A male prostitute alleges that he had a three-year relationship with prominent right-wing evangelical leader Ted Haggard, who has said that homosexuality is a “sin” and “devastating for the children of our nation and for the future of Western civilization.” Haggard denies the allegation.
Haggard is president of the National Association of Evangelicals, representing more than 30 million conservative Christians. Time Magazine ranked him as one of the 25 most influential evangelicals and Harper’s contributing editor Jeff Sharlet noted, “No pastor in America holds more sway over the political direction of evangelicalism than does Pastor Ted.”
Every Monday, Haggard participates in a conference call with members of the Bush administration. He has stated, “I’m a right-wing religious conservative. … I joke that the only disagreement I have with George Bush is on what type of truck to drive.”
Haggard’s accuser, Mike Jones, says “he has recorded voicemails and a letter from Haggard, and that he had also witnessed Haggard use methamphetamine.”
AMERICABlog has more.
Full transcript below:
ANCHOR: A gay man makes a stunning accusation against the leader of one of Colorado’s most popular mega-churches, Ted Haggard, one of the best known evangelical pastors in the country. A gay man in Denver claims he’s had a three year sexual business relationship with Haggard. The pastor has told us just a few moments ago that he has prepared for his own church to investigate the claims.
Haggard is the founder and senior leader of the 14,000 member New Life church in Colorado Springs. He is also the president of the multi-million member National Association of Evangelicals. Haggard is married and has five children. Male escort Mike Jones of Denver started talking to 9News two months ago claiming that Haggard does not practice what he preaches. He tells 9News that pastor Ted Haggard has been paying him for sex for the last three years. Jones went public about their alleged relation this morning on talk radio.
JONES: Some may look at me and what I’ve done as immoral but I think I had to do the moral thing in my mind and that is expose someone who is preaching one thing but doing the opposite behind everybody’s back.
ANCHOR: This evening we spoke with pastor Haggard outside of his home in Colorado Springs.
HAGGARD: I’ve never had a gay relationship with anybody and, uh, I’m steady with my wife, I’m faithful to my wife. So, I don’t know if this is election year politics or if this has to do with the marriage amendment or what it is. But I’m not even the guy who will investigate it or question it, I don’t know what the dynamics are. This independent group will come in and do that.
Pot meet kettle, Kettle, pot
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:23 pmCould that male prostitue be Jeff Gannon/John Guckert?
Inquiring minds want to know.
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:24 pmRepublican “Family Values” are wonderful.
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:24 pmYou have to know that those squeeky clean religious zealots are really very kinky.
Just look at Emperor George and his relationship with Jeff Gannon!
So… how do gay relationships damage our children and families? As if it were an important issue, right?
ReichWingNutWackJobs have sure stepped in it again!!!
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:24 pmIf I may quote one of the Presidents admired people.
“Surprise, Surprise, Surprise.”
-Gomer Pyle
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:25 pmoverly friendly? for money….wow. God will forgive him..no big deal?
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:25 pmI can hear the repub. responce now….ekkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk.
Yeah Yeah… another sexual allegation. Big woop! This guy SAYS he has evidence. Let’s hear the tapes and see any of the evidence and have a forensic team go over it. Then get back to me. There are more important things than another hippocritical Republican to worry about.
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:26 pmthis is off topic but would like to mention bush is in montana campaigning for burns. as i speak. this race is getting close and wouldn’t be surprised if burns wins in a state that bleeds red.
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:27 pmOh now there’s a shock. Who would have ever thought that yet another gay-bashing, right-wing bible-thumper would get exposed as being a homosexual himself? And one that frequents gay prostitutes on top of that?
Are you starting to see a pattern, yet, righties? The more you try to convince the world that you think homosexuality is an abomination, the more likely it is that you’re a closet queen. Why don’t you all just come out of the closet now and quit pretending? We’ll find out about it eventually anyway.
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:29 pmWell, duh! Everyone knows that gay sex with prostitutes is much, much better when your high on meth! Please people, let’s get back to Kerry’s botched joke — that is so much more important than a stunning example of rightwing christian taliban hypocrisy…
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:29 pmHe’s PRESIDENT of a group representing 30,000,000 Conservatives?!? Holy cr*p.
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:29 pmYeah Yeah… another sexual allegation. Big woop! This guy SAYS he has evidence. Let’s hear the tapes and see any of the evidence and have a forensic team go over it. Then get back to me. There are more important things than another hippocritical Republican to worry about.
Comment by Swordsbane
Ya like forensic teams going over 911.
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:31 pmThis is pretty responsible. A male prostitute is accusing this pastor 5 days before the election that they had gay sex and the pastor takes drugs. He says he has letters and recorded messages.
Okay, TP, post this. I am accusing Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid of satanic cult membership and human sacrifice. I know it is only 5 days until the election, but I thought it was important to get this message out. I know it happened because, I was there. I have video tape of the human sacrifice, a picture of Nancy and Harry trading shots of the deceased humans blood, and a recorded acknowledgement from Satan, that he can’t wait for liberals to take back power so he can further his agenda.
Seeing that you are willing to post this male prostitutes accusation, I’m sure you will have no trouble posting mine. Thank you, TP.
P.S. Satan says ‘hello’ and says ‘keep up the good work!’
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:34 pmNovember 2nd, 2006 at 1:34 pm
this will never end. pedaphilia runs amock in the christian world. and how do lyou think the members of skull and bones say it is a secret. folks this is their tool for hush it up.
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:34 pmBut of course it’s same-sex marriage, as in “monogamous relationship”, that threatens the institute of marriage, not having affairs with gay prostitues.
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:35 pmYes, he presides ove the amazingly sheepy 32-34% who love Bush.
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:36 pmI have in my possession a list of 100 “evangelicals” who also have had relationships with prostitutes, both male, female, transgendered, and transsexual (trannies). Some of them are Communists too.
