Controversial former North Carolina Senator Jesse Helms has died at the age of 86. The following two quotes from Jesse Helms are not, on their surface, offensive...which is why they are so important. I believe they provide insight into understanding the motivations behind all of the other reprehensible Jesse Helms quotations. You see, what you will find in the hearts of many bigots is an unfortunate and misguided righteousness derived from their religious beliefs. "I want our government to encourage and protect freedom as well as our traditions of faith and family." "I have tried at every point ...

I’m in Yosemite National Park, but just learned that former North Carolina Senator Jesse Helms has died at the age of 86. I am not sad. Helms did more damage to the gay rights movement than any other single person... ...