud to be a freethinking lesbian and I stay here in hopes of offsetting the inbalance of intolerent bigots that appear to control this town. By all means Mike Jones did the right thing. It couldn't have been easy and I applaud him. Eventually I hope they are all exposed for what they are, not lying christians, but extreme capitalists preying on the sheeple. THINK FOR YOURSELVES! Don't let someone like Haggard do your thinking for you!
Anonymous
I love it when these people that spout anti-gay B.S. get outed. I think it puts a crack in the foundation that all of these religious nuts stand on--their followers see them for who they really are: liars
Sad Colorado Native
Why did it take so long for him to recognize him? He is all over the place in Colorado... I wish he would've gone public with it sooner, so that the whole "political agenda" crap wouldn't have lessened the impact of exposing the sick right wing, which in fact, should continue to be exposed for its hate mongering hypocrites.
Bob Clark
An interesting aside is that a man may be gay nd enjoy gay sex but he does not HAVE to support the political agenda of gay marriage. I do feel sorry for his wife and five children. Who was best served by the gay prostitute's actions?
Anonymous
Any time we have the opportunity to expose the hypocricy of the religious right we need to do so. The right wing in this country plays dirty and we need to repay them in kind.
Anonymous
Haggard is a low life , but Jones is a bigger low life. Jones most likely was trying to get more money out of Haggard, and when he didn't ..........he screamed like a little girl.
Anonymous
more people should stand up for what we believe in! Protecting our rights and doing what it takes to get us there quicker
Scott & Jim Reed
We need more politically active GLBT's!
When Princess Di tragically died, I knew a lot of gay men who lined up to sign her book of condolenses. They go out and get in line for that, but are too apathetic to VOTE!!!!
Scott & Jim Reed
We need more politically active GLBT's!
When Princess Di tragically died, I knew a lot of gay men who lined up to sign her book of condolenses. They go out and get in line for that, but are too apathetic to VOTE!!!!
wade
Haggard might have been desperate enough to hurt Mike had he threatened to expose him. Best to let Haggard lie in the bed he made. Haggard(correction!!..sorry) apparently hates himself so much that he hates the rest of us. He's the weak link in all of us. He fell for the hypocrasy of the church, then when he fell...through the closet door...he had to look at himself. Sadly, he still doesn't see who he is. We all know "they" are wrong about us, but it is a belief. One that is actually against the reality of nature as we know it. Did anyone consider he's BI? Gosh, lets really start boggling their black/white world! Mike Jones was correct in his actions. Telling the truth.
David
Well,
1. Haggard did not keep his mouth shut.
2. Haggard denied any involvement with Jones.
3. Haggard made anti-gay speeches at his church.
4. Haggard was very busy pushing anti-gay legislation and candidates.
5. I think Jones made the right choice.
David
When a person is a celebrity they know their life is an open book, 24/7. Politicians know the same thing. Celebrity Ministers need to recognize there is more interest in their "celebrity" than their "ministry" when they get called out as a sinner. Could Mike Jones have kept quiet? Sure. He could've blackmailed too. He could've found a ghost-writer and done a book. He didn't. He went public with the media.
Fair is fair. Ted Haggard preached the word of God and preached his own special message of hate. It's a cliche but nevertheless a truism that what you put out into the universe will come back and bite you. Send hate out, hate comes back. It did.
Today Mike Jones is just a name. He'll go on with his life. Ted Haggard is finished. He put himself on the pedestal and he stepped down off it, he wasn't pushed. He lied and lied - then came clean. He proved he had no integrity - not Mike Jones.
wade
Haggard might have been desperate enough to hurt Mike had he threatened to expose him. Best to let Haggard lie in the bed he made. Mike apparently hates himself so much that he hates the rest of us. He's the weak link in all of us. He fell for the hypocrasy of the church, then when he fell...through the closet door...he had to look at himself. Sadly, he still doesn't see who he is. We all know "they" are wrong about us, but it is a belief. One that is actually against the reality of nature as we know it. Did anyone consider he's BI? Gosh, lets really start boggling their black/white world! Mike Jones was correct in his actions. Telling the truth.
Anonymous
I believe he should have contacted Haggard first, with stated intentions to go to the press if Haggard didn't confess on his own.
Given all of the political agendas of the conservative right... I see absolutely nothing wrong with a civilian like Mike Jones going to press days before an election. It's GREAT timing for a farce of a political party.