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:37 pm#14 paul
Do you have letters and recorded messages?
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:37 pmand why homosexuality is a topic for discussion is because the righties are running on ‘ethics’/'family values’. the very people who are demonizing the gay community are coming out like roaches. get the spray (rid)folks and buckets to catch em. then again you might need vats.
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:38 pmI wonder how throughly the News Station checked into this?
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:38 pmSeriously, if this allegation is true, it is testament to how the soul-killing, non-Christian hypocrisy that these right wingers impose on themselves creates a darkness that leads to unhealthy behavior. This minister had to use methamphetamine to free himself from the overbearing oppression of his religious cult.
You can’t keep up the hate and the suppression of your deepest self and expect to function in a normal and healty manner. And it’s not just with homosexuality–for example, look at the crap that spews from Rush Limbaughs mouth every day, and we wonder why he had to self medicate with over doses of Oxycontin to stop his own conscience from speaking to him? If I lived a life that was a lie, I would want to be on drugs too. I expect to hear Ann Coulter has checked into a rehab center anyday….
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:38 pmTed ‘tushy pusher’ Haggard
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:38 pmAnother October gift (2 days late). And see:
http://littlegreenfascists.blogspot.com/2006/11/not-gay.html
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:40 pmOMG! Oh the hypocrisy the beautiful, glorious hypocrisy. Although it shouldn’t suprise me, it absolutely does if only for the fact that it’s so stereotypical, I mean holy crap!
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:40 pmI don’t believe it. The gay male is just attempting to attack Christians. Mr. Hagaard is a God fearing man. Just another ploy created by liberals, but Jesus’ will shall prevail November 7, 2006.
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:42 pmI’m sorry, but this isn’t news. He’s a homophobic evangelical, the gayest people on earth.
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:43 pm.
Paul, it’s simple. This male prostitute has more credibility than you.
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:44 pmhttp://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/02/us/02arza.html
another republican caught on tape using a racial slur…shocking.
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:44 pmpaul -
take your “proof” to the networks, don’t forget to include your name, address and phone number. good luck!
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:45 pmPaul: “P.S. Satan says ‘hello’ and says ‘keep up the good work!’”
So, now Paul admits that he has a personal relationship with Satan. Great Paul. Heckofa job!
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:46 pmTweeker Ted…..God bless your sorry ass.
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:46 pmOMG! Oh the hypocrisy the beautiful, glorious hypocrisy. Although it shouldn’t suprise me, it absolutely does if only for the fact that it’s so stereotypical, I mean holy crap!
Comment by Fascism+American+Style
I grew up in Kokomo, IN … I went to three churchs as a kid. ALL three churches split because of the preacher and or his wife having sex with people in the sheeple crowd… between fits of talking in tongues via “god” and asking people to give to god and he will give to them …
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:47 pmHey dumby, this guy and the news station have been working together for 2 months. Do you think the news station would run with this story if they have had 2 months to research if this guys was full of shit?
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:47 pmP.S. Satan says ‘hello’ and says ‘keep up the good work!’ — paul
You got the wrong url, paul. PowerLine’s cite is powerlineblog.com.
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:48 pmThey spent 2 months researching it.
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:48 pmDaryll claims to know exactly what Jesus wants. In Jesus’ time, he might have been executed for saying that.
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:49 pmGrand+Moff+Texan, please rescind your comment. The majority of the evangelicals are God fearing people. We love the Lord, and adhere to his laws. It’s just another ploy created by Liberals.
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:49 pmlink
Pastor Ted soon began upsetting the devil’s plans. He staked out gay bars, inviting men to come to his church
Yes. I don’t doubt that for a second.
Once Pastor Ted and another missionary accidentally set off an alarm and hid together in a field while the police investigated.
Gay sex so hawt it sets off alarms. Nice.
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:49 pm.
#14 I’d rather be a Satanist than a White Trash ,Homosexual, Whoremonger, Dopefiend, Hypocrite, Republican Evangelical. Heh! Oh…hail Satan!
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:50 pm“The gay male is just attempting to attack Christians”
Attempting?
“..but Jesus’ will shall prevail November 7, 2006.”
Is he running as a librul Dem or full of hypocrisy regressive Repuplican. Maybe he could have a talk with Duhbya and make everything just peachy keen.
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:52 pmFor not being gay, he looked awfully gay on that clip.
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:52 pmbusted… give it up Mary, you done been caught with your britches down…
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:52 pmpaul, this is the work of libs to try to divert non-partisan voters over to their party, but it will not work.
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:52 pm#20. chimpeach. I have letters and recordings and am willing to take a lie-detector test.
During the test, I am also willing to testify that Liberals are so bereft of ideas that they are willing to post the the accusation of a sole prostitute, that has provided no evidence, to besmearch opponents in a desparate attempt to regain power for libs.
If TP can continue to post like items for the next 5 days, perhaps no one here will notice that Democrats have no plan for Iraq, want to raise taxes, are more interested in focusing on impeachment and war crimes tribunals than addressing real problems the country faces. The sheep here at TP will buy it, but, thinking voters will see it as further proof that Liberals don’t deserve power.
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:53 pmThe majority of the evangelicals are God fearing people.
Yes, I know. I’m married to one and she, like me, has no patience for hypocrites who preach what Christ never did and who ignore His actual ministry while on earth. They can babble about faith all they want, but they lie and the truth is not in them.
So, I was talking about phony-faith homophobes, people with a mental illness and in deep denial about their sexuality. Have you seen their hair? They’re practically bursting with fruit flavor.
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:54 pm.
#27 - … Just another ploy created by liberals, but Jesus’ will shall prevail November 7, 2006.
I’m sure He will. Jesus was a liberal.
