I'm not even going to hyperlink to some of the despicable nonsense I've seen on this website today. Apparently some participants here think it's reasonable and even fun to celebrate the death of an old man.
This brief diary will be hopefully be a respectful place where the adult participants in this conversation came come and safely offer their condolences to the Helms family.
I didn't agree with Senator Helms very often in life. Perhaps never. But that's human life, folks, and in particular, that's politics. It's important to remember that even people we disagree with are made of the same flesh and blood we are, susceptible to the same fallibilities we are, and ultimately, we are all going to whatever place has taken in Jesse Helms.
Helms had a long and feisty career serving what he perceived to be the interests of the people of North Carolina. We may not agree with those perceived interests, and we may disagree violently, even. But some people in North Carolina clearly thought he was on the right track, and his work as a US Senator for several terms reflects that.
My respects and condolences to the Helms family on their loss. I hope for Jesse the same I hope for everyone: that wherever he is, he has finally found peace.