As the world debates who should get the most credit for our big win last Tuesday - Rahmbo, Schumer, Dean, George W. Bush - there's one regular joe that had something to do with the victory and he's all but been forgotten. The cruel pop culture funnel will lump him in with the likes of Fawn Hall and Jessica Hahn, and if he's remembered at all, it will be in punch lines. But he deserves way better. His name is Mike Jones. And he could use some cash.
More after the jump.
An
acquaintance of mine has spoken to Mike. As written in the linked blog entry:
I've been in contact with Mike over the last week. He tells me that the major gay rights organizations have extended nothing but ten-foot poles. He is unemployed and I imagine that for at least the short future, he is unemployable. He is facing the potential of huge legal bills. He has received death threats from Haggard's followers and other peace-loving Christians.
A week ago he was in the national spotlight and had us smiling from ear to ear; now he's facing crippling debt and fearing for his life. I know we've already squeezed our bank accounts dry to donate to Congressional candidates, but how about throwing a 20 into a Paypal account for Mike (using his email address massageandmuscle@aol.com). Or if you feel uncomfortable sending money to a prostitute, send him a note of thanks. And when you speak his name, don't speak it with derision.
Have you seen the televised interviews? He's an unassuming, honest guy. He could have gossiped to a few close friends about sleeping with a preacher and moved on with his life. But he chose to risk his well-being for a cause. How many of us can say we'd do the same?