Chip
Haggard represents the worst of everything about those who would try to deny gay men and women an equal voice in society. He engages in dirty gay sex and meth use while speaking out against same-sex marriage. Then he admits his "deviance" and proclaims his repentance. This "I have sinned" crap is getting old. It isn't a sin, but lying about it is. Bad evangelical! Bad!
Tim Hunter
When we turn on eachother, for what ever reason..........we are showing the world that it's O.K. to make gay people targets.
Anonymous
Good for him. They've been using us a political pawns for long enough. It's time we start using them.
Brian
Even though Haggard's church and family are affected by this, it is about time that all of these gay-bashing hypocrites were honest with themselves and with everybody else about their sexuality.
Maybe now Haggard will relate to the harm that is caused when people are the target of homophobia, intolerance and bigotry -- much of which comes from attitudes that are fostered within the church!
Anonymous
I love it when the high and mighty fall, especially when it's something like this!
R Stewart
He should have done exactly what he did. It seems we are already trying to blame Mike Jones for Mr. Haggard behavior, after all it is apparent he contacted Mr. Jones for GAY sex.
Anonymous
I don't know if he didn't attempt couple options listed above. If I had to guess Mr. Haggard wouldn't come clean unless the press release happened like it did.
BOB
THEY ARE ALL HATEFUL HIPOCRITES----EXPOSE THEM ALL FOR ALL THEIR HATE AND LIES
Ray Foster
Mike Jones will never be able to buy a drink in Palm Springs because I've told every bartender in town I'll beat the shit out of them if they ever charge him for one. I'll buy this guy's drinks until the day I die. His money is no good here. He has done this nation a service and I'll never forget it.
Anonymous
He did exactly what he should have done, expose the hypochristian bastard for what he is, an evil closet case.
Harlan
I'm voting for the latter b/c it got the job done. In these times of shameless manipulation and double-speak, it's good to see the truth actually come out.
Anonymous
Haggard should be hung out to dry.
Anonymous
Amen, Amen, Amen, another bible banger swinging their condemning bible and once again swinging it at us the gay community and in reality was along swinging it at themselves.
Wes Andersen
He did exactly the right thing. It should now be the responsibility of Haggard and his followersat New LIfe Church to acknowledge that indeed God can continue to offer new revelations about atonement, redemption, and acceptance. They have the perfect opportunity to offer an example to the world of what they preach about love as opposed to generation of more divisiveness and hatred.
Andres
Mike, you did what you felt was best. MIke, we are behind you. I cannot imagine what the Rev. Haggard is going through, but I have to say, he digged his own grave. Hypocrisy cannot be condoned. Haggard has to pay to make our lives living hell. NO regards for someone who fought what should have been his own cause. God forgive him!!!!
Chris
Does anyone else think G.W.Bush might be gay? I mean, he's hanging out with Haggard all the time, he had a drug and alcohol problem, and he was a male cheerleader in college. I mean, come on! At this point, we know the ones who scream the loudest are the ones who are the kinkiest. I think G.W. might be family after all. I guess the pretzel incident proves that he needs to work on that gag reflex.
Anonymous
I respect his decision to handle it as he did, but if I had done some research and found out he had a wife, maybe I would have given him a chance to come clean on his own. It's a tough call...but I respect his choice and to find out that someone of that stature is flat out being so hypocritical....I guess all bets are off as to an "appropriate" response.
Anonymous
I respect his decision to handle it as he did, but if I had done some research and found out he had a wife, maybe I would have given him a chance to come clean on his own. It's a tough call...but I respect his choice and to find out that someone of that stature is flat out being so hypocritical....I guess all bets are off as to an "appropriate" response.
Anonymous
Bravo to Jones for outing this two faced son of as bitch. Any closet case who actively and energetically works to harm the cause of gay rights deserves to be outed in the most public way. Why should we care about his wife, children, and the pack of fools who call themselves his congregation, when he didn't give a rats ass about the civil rights of gay and lesbian people and in fact fought to deprive us of our rights all the time getting his cock sucked by another man.
Good riddance to bad trash !!!!!
Terry Roach
My first choice is to have Haggard have the chance to 'come clean'. If that didn't work, I'd have gone to the press.
