Repressed homosexual attempting to lead a double life
A tale as old as time, unfortunately (though I'm not saying it definitely applies to Haggard or Craig, as I don't know all the details). But what we now think of as "Brokeback Marriages" have been around forever.
"Somewhere along the line the world has lost all of its standards and all of its taste."
No, it's different today. There is much less discrimination and so less excuse for suppressing the homosexuality.
shareNot necessarily. Yes, there's a lot less discrimination in SOME places, but it's definitely still there, and some parts of the United States (and even Canada, where I'm from) are extremely intolerant of homosexuals. I mean keep in mind that it was only in 2003 that every state in the US was free of their anti-sodomy laws; before that, you could technically be arrested under law for being in a homosexual relationship in states like Texas, Mississippi, Tennessee, etc. In regards to people like Ted Haggard or Larry Craig, they also come from a deeply conservative Republican background which are notorious for gay-bashing. I'm gay and just coming out to my family, who are fairly liberal-minded, was very difficult, you could only imagine what it would be like to both from a generation AND family background that are generally very judgmental of gays.
So even in this day and age, many gay people still suffer from large amounts of hatred and prejudice, and many still would rather hide it than have to go through that. A lot of people have the misconception that, just because there's wider exposure and acceptance of gay people in Western society, it's smooth sailing. It really isn't. Go onto any internet forum, this one included, and notice how often words like *beep* come up. It's still a big issue these days.
I don't know if it's as bad as you say. Granted, I don't live in America. I live in Argentina. I mean, yes, some people, specifically older generations, are somewhat homophobic. Not necessarily hateful towards homosexuals, but they'd rather not talk about it, or avoid it if possible.
Younger generations, however, are extremely open-minded. Yes, there's the occasional jerk, but I do believe they're in the minority. Unless, of course, you live in an ass-backwards, super close-minded, small town.
My best friend is a homosexual and he's told his family (and they are super conservative and religious, yet rational people. I know rational and religious might be an oxymoron, but not in this case, evidently) and they were, even if they had reservations, pretty okay with it.
There's no hate-crimes that I've heard of. Maybe your every day exclusion in some circles apply, but not within mine. At all. Of course there's gossip, but overall people don't give a *beep*
I, myself, and even though my family (well, my father in particular) is somewhat conservative (although not religious at all) have considered homosexuality as something I'd be interested in, potentially (I know it's not a decision, I'm just not sure if I'm either gay or bisexual yet) Granted, there is gay marriage in Argentina. I do believe we were either first, or perhaps second to implement it (I think behind Uruguay) within Latin America.
Edit: Okay, I just checked. We were first. Yay us.
Ps. I do feel sorry for you guys at America. Specifically those of you living in small ass towns down south.