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:55 pmPaul,
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:55 pmI think I know where you are going here, this male prostitute is part of a sting operation trying to get Evangelical gay haters to show who they really are, so Jones the prostitute has sex with Haggard 2 yrs. ago only to spring it on the public close to election day. That’s totally plausible to me.
Daryll: “Grand+Moff+Texan, please rescind your comment.”
Now, that is really funny. Daryll, I don’t think the Texan takes orders from you. Feeling a little full of yourself, aren’t you. Most intelligent people know that when a guy is just nuts about gays, he’s probably gay himself. Are you really upset about gays Daryll?
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:55 pmDaryll # 27
The Good Lord will prevail on Nov. 7 and HE will re-establish justice, tolerance of fellow men, integrity and the rule of law by getting rid of the torture-loving, 665,000 innocent civilian killing, domestic-spying, free-speech destroying, Constitution-trampling GOP/Neo-con evils.
BTW does anyone know when the news will break that Rush “Rusty” Limpballs is having a gay relationship?
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:56 pm#27 Daryll
I don’t believe it. The gay male is just attempting to attack Christians. Mr. Hagaard is a God fearing man. Just another ploy created by liberals, but Jesus’ will shall prevail November 7, 2006.
It’s entirely possible that it’s not true. But he claims to have some solid evidence. What will it mean to you if it is true? Will it change your opinion of him?
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:56 pmEh, seems dubious.
But we’ll see. At this point getting excited about it would be as disingenuous as the right’s response to Kerry’s comments.
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:56 pmAlso, #27, if Jesus’ will prevails on November 7th, none of the R’s or D’s will be elected.
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:58 pmpoor Daryll, what a sucker.
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:58 pmPaul: “The sheep here at TP will buy it”
Hey Paul, sheep run in flocks. You are evidently part of a flock, so you’re the sheep. And, since you think liberals don’t have a plan in Iraq, please tell us the conservative plan.
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:58 pmDaryll
Hypocritical “Christian Pharisees” are God-fearing (and they should be). True followers of Christ are God-loving.
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:59 pmNo, the religious right will simply rationalize it away in some manner. Perhaps it’s somehow Bill Clinton’s fault?
November 2nd, 2006 at 1:59 pm#46 paul
You probably don’t want to use so many words, paul. You’re going to be munching on them for a lo-o-o-o-o-ng time.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:00 pmDaryll: Sounds to me like it’s the work of Ted Haggard and his naughty bits.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:01 pmIf TP can continue to post like items for the next 5 days, perhaps no one here will notice that Democrats have no plan for Iraq, want to raise taxes, are more interested in focusing on impeachment and war crimes tribunals than addressing real problems the country faces. The sheep here at TP will buy it, but, thinking voters will see it as further proof that Liberals don’t deserve power.
Comment by paul
1) Democrats dont have a plan for Iraq? Yes they do. Their plan for solving terrorism is what I have not heard.
2) I am one of those people that get 10s of thousands of dollars taken out each year for taxes… I am not bitching about it except when it is used to pay for illegal wars. And the tax cuts I got from the republicans was no where NEAR as good as the people who make more than I do have got. And yet I see the people that make less than me still struggling like always. Quit being greedy or a fool.
3) America seemed to be really focused on War Crimes after WWII. The law is the law. What is right is right. And what is wrong is wrong. Otherwise what is the point in having laws at all? Waging illegal war is a big problem. Though making sure that we are taxing as much as we are spending is also very important as is making sure social security remains secure.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:01 pmThe sheep here at TP will buy it
Comment by paul — November 2, 2006 @ 1:53 pm
Hey Paul, I know you haven’t noticed but -the original report was done by 9News from Denver, CO. Prehaps you want to take it up with them.
I also know you think most ThinkProgress readers get their news from this site only. You’re wrong. Not tot mention this is all over the news now.
What a simpleton you are.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:04 pmTheir plan for solving terrorism is what I have not heard.
They did all right until Bush shut it down. I imagine we’ll go back to what worked before Bush gave us 9/11.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:05 pm.
paul: you’re doing a great job of just making stuff up about the Democrats’ plans when they take over. Bush STILL has no plan for Iraq, but the Democrats have a plan, and a plan to defeat terrorism — which does not include sitting on your butt for seven minutes after hearing “the country is under attack.”
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:06 pmThese days a conservative, born-again christian is, by definition, a simpleton.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:06 pmThank God good evangelicals are continuing the work of Jesus by defending warmongering torturers, demanding tax cuts for the moneychangers, and throwing stones at society’s outcasts!
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:06 pmTell me the ‘plan’ for IRAQ Paul. I want to hear one GrOPe that can actually tell me the plan, so far none can.
Elaborate on this ‘Course’ Paul.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:07 pmOh, it’s GOT to be the drugs. Check this out [ http://news.yahoo.com/ s/ ap/ 20061102/ ap_on_re_as/ afghan_drugs ]:
Afghan farmers now planting opium poppies will probably reap a harvest comparable to this year’s record crop, in part because insurgents control wide swaths of the south, preventing effective counter-narcotics work, officials said Thursday…
Drug production has skyrocketed since a U.S.-led offensive toppled the Taliban regime five years ago for giving refuge to
Osama bin Laden and al-Qaida camps. Last spring’s poppy harvest accounted for 92 percent of the global opium supply and was enough to make 610 tons of heroin — more than all the world’s addicts consume in a year.
Police and government officials are deeply implicated in the trade, which adds to the corruption and lawlessness threatening
Afghanistan’s fledgling democracy. Taliban militiamen had all but eradicated opium cultivation by 2000 but now profit from it, protecting poppy farmers.
Deteriorating security in the countryside makes it difficult to monitor how much poppy has been planted, the U.S. official said. Taliban-led militants have increased attacks this year, particularly in Afghanistan’s southern opium heartland…
Yes siree! Republicans are all about family values and keeping the non-christian wolves at bay.
