Jesse Helms RIP

[sergeantbrother]

Jesse Helms died today at the age of 86 - on the 4th of July just like John Adams and Thomas Jefferson. He was obviously a very controversial figure, a long time strident fighter for conservative causes. I had the opportunity to meet and talk with Jesse Helms when he came to Boone in the 90's. He was extremely nice to me, which says a lot considering he was an important senator and I was just some kid who wasn't even old enough to vote. So I feel sad, though I only met him briefly, I was a long time supporter particularly when I was more of a mainstream Republican. When I was young and first getting interested in politics, Jesse Helms kinda represented the quintessential Republican to me, and thus was the guy I looked up to as a young conservative. I certainly disagreed with him on some things, particularly when I got older and started to part with the Republican party's brand of conservatism, but I still respect his dedication to what he believed in.



Jesse Helms 1921-2008