Personally, I don't like to out people. When it comes to religious pundants who appear to want to crucify gay people as opposed to accept and love them, I have no choice but to out them.
Anonymous
Mike Jones did the right thing by going to the press. Mr. Haggard (and people like him in powerful positions) should not be given the chance to "cover their tracks". Make sure your story is correct, and go to the press.
Andrew - Wichita
Lauren
This is what the closet does to people -- it turns them into monsters. I hope there IS a hell, so Haggard and Foley can both go there! Hiding your sexual orientation is one thing; targeting the LGBT community for political attacks is quite another!
peter
if he would have gone to haggard first, that would have given him time to fix his past or something, do something that would make the fallout not so bad, this guy is not on a political agenda,he wants to marry someday, big deal. He should not have gone to haggards church as they would have dismissed it or done something worse, I mean it's a church of 3 million, he could have had him killed, you laugh at that a church doing that but in this day in age it's not out of the picture
Mark
Mike:
Exposing hypocrisy is proper conduct.
Anonymous
the foleys and haggards make me ill...they both got what they deserve...i don't hate either of them but am happy that their hyprocisy is being exposed.
Anonymous
Or he should have called the Advocate
Gerry Kunkel
Why doesn't the media ever ask the questions: If the Evangelical Church, and Religious Right didn't condemn Homosexuality to the point of making people feel they had to lie, cheat and be less then human, would all these people be in the news today with their lives and careers over? If political and religious leaders didn't feel they had to marry a woman to pass in public or have a life in public so much suffering, lieing and cheating could be averted. Wouldn't we have happier, healthier people leading full and productive lives instead of a life based on lies? All the pain, suffering and sucides that have happened because of the persecution by the Religious Right, and their allies! Is this too honest for the public to hear?
Tom Myers
The man's hypocracy was damaging our community and our rights [ or lack of..] Should we expect the Advocate to feature the hypocrite as a new gay citizen on its cover some time soon? Maybe he can write a book like McGreevy and milk this for what he can get..?
Green Gay
It seems perfectly obvious that we won't make any more progress at the national level as long as we keep coddling closet cases (both Republican and Democratic). The real puzzle is why HRC and the other organizations that claim to represent us have been so eerily silent about this. In his "confession" Haggard said quite clearly that he had tried to change for years but couldn't. Why haven't the national gay organizations jumped on this? Having one of the leaders of the Christian right admit that gay people can't change isn't something that will happen again anytime soon. But as usual our "leaders" have dropped the ball.
David Darr
Mike Jones was right to go to the press. This IS a political issue and gays are engaged in a struggle to be granted equal rights/status. If homosexuality were recogized as a natural (or God designed) condition and embraced by all humanity as evidence of diversity rather than immorality or sinfulness, then society/religion would not give rise to the hypocrisy we see in both the secular and the sacred world. The truth sets one free - I hope that Ted Haggard becomes the next Mel White and leads us to victory!
Anonymous
Mike Jones was right to go to the press. This IS a political issue and gays are engaged in a struggle to be granted equal rights/status. If homosexuality were recogized as a natural (or God designed) condition and embraced by all humanity as evidence of diversity rather than immorality or sinfulness, then society/religion would not give rise to the hypocrisy we see in both the secular and the sacred world. The truth sets one free - I hope that Ted Haggard becomes the next Mel White and leads us to victory!
Matthew
As Mike said, this is about hypocrisy - Ted Haggard tried to make life hell for gay men and lesbians while having gay sex on the side. He is a coward, a liar, an adulterer and a fraud.
Patrick
It's a tricky situation and not one I would ever want to be in personally. Mike could have told Ted he knew then found himself fitted for a new pair of cement shoes.
eric
more of these hypocrites should be outed. The ones that hate themselves for being gay are the most dangerous enemies of the gay community.
Raymond
This Haggard guy is lying to save his ass, so if Mr. Jones had contacted him to come clean, he never would have and he still hasn't. It really goes to the depth of the self-hatred Mr. Haggard has. I feel for his wife and kids. And I also feel for him. It cannot be easy being him right now, and the organization he belongs to is a major contributor to this guys woes.
Adam A Karu
The road to hell paved with bloody Christians, I am driving!!
AH AH AH AH!!