NOT!!!
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:08 pmwho the hell else would do sex with an “evangelical leader” but a prostitute?
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:08 pmI mean, after all, what would be the point except money? It is just like the religion business, what would be the point except money?
wait a minute, they are the same business. guess they always have been.
So a very religious man who hates gay people, ends up being a gay himself? It really shocks me.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:10 pmTheir plan for solving terrorism is what I have not heard.
They did all right until Bush shut it down. I imagine we’ll go back to what worked before Bush gave us 9/11.
.
Comment by Grand+Moff+Texan
That might be… though I would like to see a longer term goal… what stoped Christian terrorism? The U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights. I think other countries with the same problem should be educated to what it means to be part of the modern world where religion AND the rights of individuals are protected equally. I cant see how terrorism can thrive in a world like that… just look at America .. we the people rarely ever do any terrorism. A few religious crazies here and there do stuff in America but there sure are not hundreds of thousands of them ready to strap on bombs…
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:11 pmAnother scandal of the “Part of Moral Values”.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:11 pmI think what paul is trying to say is that it’s a liberal plot when a TV station doesn’t help keep a secret for the Republicans or religious conservatives at least until after the election to help Republicans win.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:13 pmpaul, no proof, no story… bye!
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:15 pmI have nothing to say…
BBBWWWAAAWAWAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!
Sorry, that just slipped out.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:15 pmHey! Look at this. ReichWingNuts are fleeing their own party!!!
[ http://news.yahoo.com/ s/ nm/ 20061102/ pl_nm/ usa_elections_kansas_dc ]
MISSION, Kansas (Reuters)- Former Kansas legislator David Adkins may be a self-described “washed-up white male Republican politician,” but come election night he and many others in the longtime Republican stronghold state of Kansas are placing their hopes, and votes, on Democrats.
A mini-rebellion is under way in an American Heartland state so historically unswingable that neither national party typically spends much time or energy stumping for candidates.
But this year
President George W. Bush, the country’s leading Republican, is making a last-minute campaign stop in Kansas, where at least nine candidates running on the November 7 ballot are Republicans-turned-Democrats. They include a veteran county prosecutor seeking to unseat the Republican attorney general and a former state Republican Party chairman running as the Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor…
If the ReichWing Party is so good, so decent, so strong, why are people suddenly becoming Democrats? I would sure like to hear from those waterboard supporting compassionate christians about this!
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:16 pmDaryll, you sure seem to be hung up on homosexuality. It’s a theme that comes up fairly often in your posts. Haggard seems to talk about it a lot too, hmmmmmmm…….
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:16 pmCompletely shocking, 100% on topic:
Deliver Us From Evil
Do NOT miss this movie.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:16 pm#56. Bluedog49.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:17 pmI can tell you what I’ve heard from both parties. The Republicans plan to stay committed until there is a secure and free Iraq, no matter how long it takes. I can also say that Democratic statements on what to do in Iraq range from bring the troops home now, to begin a gradual withdrawl, to redeploy the troops to Okinawa, to now that we’re in Iraq lets commit the number of troops we need to win. No one here is able or willing to address that question, which leads me to believe that liberals (despite all their complaining) don’t have better answers. It is a pretty simple question, you’ve had 3 years to prepare. What do Democrats plan to do?
1) on topic - am i the only person who’s not surprised at all at this?
2) “solve terrorism” wtf does that mean? that’s like challenging someone or some group to present their “plan to solve war” no one’s ever going to “solve” either one, dummy. no one’s going to “solve poverty” or “solve ignorance” either. what a specious, empty-headed line of thinking. what a useless rhetorical canard, like wielding a cornstalk in a saber duel.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:17 pmJust another ploy created by liberals, but Jesus’ will shall prevail November 7, 2006.
Comment by Daryll — November 2, 2006 @ 1:42 pm
And you are just another morally corrupt hypocrite who shamelessly prostitutes his religion for political gain.
Do you really think your god is so petty as to occupy himself with the cesspool the world of politics has become? Does your god talk to you and direct you to vote for this or that candidate? Really?
Who would Jesus vote for, Daryll? The lying warmongers? The corrupt, minor-stalking politicians? The torture advocates? Do you really think that?
You are every bit as morally bankrupt as the people you support.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:17 pmSorry for the re-post, but I think this needs repeating:
Paul: “P.S. Satan says ‘hello’ and says ‘keep up the good work!’â€
Paul, who claims to be a devout christian, has a personal relationship with Satan. Wow, Paul, I don’t think you should have let that out of the bag.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:17 pmDaryll believes that “false prophets” pertain to over-reported income.
Paul doesn’t understand that making baseless accusations with malicious intent is “slander” and that when such is published it creates a situation of “libel”. There are laws that deal with this but that would require Paul to read, which it would appear is something that she/he is reluctant or unable to do.
But, hey, blowing a poorly delivered quip by mr. kerry completely out of proportion and context so as to convert it into an issue through deception is just dandy. The irony is laughable.
Peace.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:19 pmA few religious crazies here and there do stuff in America but there sure are not hundreds of thousands of them ready to strap on bombs…
Comment by ggibson
You mean like the 12,000 dead US people each year by guns? Or the country with the highest number of hate groups? Dead penalty? 180 Occupations and landings? 2 nuclear bombs over civilians? Most polluting country per capita? Yeah, buddy. Whatever you say. Keep on watching the Nascar series.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:19 pmdoes Haggard have a haggard explanation for this? too bad he’s not running for anything…
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:19 pm#68
Oh, it’s GOT to be the drugs.
First comes the denial. Next we’ll have his attorney come forward and announce that Pastor Ted will be entering rehab and we should all pray for him blah-blah-blah. Any bets on him claiming he was molested as a child?
