Time Magazine named Rev. Ted Haggard as one of the “Twenty-five Most Influential Evangelicals in America.” Taking advantage of his status as a prominent religious figure, Ted Haggard began nationally mobilizing followers against the gay marriage movement. Being in charge of one of the largest churches in the U.S., he wanted to further his cause after the state of Massachusetts legalized same-sex marriage in 2004. He also joined forces with Focus on the Family to bring a state constitutional ban on homosexual marriage to the Colorado ballot this year.
Haggard maintains he has been faithful to his wife.
Mike Jones, an attractive and athletic-looking 49-year-old from Denver countered by agreeing to a radio interview. In it, he stated that over a period of three years, Haggard paid him about once a month to engage in homosexual intercourse. He also stated the Rev. Haggard used only the name “Art” and the last time they had sex was in August of this year. Openly gay Jones voluntarily took a polygraph during the radio interview. The results showed him telling the truth in some parts and “being deceptive” in others. The expert administering the test has requested a second test, saying it could be from stress of the radio interview and lack of sleep.
Haggard, the married father of five, seized on the results to deny even knowing Mike Jones, or ever having an affair with another man. Haggard began painting Jones as a liar and taking advantage of the political environment as well. Jones denied the assertion, saying he had no idea who “Art” actually was until he saw Haggard on TV recently railing against gay marriage.
An expert announced that he analyzed the accumulated messages Haggard left on Jones’ voicemail, and concluded there was a very good chance it was indeed Reverend Ted Haggard. Hearing this, the pastor changed his story and admitted to calling Jones to buy methamphetamines, but claimed he flushed them down the toilet after realizing what he’d done was morally wrong. When pressed on how he knew Jones’ phone number if he hadn’t had a liaison with him, Haggard admitted he’d hired Jones to give him a massage at a Denver hotel. Upon pressure of more damaging revelations, the Rev. Haggard admitted in an interview with KKTV in Colorado Springs that some of Jones’ accusations were accurate.
Article comments
— go to most recent comments1 - Jet in Columbus
God, my Gaydar went off the moment I saw Haggard's face, and Mike ain't bad either for a 49-year-Old!
BUT OF COURSE THAT’S ONLY MY OPINION
2 - Isaac
Homosexuality is a sin. So is lying and defiling one's body with drugs.
I don't think there is any doubt he did all three, and probably a lot more.
But the worst thing this man has done is to weaken the faith of those who looked up to him and trusted him.
He could help those people more now as a sinner that he ever did as a preacher if he would only own up to what he has done and ask for their forgiveness.
If by chance you happen to meet this guy, tell him for me.
3 - Jet in Columbus
You can watch Mike Jones' CNN interview by Clicking here
It's seven minutes long, so it takes a while to load if you have dial up like mee.
4 - Jet in Columbus
Let he who is without sin cast the first stone Isaac
5 - Dave Nalle
Wow, could Haggard look more gay?
It's about time for the GOP to face up to the fact that we're riddled with the gay mafia and accept them.
Dave
6 - Jet in Columbus
Dave, I think I just figured out why the GOP won't allow the constitution to be changed so foreigners can run for president like Ahnold.
They're afraid of Elton John!!!!
Jet
7 - Jet in Columbus
...the fact that we're riddled with the gay mafia and accept them... Dave I thought you were a libertarian....
... or was that a librarian?
8 - El Bicho
I heard the audio on cable and with no qualifications as an expert I could tell it was Haggard. I understand outright lying in a moment of panic as you realize that life as you know it will end. But the follow-ups that admit to limited culpabilty are ridiculous. No one buys meth because they are curious only to throw it out.
What's sad is to think about all the lives damaged because gays are forced to closet their sexuality. I wish this incident would cause society to open their minds, but I'm not holding my breath.
Nice write-up, Jet.
9 - Jet in Columbus
Thanks EB, unfortunately his loyal and blind followers are already lined up to "forgive" him, and all will return to normal within a few months.
About all that'll probably come out of it is that Jones will be brought up on trumped drug charges, even though he wasn't the one who sold it.
I didn't even have to hear the voice. Haggard's too pretty to be straight.
Thanks again for contributing your opinion and the praise.
