AP: Ex-Male Prostitute Linked To 2 Scandals (Interview w/ Mike Jones)

http://myembarq.com/news/news_reader.php?storyid=15633935&feedid=248

Ex-Male Prostitute Linked to 2 Scandals
2007-12-03 21:24:53
By ERIC GORSKI AP Religion Writer

DENVER (AP) — One of the rising stars of evangelical Christian politics resigns after allegations that he had sex with a man. More than a year later, a conservative U.S. senator is embroiled in a similar scandal.

The allegations against the Rev. Ted Haggard and Sen. Larry Craig have a common thread: A 50-year-old former prostitute from Denver named Mike Jones claims he had sex with both.

"I'll put my credibility up against Larry Craig's," Jones told The Associated Press on Monday. "Here's a man that doesn't know the difference between innocence and guilty ... I think people know he's been a liar.

"And more than a liar, so much in denial," Jones said.

Craig maintains he is not gay and has denied the latest allegations. His spokesman called Jones a liar who is trying to sell a book about his involvement with Haggard.

Jones is among eight men quoted in the Idaho Statesman, alleging sexual encounters with the Republican senator. Jones was among four men who agreed to be identified by name.

MORE

There isn't a soul left in America who believes his sad story. Why do we have to churn it? To do so makes us start to seem like the hypocrites.

My opinion, nothing more, nothing less.

I'm not seeing it.

Everyone pretty much knows what this guy's about. He's a national laughingstock (and rightfully so).

However, only speaking for myself, I'm tired of hearing about him. Every time there's a Larry Craig story, it seems like it's open season for people to make gay jokes. When you call them on it, "Oh, no, no. It's ok to make homophobic commentary about him because of the hypocrisy!"

As if hypocrisy is some kind of absolution for the endless amount of homophobic bigotry that inevitably arrives every time Craig surfaces in the news.

I wish he and the story would just go away. It has this way of bringing out the anti-gay ugly side even in self-proclaimed progressives. Really, really over it.

It was right, both politically and morally, to treat the initial Craig story as a news item worth discussion. It was also a gossip item worth discussion, in large part because Craig disregarded the rule of holes (when you are in one, stop digging).

But now we're seeing a salacious relish for more humiliation and prying into this sad sack's private life. I have no stomach for it. Craig has become pathetic. Politically, he poses us zero threat, and has become a considerable liability for pugs.

Don't we stand for the idea that a person's sex life is their own? Don't we differentiate ourselves by saying we'll soften judgment of those who have screwed up their lives? Craig has screwed up his life but good. Continuing to pile on him now says more about those who enjoy his ignominy than about him.

My opinion.

While having angry, hateful gay sex with rent boys and random, anonymous partners.

I met this freak once and he scared the shit out of me. I will be happy when he no longer resides in DC. The gossip and news reports can and will continue as long as he chooses to embarrass his state and victimize LGBT people with his denials, hypocrisy and self hatred.

However, while it's more personal for gay people, his actions are no different than those of David Vitter and the Repukes need to either drop the double standard or stop claiming to be the "family values party" when the only party they wish to attend is a no-holds-barred orgy on a scale even Caligula couldn't have imagined.

On edit:

I do hope he stays through the end of his term. It's the best and only chance we have to get a Dem in his seat.

My original point was that by using him as a springboard for endless gaybaiting and homophobic "jokes" it's us who are starting to victimize LGBT peeps by providing cover for that kind of talk.

Doesn't sit well with me to hear the tolerant using the mean "humor" of the intolerant. Ergo, my observation about hypocrisy.

Craig is as done as grandma's Thanksgiving turkey, and I'm just as sick of hearing about him as I am of turkey leftovers. I just don't see the medicinal value to anyone of more hatred.

But you can't keep me from reading the posts!!!

thereby victimizing all gay people.

They quote an Internet activist who has aided in the outing of some Republican politicos as saying this guy (Jones) has no evidence. Also, Jones has a book he is trying to promote.

Still, I think it could be possible.



Cher