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:19 pmone thing at time paul… first you have to present your case against harry and nancy then you can tackle the tough questions about iraq… ok?
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:20 pmPaul: “No one here is able or willing to address that question, which leads me to believe that liberals (despite all their complaining) don’t have better answers. It is a pretty simple question, you’ve had 3 years to prepare. What do Democrats plan to do?”
Paul, I have yet to see any conservative in these discussions or arguments acknowledge what our own intelligence services and State Department has recently revealed: that the war in Iraq adds to the number of terrorists in the world and in doing so, is not helping the “war on terror.” What most Dems want to do is gradually withdraw from Iraq so that we can concentrate on homeland security and Afganistan. Bush’s war of choice in Iraq has made the world less safe, not safer.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:20 pmI can tell you what I’ve heard from both parties. The Republicans plan to stay committed until there is a secure and free Iraq, no matter how long it takes. I can also say that Democratic statements on what to do in Iraq range from bring the troops home now, to begin a gradual withdrawl, to redeploy the troops to Okinawa, to now that we’re in Iraq lets commit the number of troops we need to win. No one here is able or willing to address that question, which leads me to believe that liberals (despite all their complaining) don’t have better answers. It is a pretty simple question, you’ve had 3 years to prepare. What do Democrats plan to do?
Comment by paul
Have YOU ever drew up detailed plans for a job you dont have yet?
If the democrats are wise like some of our past presidents what will happen is the new president will ask all the smartest people he can get his hands on from all parties and ask them to give him their best ideas and together they will hash out a plan based on the facts presented at that meeting… not just some slogan they come up with to win an election.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:21 pmDearest Daryll
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:22 pmIt’s ok if the evidence such as voice mails and other documents show this hypocrite to be gay, because you and your Xian buds are experts at denying facts.
No problem.
In her first 100 hours as Majority Leader, one of Pelosi’s highest priorities is to enact legislation which implements the suggestions of the 9-11 commission. Does that qualify as at least part of a plan, Paul?
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:22 pm2) “solve terrorism†wtf does that mean? that’s like challenging someone or some group to present their “plan to solve war†no one’s ever going to “solve†either one, dummy. no one’s going to “solve poverty†or “solve ignorance†either. what a specious, empty-headed line of thinking. what a useless rhetorical canard, like wielding a cornstalk in a saber duel.
Comment by tom+baker
America SOLVED the christian witch hunts and burning people to the stake and catholic/prodestant mass murders … they SEPERATED CHURCH AND STATE… problem solved… not a single religious war or witch hunt since. They created the U.S. Consitution and declared that people have rights that no church or politician can take away. No more religious people declaring god told them to kill all the none believers.
It is possible again.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:24 pmBut, hey, blowing a poorly delivered quip by mr. kerry completely out of proportion and context so as to convert it into an issue through deception is just dandy. The irony is laughable.
Peace.
Comment by Humanist
That is called “Bearing false witness”
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:25 pmBluedog. ‘Paul, who claims to be a devout christian’
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:25 pmUnlike the Democrat party, Republicans are not monolithic and misinformed. Although I respect my conservative religious brothers, I am an agnostic. Bluedog, you are not a bad person, just misinformed.
You mean like the 12,000 dead US people each year by guns? Or the country with the highest number of hate groups? Dead penalty? 180 Occupations and landings? 2 nuclear bombs over civilians? Most polluting country per capita? Yeah, buddy. Whatever you say. Keep on watching the Nascar series.
Comment by Juan+C
And not a single one of those things has ANYTHING to do with religion. Maybe you should think a little before hitting those keys. I have made it abuntly clear that I am no rightwinger… but people like you shows that the right has no monopoly on stupid.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:27 pmDaryll & paul,
Have you considered that this might just be part of God’s plan? Maybe He’s the one trying to influence the elections. He’s probably had enough of all the lying and cheating and killing in His name. Maybe He’s fed up with the arrogance of Bush going around telling people that God wanted him to do this and God wanted him to do that. And I’ll bet He’s especially fed up with all the so-called Christians out there who have strayed from the flock and actually begun to worship Bush. Think about it.
Maybe it’s time for another burning bush.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:28 pmThe sh*it keeps hitting the fan endlessly . This one is a corker .May be this angelic far right christians will stay home on Nov. 7th , with total disgust and the feelings they have been taken in by a monumental CON .
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:29 pmRepublicans are not monolithic and misinformed.
They just protect pedophiles and support illegal wars.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:29 pmPaul: “P.S. Satan says ‘hello’ and says ‘keep up the good work!’”
Memo to Paul: Agnostics don’t believe in Satan.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:29 pmThe Republicans plan to stay committed until there is a secure and free Iraq, no matter how long it takes.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:30 pmPaul
Long after I’m dead, I’ll wake up one morning in hell and there’ll be ice everywhere.
Iraq! secure and free at last!
JesusChrist_GodOfWAR, Jesus wasn’t a liberal. He didn’t condone killing a living organism at the pre-infancy stage because of lack of sexual responsibility (abortion), or to put an illness in remission (embryonic stem cell research), homosexuals, breaking government laws (illegal immigration), etc. Do these ideals sound familar to you? Of course they do, these are ideals that libs want to instill into our society, but Jesus said no to all of these ideals (biblical law). Anyway, don’t you find it quaint that this unrighteous heathen decide to make these accusations against Pastor Haggard five days prior to the Mid-term election. I do.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:30 pmggibson,
That’s the irony, among many of course. Shall we address “thou shall not kill” next?
May peace be with us all.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:30 pmI bet Daryll’s having a bad day. His religious leaders are boinking male whores and one of his only friends here, Paul, has just admitted to being an “agnostic.” Daryll, I think it’s time for you to go into a dark room, get down on your knees and start talking to yourself.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:31 pmPaul, I’ll ask you. What do you mean by win? What is “winning in Iraq” really mean?