Adam A Karu
Andrew White
The sad part of this whole situation is that Ted Haggard and his church members seem to be focusing on the "immorality" issue rather than what, to me, is the larger issue. Ted LIED, point blank, over and over again, when asked about the situation -- on camera! How stupid does he think we all are? It's one thing to get some man-goods (even while married to a woman), but a completely different situation to conspire to lie about it when confronted. The lies reveal what is inside the man.
Brent
There is never a wrong time to speak truth to power. Haggard had political influence at the local, state, and national levels, and on issues before the public in Tuesday's election. Mike Jones was obligated to shine a light on Haggard's hypocrisy.
Finn
Thank God for Mike Jones who exposed a hypocrite who has used his power & influence to harm the GLBT community under the guise of Christian righteousness.
Maybe Rev. Haggard can come out of the closet and live his life without feeling repulsed by how God made him.
Blessings to Mr. Jones.
curt
exposing the hyprocracy in the church (in particular the evangelical) hopefully shows a lot of youth that this isn't something we choose... it is simply somethat that we are... and that one cannot find a "fix" in religion.
Anonymous
great job!!
Luke
I just wish I have Mike Jone´s e-mail address so I could write him and say "THANKS FOR WHAT YOU DID!!!" - I´m in Brazil right now and because of the righ wing political agenda I don´t have any perspective of getting marriage to my boyfriend and people as Haggard and the Pope are respossable for this.
Anonymous
knowing who he was, wouldn't it have been a surprise to have showed up at one of his services and just sit in the front row to have seen his reaction, and knowing that his double life was over.
T.H. Scott
This seems a silly question after the fact. My only regret is that the entire event might reiterate the belief that "homosexuality is an immoral sin." This seems to be how the religious right will view this episode. The whole thing did nothing to further gay rights. Throw in the Meth and the prostitution, and you are left with an all to familiar cliche. I have no respect for Mike Jones or Ted Haggard. I wish they both had kept their mouth shut.
Anonymous
He should have videod the whole thing & posted the "proof" on YouTube!
Stephen
I hope that more gay people who are sexually involved with "Christians" and other people in government authority will speak up and once and for all put these so called family values people in their place.
The gay community is a great political scapegoat but it turns out that all these "family values" people know where to go for good sex.
Jon
I am fiercely against hypocracy like any other person with good ethics and common sense, and as a gay man, I certainly don't approve of Haggard's perspective on gay marriage and other gay affairs. However, I find it disrespectful to out a person publicly no matter how unethical and how hypocritical that person might be. Jones could have been more considerate by contacting someone more influential among the gay community (with the evidence he had), who then could have talked some sense into Haggard and maybe encourage him to seek professional psychiatric guidance.
Anonymous
The question here is what type of man can be so vocal opposing any consideration of gay issues and yet utilize the service of a male escort. He is wrong there. He also could not have just bought crystal meth because he was curious. His anti gay actions were a coverup for his true orientation. His position as head of a national Evangelistic Association was once more an indicator of his hypocracy. I was outed by some anally retentive people. It taught me, after suffering the consequences of the outing, it is easier to claim your own life. Although my outing cost me a great deal., in the end run I am better for being out and honest. The nice thing about being out and honest is that I do not have to continually lie, I don,t have to remember what I told to whom. Everybody gets the same story.
Steve
Your article was quite balanced
Anonymous
I don't know if he had any agenda other than his stated goal, but in revealing the secret life of a powerful man, he was brave. All closeted bigots in power need to be outed so the hipocrisy and oppression sweeping society subsides and we can each accept who we are, freely and without judgments based on the politics of hate.
Anonymous
Mike Jones did the right thing. Haggard is nothing but a modern day Roy Cohn, a hypocrite/liar of the highest order. While I don't agree with prostitution (usually the prostitute is the victim) or the use of illegal drugs, I think Mike Jones made the right decision in exposing this pathetic enemy amongst us.
The only victims in this whole matter are Haggard's five children: I truly feel for them. I don't extend any sympathy to his wife because as an adult she was either a passive or enthusiastic supporter of his discriminatory, hateful actions against the Gay community.
Perhaps the members of the Evangelical community will take a step back and evaulate why someone they so admired was forced to hide and deny a part of himself. Since all sins are supposed to be equal, I wonder if they would have treated him the same if he were caught using drugs and committing adultery with a "woman".......
Anonymous
The first four options are viable but for the fact the Haggard was taking a political stand in contradiction to his own behavior. A dramatic impact is needed to focus the voter's attention not on Haggard's personal demons but on the forced deceptions that society has imposed on gays: Christians or otherwise.
