Helms reaction roundup

Jesse Helms was a demagogue and bigot who clothed his xenophobia in the mantra of conservative values. His calculated methods of fear and divisiveness reached beyond the bounds of political discourse to foment a pattern of discrimination, hatred, violence, and repression of all minorities. He wasn’t “for” anything and was “against” everything. He claimed that he stood on the bulwarks fighting against communism and liberalism, but in fact he was down in the gutter playing politics demonstrating the most cynical misuse of power. He won frequently because he understood the power of the politics of fear and racial hatred prevalent in the South, and he exploited those societal failures to his own advantage. Yes, I’m sure he was convinced that he was right, but history will not only demonstrate that he was dead wrong but that he abused his power to the detriment of many through his role as the successor to the 19th Century White Supremacists Movement.
Yes, people can disagree agreeability, and his superficial Southern gentleman’s manner covered a blind ambition that rode on the backs of the downtrodden in his own state. The commentaries will focus on his role in leading the resurrection of the conservative movement in the nation, but that brings into question of how you define conservative. In my opinion, reactionary is a more accurate definition of his views in the most literal sense of the word. He fought against change of any kind and wasn’t satisfied even with the status quo while trying to turn back on clock on any social progress of the past century. If he had been as successful in promoting legislation as he was in getting elected, we still would be faced with a majority of North Carolinians suffering as poor tenant farmers (both black and white) without any of the benefits of the information revolution in providing new jobs and opportunities. He exploited the fear and resent of the rural poor who were left behind in the growth of the new South, and he not only encouraged a racial bias but also encouraged a division between the urban and rural poor. The influx of people into the state in the past 30 years has been in spite of his legislative record and not a result of it.
He didn’t promote economic growth, improved education, better roads, or social cohesion and the opportunities for all. He promoted the partition of our nation between the rich and the poor, the white and the black, the educated and the illiterate, the exclusion of all minorities, and the bitter partisanship between those in public office who would lead with hope and those who instigate panic through media manipulation. His arrogant stance of “no compromise” was an abuse of power to feed his own ego through a calculated misuse of seniority.
God rest his soul; he will need it.
John Suddath

Well maybe just maybe we can have Ted drive Obama to the inaugural and all would be well.

The hatred spewed from the left is sad, but not unexpected. The Charlotte Observer and the Raleigh News and Observer couldn't hide their glee at Senator Helms' death in their editorials. Sad, but again, not unexpected.

When Ted Kennedy dies (yes, the one who murdered a young woman in his own car), there will only be praise from the left. Interesting that when Kennedy suffered his seizure several months ago, his political opponents had nothing but praise for him--none of the hatred directed toward Senator Helms.

But again, that is not unexpected.

I'm so dissapointed in the N&O for linking to the comments of those perverts in the Village Voice and for Andrew Sullivan. If this were Jim Hunt or John Edwards there would be no mention of their detractors. But since it's Jesse the press has to let the critics have their say no matter how mean spirited and hateful they are.

He was the greatest North Carolinian of his day and has earned his spot among the pantheon of great individuals from our state. May he enter now into eternal peace with his Maker whom he served so faithfully.

Same 'ol same 'ol conservative hypocrisy. Claiming the mantle of God's will and then calling all others who disagree with them children of satan and pedophiles. Yes, I'm sure Jesus is smiling on you right now for calling others that want to make this world a better place for those who suffer, 'pedophiles'. Perhaps you should read the sermon on the mount again.

The not so surprising thing about Helms is how little he accomplished while a politician. He instead became the poster child for the far right tactics of demonizing your opponent, winning an election, demonize some more. Keep your face in the media, while your only goal is to bad mouth, create fear, win elections, and consolidate power. This is the cycle that Helms continued throughout his career. His association with El Salvadoran death squad leader Robert D’Aubuisson is truly frightening. I would think even hard core conservatives would abhor this person. Certainly anyone who counts God as part of their lives would. Hard to believe Helms was in politics so long and has nothing to show for it but a trail of hatred.

— ProgressiveTom