The DNC website, this website, Murtha’s website and others have specific plans on what the Democrats want to see happen with Iraq but I’m really curious to see what you mean by “Win in Iraq”
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:32 pm89 ggibson
Well said. Further, plans must be flexible in order to respond to the situation at the time. Democrats could have developed a plan three years ago and if they had stuck with it until now would have shown the same idiotic “stay the course” mentality as the current administration.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:33 pmThere once was a pastor named Ted,
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:34 pmWho was caught with a man in his bed.
He ran to his closet,
To make a deposit,
But came out with Ken Mehlman instead.
And not a single one of those things has ANYTHING to do with religion.
Comment by ggibson
hate groups: most of them are supported by extreme religious beliefs.
guns: NRA armed branch of KKK, an extreme fanatical religious group.
abortion: religious ideas about birth and freedom of choice.
wars: President that speaks with God. God bless America (not the whole world, but America), Manifest Destiny, etc…
No religious ideas there, right?
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:35 pmAnd this helps the war on terror how? This protects Americans how? What does Iraq have to do with the GLobal War on Terror? Why did we topple a sectarian dictator so that a Shiite constitution and leader could be insatlled? Does this means that we side with the Shiites in the GWoT? Why would we side with the Shiites when it helps the Iranians and Taliban?
Why does America hate protecting America?
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:35 pmIf this guy is smart, he will have had pictures or video, and once the dumb-ass closet case committed himself to “never” having done that, all that’s necessary is for just one of them to appear on YouTube!
Isn’t hypocrisy fun to watch?
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:36 pmBut, hey, blowing a poorly delivered quip by mr. kerry completely out of proportion and context so as to convert it into an issue through deception is just dandy. The irony is laughable.
Peace.
Comment by Humanist — November 2, 2006 @ 2:19 pm
I’ll tell you what is completely blown out of proportion, it’s the fact that Humanist calls America “murderers” when he won’t call a terrorist who has killed in the name of religion a “murderer”. What a joke you are Humanist.
Peace be onto you and your sheep.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:36 pm#89. All I can say is, please read post #89 to understand why those who think, don’t trust Democrats with national security. After 3 years of complaining, you’re going to wait until you get into office to find smart people and then decide what to do. Thank you ggibson, I couldn’t have made the point any clearer.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:36 pmDaryll,
Boy, I don’t know which version of the “bible” that you read but I can guarantee that there aren’t enough pictures because you just don’t get it.
Jesus of Nazareth is the quintessential liberal, but really that has no bearing on any of this. What is bizarre is that you seem to claim to speak for him. I would like to see your credentials on that. Walk across the lake and show them to me please.
Peace.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:37 pmThat is the funniest thing I have read in a couple of weeks. Now we see exactly where Daryll’s brain gets all phouced up.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:37 pmggibson,
That’s the irony, among many of course. Shall we address “thou shall not kill†next?
May peace be with us all.
Comment by Humanist
You could go right down the list. I know I have seen every single one the commandments broken + all the things Jesus add to them.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:37 pmHa!
What a surprise. Another hate filled Christian bigot has been outed. What’s the count for this year so far? Fifty? Sixty? Seventy god damned Christofascist monsters exposed as being hypocrits?
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:37 pmCan this be considered sleeping with the enemy? And I mean that for both men.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:38 pmThis just proves my theory that the louder one screams out against gays, the more they have to fight their own homosexual urges.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:38 pm#108. SpudgeBoy. Why haven’t we had a terrorist attack since 9-11?
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:38 pmThe mainstream media is totally avoiding this story…If its true …Do you really think they may try to black out this story because of the upcoming election?
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:38 pmJesusChrist_GodOfWAR, Jesus wasn’t a liberal. He didn’t condone killing a living organism at the pre-infancy stage because of lack of sexual responsibility (abortion), or to put an illness in remission (embryonic stem cell research), homosexuals, breaking government laws (illegal immigration), etc. Do these ideals sound familar to you? Of course they do, these are ideals that libs want to instill into our society, but Jesus said no to all of these ideals (biblical law). Anyway, don’t you find it quaint that this unrighteous heathen decide to make these accusations against Pastor Haggard five days prior to the Mid-term election. I do.
Comment by Daryll
Jesus never mentioned ANY of those things… that is what makes you anti-Christ christians so bad… If Jesus didnt say something you wish he did you just lie and say he said it anyway… I heard my preacher do that all the time .. and I read the bible for myself which is why I ended up not trusting the church .. they seemed to preach against the very things that America is all about and lied about Jesus all the time.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:39 pmLet’s see…
poppy production INCREASES in Afghanistan under the rule of Emperor George W. Bush…
the number of “terrorists” who hate America INCREASES while under the rule of Emperor George W. Bush…
blacks are completely ignored in New Orleans while under the rule of Emperor George W. Bush…
the man reportedly responsible for the events of 9/11 ESCAPES capture under the “leadership” of Emperor George W. Bush…
100’s of thousands of innocent civilians dies at the hands of Emperor George W. Bush’s armies…
gay bashing christian men are exposed as homosexuals themselves while George W. Bush is Emperor and he himself is …
an entire nation has it’s phones/FAXes/Computers illegally tapped/monitored while under the rule of Emperor George W. Bush…
… and all whack-job christians can say is they follow Emperor George W. Bush because he believes in Jesus!
Now, what’s wrong with the evangelical christian version of reality???
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:39 pmGregor Samsa, I know he wouldn’t for vote a party that believes you can do whatever you want to do (liberation), regardless of morals and ethics, to please others. You libs have completely lost your moral sanity, there’s more to Jesus than love.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:41 pmDaryll, as a christian, I think your mission is to act like Jesus. We are told that when Jesus recognized hypocracy in his religious leaders, he complained and protested vocally. Why aren’t you following Jesus’ example?