Anonymous
and charged a whole lot more
cybergrace
Mike Jones is a great guy. All true Christians should thank him. All self-respecting Queers. This was really hard for him, but he did it. He exposed the incredibly hypocripsy at the core of the figt to deny our marraige rights. Seperate is NOT equal. Everyone deserves marraige. God made all people how God made us. Praise God. Yes for Gay Marraige. God Bless Mike Jones. -A Gay Christian
mortal
heaven and hell are unified.
Anonymous
Those who work actively to discriminate against the LGBT community lose the right to discretion from the community. I think Mike Jones is courageous and stepped froward at exactly the right time. It might help depress GOP turnout in Federal Marriage Amendment author Marilyn Musgrave's 4th Congressional District and tip the election to fabulous gay ally Democrat Angie PACCIONE.
Terry Barton
If only the congergation of the"mega church"knew that the money they were putting in the offering plate was being spent on meth and a male escort!
Paul Weidig - Honolulu
If Ted Haggard had an ounce of moral integrity, he'd admit he's gay, divorce his wife and seek counseling from someone like Jim McGreevey who went through a similar ordeal. They could share their experiences of hypocrisy, betrayal, lying and double-dealing to camouflage their genuine identities in pursuit of nobler goals: truth and validation as human beings who were born gay and deserve a full, happy life with a loving and committed same-sex partner.
Wayne Masters
Mike Jones is a worthless, low life prostitute. This wasn't the first life he destroyed, and I'm sure it sin't the last either. Jones makes me ashamed of being gay. It would be nice for the community to start growing up. Then maybe we could all go to work on the equal rights that we deserve. Jones did nothing more than divide our community with the rest of the country. What a work of art he is. And another thing, it would be nice if your site was a little less homoerotic and a bit more professional. Being gay should focus 99% on sex and getting laid. There are some of us out here who live a respectable, monogamous life. It would be nice to see a new face to the Advocate.
Wayne Masters
Mike Jones is a worthless, low life prostitute. This wasn't the first life he destroyed, and I'm sure it sin't the last either. Jones makes me ashamed of being gay. It would be nice for the community to start growing up. Then maybe we could all go to work on the equal rights that we deserve. Jones did nothing more than divide our community with the rest of the country. What a work of art he is. And another thing, it would be nice if your site was a little less homoerotic and a bit more professional. Being gay should focus 99% on sex and getting laid. There are some of us out here who live a respectable, monogamous life. It would be nice to see a new face to the Advocate.
Michael
How many times have you denied that you are homosexual? How many more times, after you had your first gay sexual encounter? How many time did you call yourself a hypocrite? A lair or sexually immoral? 'There is a part of my life that is so repulsive and dark that I've been warring against it all of my adult life,' Haggard wrote.
Based on Ted Haggard's admission of guilt letter, you can hear that he is a man that has not come to terms with his desire for sex with men. He ran to religion to save himself from what he termed as "Sexual Immorality". He ran out of fear, to beg God to change his desires. A fear that most of us are familiar with, but learn to overcome with time and compassion of friends and family. Ted Haggard went on the offensive with his attacks on gays , to shield himself from himself and lost. Apparently, God didn't intervene on behalf of Haggard's heterosexual self, wife or children. But his religious support system can, and could turn Haggard's personal tragedy into a reformed homosexual icon.
DaVida
I just don't see what you get out from "exposing" someone's dirty secrets. I mean of course he was putting up a front or fraud, but did anyone stop to think about how it would affect the innocent people in his life? I can't say that the "good church folks" haven't disrupted many of our lives, but even then they don't stop to think of the innocent people who was affected. Either he would of continued to live this lie or his truth would of came out probably in a less disasterous way.
Anonymous
He did exactly what he should have done and the timing was perfect.....well maybe a week earlier would have been even better.
Nicholas Morris
Haggard ws a public figure, advocating for a highly controversial and important public issue, gay marriage. It was entirely appropriate to expose his hypocrisy to the media.
Laurie
As the Bible says, "what is done in the darkness shall be revealed."
I don't believe in "outing" someone except for the very reasons Mike did. If you are gonna talk it you better walk it.
And if you are hiding in the closet while hurting our community, then you darn sure better walk the walk or take the consequences.
