2008-07-04 Former Sen. Jesse Helms dies at age 86

2008-07-04 \Jesse Helms\US conservatism\racism http://www.thecarpetbaggerreport.com/archives/16094.html Former Sen. Jesse Helms dies at age 86 &ldquo;What really sets Jesse Helms apart is that he is the last prominent unabashed white racist politician in this country – a title that one hopes will now be permanently retired. A few editorials and columns came close to saying that. But the squeamishness of much of the press in characterizing Helms for what he is suggests an unwillingness to confront the reality of race in our national life. ... What is unique about Helms – and from my viewpoint, unforgivable – is his willingness to pick at the scab of the great wound of American history, the legacy of slavery and segregation, and to inflame racial resentment against African Americans.&rdquo;   