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:41 pmOh yes, he is definately a closet gay.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:42 pm#118-paul,
The terrorists have been attacking your freedoms and liberties for the last 5 years. Funny thing is, you are supporting them. Good luck to you on that.
Peace.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:42 pm#30,
zerofun,
I noticedhow the Republican who phoned a man to threaten him and use racial slurs blamed it on alcohol. Hahahahah. So what is it Repubs are you racial bigots or just fall down drunks? Take your pick.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:42 pmDaryll
Jesus was rather liberal (free will versus government control of morality, opportunity provided to even “the least of these my bretheren”). He certainly was NOT a neocon who mixed church and state, advocated any war to say nothing about a pre-emptive one, valued money over people, condemned others for their transgressions, demeaned other cultures, or loved only conditionally.
And I don’t care if the timing of the accusations against this “pastor” are “quaint” (don’t you mean “convenient”?) if they are founded in truth. Anytime is the right time to expose the hypocritical Christian Pharisees.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:42 pmHey dumbass, Anthrax being sent to Patrick Leahy, Tom Dashcle and Russ Fiengold is a terrorist attack. Moron.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:43 pmAthiest Jew. You are right on! If I knew you were a man, I’d kiss you.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:43 pmDaryll . I am sorry , you just presume to know J C and give him qualities or faults which you have no proofs of , actually we know very little of him except those lies told in the new testament written long after his death . The N T is just a political statement and nothing else.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:44 pmhate groups: most of them are supported by extreme religious beliefs.
guns: NRA armed branch of KKK, an extreme fanatical religious group.
abortion: religious ideas about birth and freedom of choice.
wars: President that speaks with God. God bless America (not the whole world, but America), Manifest Destiny, etc…
No religious ideas there, right?
Comment by Juan+C
Sure there are hate groups… how many people have they burned to the stake lately? This is America .. they can be part of any group they want as long as they observe the Consitution.
The NRA is not just a bunch of KKK types. They have those types for sure… but the bottom line is if ANYONE ever tries repealing the 2nd Amendment of the Constitution I will give money to the NRA to help fight that.
Abortion: How many people have been beheaded because they are prochoice?
People have a right to be religious… this is America.
Manafest destiny is the closest thing that we have been through .. and it was only partially religious. Back then America was still an experiment hopefully America is moving further and further away from the bad old days … though with Iraq that is hard to tell…
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:44 pm#101 Daryll
esus wasn’t a liberal. He didn’t condone killing a living organism at the pre-infancy stage because of lack of sexual responsibility (abortion)
He didn’t condone invading a country unprovoked, either. He didn’t condone a pre-emptive war policy. He didn’t condone torture. There are a lot of things he didn’t condone and didn’t even bother to address. He never said one word about abortion or homosexuals.
If you want to say that abortion is a violation of the fifth commandment, I’d like to see where it exempts the killing of innocents in the many many ways that Bush thinks are okay to do it. I’ve never seen any subordinate clauses after “Thou shalt not kill.”
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:45 pmggib - you’re missin me bud - there are still witchhunters, but now we call them gaybashers, and they kill people. there are, and still will be white christian militants in idaho cultivating the next tim mcveigh, and there are still abortion clinic bombers/assassins… you want to track a history of terrorism being dealt with try UK v. N.Ireland, Spain v. ETA, USSR v. Afghanistan…..stop talking pie-in-sky - start talking real recorded history.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:45 pmJesus was a liberal who was fighting against the fascist Roman occupancy of Jeruselam.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:45 pmPaul: “Why haven’t we had a terrorist attack since 9-11?”
Our own State Dept. and intelligence agencies have admitted that bin Laden wants Bush in power because he is a great recruiting tool. Everything Bush has done has been favorable to bin Laden. bin Laden demanded we remove our bases from Saudi Arabia: Done. He wanted the secular dictator of Iraq ousted: Done. He needed to recruit more terrorists: Done. Why on earth would terrorists associated with bin laden want Bush gone. He’s been great for them.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:46 pm“AMERICABlog has more.”
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:46 pm#122 “You libs have completely lost your moral sanity, there’s more to Jesus than love.” What more is there, Darryl??!!
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:46 pm118. there have been more terrorist attacks world wide since 9/11 than before. To state “we are safer” may or may not be true but to think we have made the world safer because of the conflict in Iraq is just plan wrong.
Here’s a thought. Wouldn’t you agree that the qty of terrorists in a given area should have been countered with a proportional amount of troops? If you don’t then just stop here, but if you do then would you agree or disagree that before entering in Iraq that there were more terrorists in Afghanistan than Iraq?
I’m still waiting to see an answer on my first question. What do you think “winning in Iraq” means.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:47 pmWell, that leaves out the republican party.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:48 pmWhy haven’t we had a terrorist attack since 9-11?
Comment by paul —
Why would terrorists want to spend the time, money, energy, and human resources to destroy the American way of life through its fearful tactics, when BushCo is doing their work for them?
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:48 pm#
this is off topic but would like to mention bush is in montana campaigning for burns. as i speak. this race is getting close and wouldn’t be surprised if burns wins in a state that bleeds red.
Comment by bs — November 2, 2006 @ 1:27 pm
If Bush says “Burney, you’re doing a heck of a job”, then we know that Conrad Burns will be packing up his office in Washington and moving everything back to Montana in January.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:48 pm#89. All I can say is, please read post #89 to understand why those who think, don’t trust Democrats with national security. After 3 years of complaining, you’re going to wait until you get into office to find smart people and then decide what to do. Thank you ggibson, I couldn’t have made the point any clearer.
