It's not necessarily represented by what is worst, but there was some damn bad stuff about this guy. Very bad. And for a very long time. In order for the sum of his life not to represented by that bad stuff, it would have to be countered by a hell of a lot of good stuff. Because his stuff on race and gays and AIDS was a horrible blight on this country. I also hope he "rests in peace," because I hope that for everyone. But please don't try to suggest his legacy as a "public servant" was anything but disgraceful.
I was thinking more of grandchildren who know nothing of the controversies that you speak of who loved their pappy. It's their loss not ours really...
They totally have my sympathy. Unfortunately they will grow up and read about his horrible legacy. That's a shame of his own making.
Alot of people are uncomfortable with how horrendous their Grandparents were I mean . . no one wants to beleive their grandparents watched as the nazi's pulled jews from their homes. . . . or were in the crowd when black men were lynched. etc but Those people exist. . and they have grandkids. . . It is a fact of life As for Jessie Helms. . . I know nothing of the 'good' he did If those defending him wish to preserve his legacy . . .. the good I think they best thing to do . . is to share some of it with us Tell Us you kool Jessie Helms stories. . . Tell us the great/good things he did in his life we are willing to listen Rocket River
i second your feelings for Helms BJ, but why then are you shilling for another racist homophobe this election season?
Very well said. Obviously a lot of people didn't like what Helms said and did and his historical record is certainly up for debate but I think everyone agrees that this is a tragedy for his family and are sympathetic. Lets not use this though, whether right or left, to club each other with. I think we can recognize that there was a lot of controversy around Helms while still recognize his passing.
His record is not up for debate when it comes to issues of race and homophobia. The record is clear and unambiguous there. Otherwise, I agree with your post and it was my intention to stay out of this thread until texxx lauded him as a long time servant of this country. Dying doesn't erase what he did or stood for and lauding him for his record, even on the event of his death, is disgusting.
^ I wasn't trying to single you out, if you felt that way, but was saying we can criticize his record while still recognizing that this was a man with a family and still hope they find peace and in whatever next life that there might be he does.
Completely agree. I wish peace and comfort to everyone who was touched by Helms' death and if there is an afterworld I wish him peace there too, as I do all souls no matter what sins they might have committed while living. I think I'm still allowed to hate bigotry though and when someone lauds the public record of a known bigot they will receive nothing from me but scorn.
WATCH OUT: Hate the Sin, Love the Sinner I can get there with Helms but I have a tougher time with the Nazis and Saddam Hussein (to whom Helms has indirectly been compared-- I wrestle with that because they so wantonly and directly caused human suffering. I can't throw Helms in that camp, so it is obvious that we all draw the line where we feel capable. I will stand up for Helms not to be lumped in with those despots....
Man, I get away from the election for a few days and now I'm all confused. I don't know what to hate about Obama anymore. First he was too white, then he was too Muslim, then he was too black and Protestant, now he's a racist. So is Obama a racist against his father or his mother?
