NEWSCHANNEL 13 Viewers Respond To Haggard E-Mail
KRDO – Soon after NEWSCHANNLEL 13 told you about an exclusive e-mail correspondance between reporter Tak Landrock and former New Life Church leader Ted Haggard, the response began pouring in. Many of you called or e-mailed to tell us your thoughts on what Haggard said in his letter. Most of what people had to say was about Haggard asking for donations to help he and his family. He explained how he and his wife will both be attending school and are in need of financial help. You can read his entire e-mail by clicking here.
Listed below are some of the e-mails we received from viewers. If you would like to send NEWSCHANNLEL 13 an e-mail with your feelings on what Haggard said, or if you just have a comment or question, mouse over the “Contact Us” tab above and click on “E-Mail KRDO.”
From Ellen in Colorado Springs: Ted Haggard’s news is disgraceful. Asking for money? What happen to his over $100,000 a year salary when he was with New Life, and what happen to the over $130,000 severance pay? What happen to his house in the gated community? He lied about his needs. He cannot be trusted. He has hurt so many people.
From “Judy”: Does this man have “gull” or what? I cannot believe some people. Those of us in life who have financial difficulties find ways and means of our own for surviving. We don’t go begging other people to support us. This man caused his own demise. He is a hypocrite to the enth degree! Anyone who sends him money is fool – perhaps they’d like to send me some money, too, as I have had financial difficulties for the last few years. The other part that really bothers me is the fact he will be ministering to other people. This is just like the catholic church who protected pedophiles and allowed them to continue abusing children. I believe in forgiveness but Mr. Haggard is pushing his limits and so is his religious community. This seems to me just like the situation with former President Clinton. On national TV he LIED to the american public;yet, they think he is this wonderful man. Does Mr. Haggard think the american public should forget his lying and hypocracy in the pulpit? What hashappened to the ethical and moral fiber of this country?
From”Matt”:Why bring all this up right before New Life Church votes on a new pastor? If you want an angle on the story, ask Ted about his $700,000 house in Colo Spgs. I find it hard to have sympathy for him or to believe he is in need of contributions. His pastor’s salary of $130,000 is being paid through the end of this year.
From Candace in Kohler, WI:This is regarding the letter you received asking you to promote and support Ted Haggard during his two year rebuilding efforts. Seriously? After leading a huge church for many years they have no savings? Theyhave free housing from what he said in his letter and his wife is also in school full time? Here is a clue- – -in the real world, wives work to put their husbands through school. Better yet, school part time, work part time and volunteer when you can. Most needy college students do not have the advantage of free housing! His kids are not in public school,either. Come on. You messed up. Stand up on your own two feet and stop this entitlement attitude. Private school, free housing, both parents in school- -then, ask me to support you? Not a chance.From Charlotte in Colorado Springs: Get a job. There are lots of families working full time and going to school, most of whom don’t have free lodging, which it sounds like the Haggards do. The whole thing is disgusting.
From Tammy in Colorado Springs:Ted Haggard is no longer a religious pillar or even a member in our community. Therefore, I don’t think it is any of our concern what happens with his finances. His family should be left alone so they can continue with their lives. Asking for financial help is not a crime. There may be people out there who are willing to help, and if not there is no harm done in asking
From Michele in Fulerton, CA:I just wanted to let you know that I could really use some help. After seeing Ted Haggard’s entreaty for funds to support him and his wife while he pursues (presumably) interests other than those which brought him (hopefully) to shame last year, I am making a similar plea for financial assistance. I’m a talented Administrative Assistant who has fallen onhard times. I too would like to further my education, especially at theexpense of generous folks who might want to support me, but for now I continue to pay off two student loans with funds from my hard-earned life savings. As a matter of fact, I have been living out of my savings account since Iwas laid off over a year ago, and that little puddle of money is just about bone-dry (down to about $2,900 at the moment), so I might need a little extra just to pay my meager rent. If anyone out there has a dollar or two to spare after funding Ted Haggard’s latest sponge-fest, I would surely appreciate any generosity bestowed upon me. Unfortunately, I have not dabbled in hypocrisy or craven whore-mongering, but I hope that won’t be held against me. I would alsobe more than willing to work for a living. I am extremely attentive to detail, have excellent communication skills and a prolific vocabulary,and would be an excellent investment even if you were to hire me rather than simply take me on as a charity case. You see, I’m not one to quibbleabout semantics.
From Steve in Manitou Springs:As a former 10-year New Lifer, I found it disgraceful that Ted Haggard would ask ME or anyone to support him while he gets his degree! It tells me he still hasn’t dealt with the real world.
From Cynthia in Portland, OR:How dare Ted Haggard & his wife think they are entitled for a freeride through college! I am appalled and disgusted by their audacity. Do they actually think they are entitled to a free ride? We suggest Mr. Haggard and his little wife stop thinking they canfreeload off the backs of their Christian brethren and get jobs likethe rest of us. Better yet, how about the “little woman” slinghamburgers or clean toilets to pay her husband’s way through college?
We thank all who responded to this now, international story. We always appreciate viewer feedback, no matter what kind it is or what it is in reference to. Please continue to tell us your thoughts.