Comment by paul
That is called professionalism. That is what pros do. They get authority from the stake holders then they find the answers from people who are only going to give their time to people with the authority to enforce it. That is what the “Presidency” is all about. Determining who is the one that is going to act as the center of decision making so that they can draw the power of the wise ones to them so that they can make intelligent decisions. That is EXACTLY what GEORGE WASHINGTON did… try reading up on him.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:48 pmHaggard, featured in the new documentary of evangelical indoctrination of children “Jesus Camp,” is among the leading figures of the American Taliban. It should comes as no surprise that Haggard dislikes the film, which shows him instructing his flock, perhaps contrary to his tax-exempt status, “If the Evangelicals vote, they determine the election.”
For the details, see:
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:48 pm“American Taliban Ted Haggard’s Boy Trouble.”
“AMERICABlog has more.”
But of course, seeing as Aravosis is a relentless gayhunter. No (rightwing) gay person escapes his ruthless scrutiny! (He does it purely to point out hypocrisy, honest.)
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:49 pmJesus was a Liberal, persecuted by Conservatives.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:49 pmI absolutely love it when these pious hypocrytes get hoisted on their own petards. These so-called defenders of the faith leading the crusade of “moral values”, getting nailed, like Jimmy Swaggart & his New Orleans hooker or Baker in his tyst with his secretary.–LMFAO
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:51 pm#108. SpudgeBoy. Why haven’t we had a terrorist attack since 9-11?
Comment by paul
For the same reason that we had none between the first WTC attack and 911. It only took a few people to pull off 911… believe me Al Qeada can spare a few people and Iraq has probably insited many more people than they need… and since Osama is FREE he has all the time he needs to plan another one. We need to cut off his support not create reasons for more people to join him … oh … we also need to CATCH OSAMA…
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:51 pmDaryll is obviously a troll. He gets his jollies by saying the opposite of whatever everyone else is saying and getting folks worked up. It’s no use trying to explain things to him as he wouldn’t admit that gravity exists if another poster said it. It’s all just a game to him. Which is sad, because real people are suffering - the poor still lack food and clothing and children are dying for lack of medical care. And he thinks it’s all just a big joke.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:52 pm#118 paul
Why haven’t we had a terrorist attack since 9-11?
Why DID we have one on 9/11?
Because we have an idiot for a president who has no foresight and can’t prevent something from happening until after it’s already happened, no matter how many clues get shoved under his nose.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:52 pmAnytime is the right time to expose the hypocritical Christian Pharisees.
Comment by PatrioticLiberalChristian(PLC) — November 2, 2006 @ 2:42 pm
This is how you know Daryll is an immoral hypocrite (yes, I know that’s redundant).
He is more concerned about the potential damage to “his party”, than about chasing the money changers from the temple.
He is more concerned about outward image than about an honest spiritual endeavor.
He is ready to excuse the most execrable behavior as long as “his party” wins -whatever “winning” means in his deranged mind.
This is the core group of Bush cultists. And they accuse opponents of having lost their moral compass. Oh, delicious irony.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:53 pmThat is called professionalism. That is what pros do.
Save your breath, the right doesn’t do professionalism. They expect everything to proceed from their ideology and then they blame other people when their policies don’t work.
I trust the CIA. They trust Rush Limbaugh. That’s the difference between us and them.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:54 pm.
paul, these libs don’t understand: as humans go to restaurants to eat, terrorist will attack those not following their beliefs. We are bringing the war to them on their soil, rather than on ours. This is a long war, but we will win. Hey libs, do you want the terrorists to infiltrate into our country? I bet you do.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:54 pmI think Daryll should emulate Jesus behavior when he chased the moneychangers from the temple.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:55 pmDaryll, go down to Wall Street and beat the crap out of every banker you find in church.
ANTHRAX LETTERS ARE TERRORIST ATTACKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:55 pmJesus wasn’t a liberal. He didn’t condone killing a living organism at the pre-infancy stage because of lack of sexual responsibility
Of course not. Having read the Book of Exodus, Jesus would have known that a fetus isn’t worth the same thing as a human life.
Gee, another phony Christian gets smacked by the bible. Like I haven’t seen that before.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:56 pm.
Daryll, to borrow a phrase from your fellow Bush cultist, Paul, “Satan says hello.”
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:57 pmI can’t figure out if “Daryll” is having a laugh…there is a large part of me that thinks “Daryll” is as far from what Christ would of wanted as a follower and not very bright to boot…but then the other part of me thinks he;s just mockying everyone and having a laugh..and that he is the smartest one in the room…I hope it’s the second one, cause then its funny, but if it’s the first, and their are others out there like him…well then I’m at a loss for words.
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:58 pmggib - you’re missin me bud - there are still witchhunters, but now we call them gaybashers, and they kill people. there are, and still will be white christian militants in idaho cultivating the next tim mcveigh, and there are still abortion clinic bombers/assassins… you want to track a history of terrorism being dealt with try UK v. N.Ireland, Spain v. ETA, USSR v. Afghanistan…..stop talking pie-in-sky - start talking real recorded history.
Comment by tom+baker
Then go back and reread what I said… I said there are still a FEW .. I was specifically refering to McVeigh and the abortion clinic bombers… which is far far far less than the hundres of thousand of muslims willing to strap bombs to themselves. Islam needs a Reformation just like christianity did. But you dont reform people by bombing them now do you? America is on the upswing out of tribalism. Most of the world has not gotten as far as we have… maybe we should make an active effort in changing that …shall we?
November 2nd, 2006 at 2:58 pmI find this comment by Focus on the Family’s Jim Dobson to be extremely funny:
“[Ted] has shown a great deal of grace under these unfortunate circumstances, quickly turning this matter over to his church for an independent investigation.”
He’s the head of his church. How the hell is having his core of church cronies investigating the affair in any way an independent investigation? Also:
“It is unconscionable that the legitimate news media would report a rumor like this based on nothing but one man’s accusation.”
If you provide evidence, it’s not a rumor. Tapes and letters are e