I felt pity. This was not true sympathy, but pity that Haggard could be such a sinner; such a depraved individual. I felt sorry for a guy who could desire something so base, so sinful. Who would want to use meth? Who could feel that type of homosexual desire? I don’t understand such urges! I felt comfortable in my moral superiority and in my greater sanctification. I felt proud that I was not one of those guys whose life was such a far cry from his profession of faith.

And then I watched the video of Haggard being interviewed in front of his home. I’d encourage you to watch the video too, focusing on Haggard, watching his eyes, watching his face. You can find the link here. Remember as you watch that this is not a film and he is not an actor. This is a real man with a real life, a real soul, and real emotions. And now watch it again, but this time watch his wife, sitting immediately beside him. And not only that, but consider that sitting behind him are three of his children. The children sit silently while the reporter asks dad if he has done meth and if he has ever had sex with a man.

And then realize that, as we explored earlier this week in a discussion about total depravity, there is really no difference between you and Haggard or between myself and Haggard. We are all totally depraved with our sin extending to every aspect of our being. There but for the grace of God go I. There but for the grace of God go you. While I would not expect a reporter to approach me if I were to fall into similar sin, I can only imagine the pain of having to sit in front of my children, my wife, and answer questions about whether or not I have had sex with a man or admitting that I purchased illegal drugs. It’s horrible. It’s terrifying. That could be my wife, wondering how I could do this to her, wondering if she can ever trust me again, wondering if she can ever love me again. Those could be my kids, hearing the lurid details of dad’s depravity. Those could be my kids, trying bravely not to cry as they walk into school on Monday morning, knowing that everyone knows, knowing that life will never be the same.

Besides the cool font sizes, the video of Haggard being interviewed in the car by the TV reporter with his wife sitting next to him is excruciating to watch. I feel so sorry for him and his family. I’ve been imagining how Mormons would react if a minor (or major) league GA was caught and exposed like this.

I didn’t feel sorry for him at all. I’m angry that he didn’t step away from his family to answer questions so they didn’t have to share the spotlight with him. I’m angry that he kept up the lie, possibly even to his family, when it seemed fairly obvious he had done something wrong. Families deserve more than that man gave them. I would feel that same anger toward a LDS GA.

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/11/14/washington/14israel.html?_r=1&hp&ex=1163480400&en=2ddf96aacd3748dd&ei=5094&partner=homepage&oref=slogin

According to the most recent California Secretary of State’s Report of Registration, 42.5% of of registered voters are Democrats, and 34.3% are Republicans. And considering how left-leaning the Republicans holding statewide office are (the only two are the governor and the insurance commissioner), “conservative Republicanism” simply doesn’t exist at the state level in California.

– Mike from California