Luigi Otomanelli
Haggard is now out of the closet and soon will be free. Perhaps he will finally understand that being gay is a gift from God. Wouldn't it be great if he were to use his speaking skills to speak on behalf of the us?
Denise
I think Haggard deserved this since he has demonized gays and pushed anti-gay laws. I wish Jones would have kept some proof (DNA). His timing could have been a little better. Maybe if it had been a little bit earlier it would have given people time to discuss the consequences of trying to deny who you really are. The way things stand, I'm afraid he will be condemned by the evangelicals but they won't understand why this happened.
Marc Fanelli
Given the fact that Haggard was so adamant about the sinfulness of homosexuality, Mike Jones was correct to handle this situation as he did. Haggard stated: "We don't have to debate about what we should think about homosexuality activity. It's written in the Bible."
He further went on to make a mockery of and said. "I think I know what you did last night. If you send me $1,000, I won't tell your wife."
He is a hypocrite and, like so many other homophobic religious, Catholic and Protestant, Islamic and Jewish, needs to come to terms with being made in the "image of God." Not to love the image of God in oneself is not to love God.
Tommy
Everyone should have the right to explain their position. We're all sinners and would hate to be called out in front of the world.
cr
Let those that judge be judged !
no one has any right to hold a bigoted un-christian opinion in the US. / i want all these evangelicals to stop using my friend Jesus for their corrupt political gains and start loving everyone as Jesus loved us. The biggest sinners are usually front and center each week in church. I think the days of the church controlling our vote are over. Each of us is equal in God's eyes and our govt should be the same.
i abhore how they have referred to mr jones as a low life gay prostitute/he is anything but. The bum is the liar on the pulpit and they all know it!!!
CAROLINE, TAMPA, FLORIDA, USA
As a lesbian Floridian who has been Bush-Bashed twice over, I am very proud and supportive of the fact that Mike Jones outed Ted Haggard for the charlatan that he is. I believe, every person who espouses that GLBT individuals are deviant and going to Hades, but then participates in our same-sex orientation, should be dangled like a carrot for all to see. Ted Haggard should be ostracized and made to feel what every GLBT person has felt (from the general public) their entire lives. It's people like HIM who give US a bad name. Also, there was no "professional contract" regarding confidentiality between Jones and Haggard as one person posted. As a citizen of the U.S.A., Jones had the RIGHT to handle this situation as he so chose. PLEASE, VOTE THIS TUESDAY as this is the best chance we have had in many, many years to win elections for Democratic (tolerant, broadminded, self-governing, self-determining) representatives.
THANK YOU & I APPROVE OF THIS MESSAGE,
CAROLINE
David Scott
Haggard and Foley are committing fraud. They defraud their followers/constituents and make a good living doing it. This is not about outing someone in their private life because they are both involved in a money-making proposition which collects funds and support from private individuals under false pretenses. It may not be strictly illegal, but it is certainly unethical. Their actions don’t deserve to be sheltered as private acts. It is precisely because they directly involve the public that they cause such a strong reaction from the very public they have deceived.
Ray
I"m troubled but I think Mike did the right thing. Because Haggard now speaks of a lifelong battle with his "urges" - I recognize a gay man in a closet. I was there once, youall were too.
Anonymous
I'm impressed with Mike Jones for having the courage to out Haggard, and for doing it in a respectful way. I hope the Evangelical church realizes that its views on homosexuality is ruining peoples lives, including those of its own members.
Anonymous
He should have gotten a hidden baby cam and filmed the fucker in action, and then put it on the web.
Anonymous
The battle for rights for same-sex couples is just that, a battle. Haggard is not merely a gay man who lived a closeted life: he founded a homophobic church and used his position in it to promote an anti-homosexual agenda. He has to live with this.
Sheryl
I am so tired of gay guys "outing" other guys. Ellen moved us forward, but it seems that gay men are doing everything they can to move us backward. Gay men seem to have no decency. I've come to the conclusion that they are only concerned with "publicity". It's showing straight society that we have no values. That we're only concerned with "outing" events.
Anonymous
he should have squeezed the worthless prick for about $50K and then gone to the press
Damian
people need to know when their "Leaders" are lieing and are two faced. This is not the first time a Man of God has been caught with his hand, let alone other body parts, in the cookie jar.