Jet
10 - JustOneMan
Is the author ignoring reality and purposely leaving out the real story! Is there a trend developing that is building a much larger and long-term case against homosexuals? Ironically it’s the Gays and those on the Left that may be slowly proving the case that gays, due to the genetics and lifestyles may have serious moral and ethical issues.. NOT related to their sexual preference...here are some disturbing facts
1. Foley - sexual predator - GAY
2. McGreevy - appoints his unqualified boyfriend to a homeland security position - resigns in disgrace -writes a book detailing his "gloryhole" adventures. Becomes a star and poster boy for the gay community
3. Pedophile Catholic Priests - overwhelmingly are 99.9% GAY Pedophiles. Again Gays in positions of power abusing it!
4. Recent NJ headlines - More than 100 men have been charged with lewdness or sexual activity in South Mountain Reservation as part of a 15-month crackdown on gay trysts in the park, authorities said yesterday - this according to the papers is happening all over the state -ALL GAY MEN having anonymous unprotected sex- In the era of AIDS very responsible behavior. Where are the heterosexual sex parks??? They don’t exist!
So is the story about a lying Christian minister? NO NOT AT ALL! It’s really part of a disturbing trend of the growing number of morally bankrupt gays in positions of power and their denigration of society. I am not saying that all gays are either morally or ethically challenged. But based upon the numbers and the silence of the gay community one could only assume that these are the accepted norms of the majority.
This is not about ones sexual preference its about ones ethical and moral behavior to do the right thing. Based upon the current trend it may paint a sorry picture for gays and their efforts to be accepted as equals in society.
JustOneMan
11 - Jet in Columbus
Yawn
12 - Jet in Columbus
Boy I sure called this one, his church is already releasing statements blaming Jones for this and "Tempting Haggard away from Christ" and making it sound like Jones drugged him into becoming a homosexual.
Shows more of the evangelical's lack of a grip on reality.
Jet
13 - Bliffle
JOM: just suppose that in some parallel universe the Gays were a majority and ruled that hetero sex was perverse and illegal, would you convert and become gay or live a life of rebelious, forbidden, scorned, heterosexuality?
14 - Jet in Columbus
Bliffle? I didn't know you used to write for Star Trek? Thanks
15 - Bliffle
Dave: "It's about time for the GOP to face up to the fact that we're riddled with the gay mafia and accept them."
Stay The Course.
16 - Dave Nalle
Jet, even gay people should be afraid of Elton John. Aren't gay people supposed to have fashion sense?
And JoM. Feel free to write as much bigoted, idiotic stuff as you want, but please don't spam the same post to two threads.
Dave
17 - Jet in Columbus
Dave, that's just a stereotype sir. I'm never seen without my sweatshirt and jeans from Wal-mart. In fact I can't remember the last time my shoes matched the rest of my ensemble.
dear me.
18 - Jet in Columbus
I think it's pathetic that the more influencial they are the more twisted televangelists are. If Jerry Falwell turns out to be gay, I'm leaving!
19 - JustOneMan
Didnt take long for the left-wing gender confused circle jerk to begin! Gee interesting quote TRUE facts about "some" gay lifestyles and people get all bent out of shape. I guess its ok to bash christians and conservatives.
Why even Dave "came out of the closet" to expose his liberal bias...
JustOneMan
20 - Jet in Columbus
Didn't take long for the left turn signal to blow out, now I'll have to go to the store and buy a new one.
alas
21 - JustOneMan
oh my head...its all coming back to me now...I was temporarily pushed to the right! Oh its clear now!
We the left wing loons will out and destroy every Queer that dosent conform to our definition of an open gay lifestles...So you know who you are!
You the gay guys that refuse to have sex in stalls in adult bookstores, the ones that do not go to the RamRod every friday night and have unprotected sex with dozens of strange men, you who refuse to stop at every rest stop and give oral sex to overweight smelly truck drivers!
If you do not accept this lifestyle we will out you and destroy you!
From The Left...JustOneMan
22 - Hannity Limbaugh
You know, Just One, you really should stop mumbling. I can't understand a word of what you've been saying since you first came to BC.
Maybe you should stop smoking all that meth and take the cock out of your mouth so we can hear what you mean a bit more clearly.
I'm just saying.
23 - Jet in Columbus
Sooooo, ignoring all that Hannity what'd you think of the article?
24 - Hannity Limbaugh
Sorry Jet, we uber facist talking head DNA splicing experiments don't actually discuss real content , or add to the discussion in any meaningful way.
It's all about demonizing and branding the other guys, well, and advertising dollars of course.
25 - Jet in Columbus
Oh... well then... nuff said