I applaud Mr. Jones and if all is on the up and up...another one bites the dust. Sad truth is ther is always some religious nut ready to pick up the hate mongering when one of them falls.
Anonymous
Ted Haggard is an asshole, a typical hypocritical, Christian, holier-than-thou, asshole. He deserves the worst anyone can possibly wish for him, and don't tell me about "forgivenance" and "sympathy." He has had none for us, and has inflicted untold harm on millions of gays and lesbians who only want to live a deserved normal life without his tainted judgement and interpretation of God's will for all of mankind. Period. May God grant mercy on the souls of the people he hurt.
Patrick
Enough of the hypocrisy of the closeted homosexual homophobes. It's one thing to out private gay people who are not ready to come out of the closet. People ordinarily need time to process being gay before they come out. But when a public figure is leading a public campaign against civil rights for gay people and the public figure is a closeted homosexual who is getting homosexual sex on the side, I think it is fair to blow their cover. Such people are doing what they can to destroy their own people.
Steve LaVigne
Thank you Mike Jones. We here in Florida, where we cannot adopt, cannot marry, and are still subjected to gaybashing needed to hear that our administration was consluting with a gay person, even though he was not out. He is now out and sadly ashamed. But it is progress. As more and more Republicans and right wingers come out either by choice or by accident , it can only help our cause.
Keep outing anyone and everyone.
Steve LaVigne
Keith Cunningham
Mr. Jones is no saint, but I do believe that he did the right thing. Mr. Haggard was a powerful anti-gay political force who had millions of dollars at his disposal as well as thousands of people that he used to mobilize against us. I feel sorry for Mr. Haggard's family (particularly his wife) and disillusioned followers, but this guy built an empire (and made a ton of money) on espousing conservative family values that, ultimately, he was unable to practice.
Anonymous
I believe what mike jones did for the gay community is heroic. Any opportunity the community has to be heard at the national level should be taken, no matter how.
Hans
Very difficult for mr. Haggard's family and kids, however: let's not forget that mr. Haggard asked for this. This is one of the most dispicable cases of bigotry produced by our 'christian' brethren. You cannot have a 'Janus face', condemming on the one side while fucking around on the other and doing everything you forbid others to do. Unfortunately, the 'righteous' christians will not learn anything from this - that's where their devil comes in so handy!
Anonymous
and he should have have made a recording or videotape - which he could then plan for the national media after "Art" denied their encounters so show the world what hypocrites he and foley and Bush are!
Anonymous
and he should have have made a recording or videotape - which he could then plan for the national media after "Art" denied their encounters so show the world what hypocrites he and foley and Bush are!
Anonymous
and he should have have made a recording or videotape - which he could then plan for the national media after "Art" denied their encounters so show the world what hypocrites he and foley and Bush are!
James McCoy
Hypocrisy is WRONG. If someone of stature is closeted and acting against us then we need to EXPOSE them. Everyone should be OUT anyway!!!
Sandy Riley
Haggard's self-loathing fueled his political onslaught on our civil rights, Mike did him and us a favor, it was a brave and rightous act on his part.
Brian
I applaud Mike Jones for what he did and how did it. I certainly have no pity for Ted Haggard who has no problem hurting and condeming gay and lesbian families. I hope this completely destroys Ted Haggard and his family.
Shannon P. McLaughlin
Thank You Mike Jones!
True spirituality is in us already, not to be learned through those that preach that we are all 'not' truely equal in the eyes of the one that helped create us. To portray another human being as a deviate or a sinner should never be the job of a mortal. Haggard is a coward and a thief.
We can never be true to the greatest spirit if we can not be true to our own.
dear abby2
They both broke the law.
They should share a prison cell
together and find true love.
Scott Sommers
If enough of these hypocrites are exposed, then americans will finally see the truth, that those who rally against gays are most likely self-loathing closet-cases. Perhaps then these people will think twice about condemning gays since they may be perceived as gay themselves.
fire fox
mike jones good on you .
haggard knew what he was doing ,
what he was telling others
did come back to bite him right in the ass ,
Pete
He should have kept stained blue dress for evidence.
Doug
Why on earth would he keep his mouth shut? Unless letting people get away with blatant, hurtful hypocrisy is some kind of fetish for you, I can't imagine why you wouldn't let everyone know.
Anonymous
He should have given the pics to the press, too.
Anonymous
He did the right thing. May others follow his lead.
Anonymous
I think he should have gotten more proof, like pics, so that Haggard wouldn't have as much room to squirm around.
Anonymous
I'm straight and a Christian. I think people enter this lifestyle for a lot of different reasons...motives, if you will - the same as heteros...there are a lot of people that enter relationships coldly and simply use others to satisfy needs. Haggard and Jones both entered this relationship that way. I think sex is a special part of relationships, but if these two see it more casual, then they should be consistent...Jones was honest, but Haggard is a liar and a hypocrite and has been hurting his family all along anyway...it's just that now everyone knows...
Anonymous
Haggard is pityable, but he is doing so much damage to other people's lives by preaching lies and distortions about gay people that he deserves to be exposed.
CNS
I'm proud of Mike Jones! Hypocrisy kills!
xxx
I looked up Mike ads
It was for a massage only.
Just as deceiving as Haggard
as they engaged in sex.
Lori Campbell
Jones definitely did the right thing. That phony s.o.b. Haggard needed to be taken down. He and his freak band of evangies, including of course the current presidential administration, are runining our country and the lives of many. Haggard has spent his adult life imposing his superstitions on others, and posturing like he has some right to authority. That is bad enough, but actively trying to deny people their right to pursuit of liberty and happiness is the worst. All the meanwhile, he has been eagerly doing the very things HE claims are "repulsive", "sinful", and "dark". Oh, please. He and his people are repulsive. If these freaks would just shut up and leave everyone else alone, we might someday have some peace. Mike Jones is a hero. If this deters even one evangie-wannabe from joining a megachurch, or causes even one current evangie to leave, it will be well worth it. I don't feel sorry for Haggard's wife either. She chose him and it -- the phony, hypocritical lifestyle -- and is now pretending to stand by her man. We all know they will be divorced within a year.
Anonymous
The hyprocrisy in the Republican party and those who support the Republican party MUST be exposed. Those who wish us ill and take public positions against our rights, and then have gay sex secretly, should be outed whenever that behavior is discovered.
Doyle Schroeder
We need more people like Mike to come forward and out these jerks who preach hate, work to pass laws against us and then go and have gay sex on the side. It is time to out them.
musclehippy
Hush little baby don't cry like that.
God's gonna buy you a cadillac.
He's chosen you to do his will.
You can spread the word
in your coup de-ville!
So jump in the river
and learn to swim.
God's gonna wash away
all your sins,
and if you still can't see the light
god's gonna buy you a satellite!
Look to the heavens
and see it shine.
Heals the sick
and leads the blind.
Tune it in and hear it say...
it's countin' down to judgement day!
So go jump in the river
and learn to swim.
God's gonna wash away
all your sins!
And if you still can't see the light...
God's gonna buy you a satellite!
Hey Satellite man
your time has come.
Your word's received by everyone...
and if you fall, well, that's OK
YOU LOVED THE ONES
THAT YOU BETRAYED!!
So go jump in the river
and learn to swim.
God's gonna wash away
all your sins!
And when at last you see the light...
God's gonna buy you a SATELLITE!!
YAH! When at last you see the light
God's gonna buy you a satellite!!
Dave
If Haggard was a nobody, I'd have said 'He should have contacted Haggard and given him a chance to come clean'. Considering how 'in the press' Haggard was with his position, Jones' response ends up being a measured one. Jones is my hero for the week. He acted without the provocation of a political party and ignoring the temptation to use the situation for personal gain. Bravo.
D.
I see no problem with Jones' approach. He wanted the hypocrisy exposed. . .and there is every chance that may not have happened if he had waited, or gone directly to Haggard or the church. And why not expose deceipt right before a ballot on a related issue? Isn't it better than wishing you had done something?
Lalo
I was forgiving to Mr. Haggard for the lies & deception he spread. But calling his gay orientation "repulsive & dark" is adding insult to injury to say the least.
Frank Mullahey
The recent news about Rev. Ted Haggard to me is more
evidence that homosexuality is for real. Ted Haggard is
a homosexual. He was born a homosexual. There is
nothing wrong with him as a human being. I honestly
feel sorry for him having to live the life he has in torment.
His choice to attempt to live heterosexually has caused
many people pain and dissatisfaction. We need to grow
and move on. Acceptance of gays as being exactly who
we are as our Higher
