Jesse Helms Celebrates Independence from Life

On our nation's 232nd birthday, we lose a man who served it passionately for 30 years.

Former U.S. Sen. Jesse Helms, a North Carolina Republican who became an icon to conservatives, died Friday at the age of 86, the Jesse Helms Center announced.

The cause of death has not been announced. He had been ill in recent years. Helms served five terms in the Senate, retiring in 2003 after deciding not to seek a sixth term. President Bush said at the time the Senate was "losing an institution." "Sen. Helms has been a tireless defender of our nation's freedom and a champion of democracy abroad," Bush said.

Thomas Jefferson and John Adams also died on July 4th. Really makes you think. Not sure about what, though.

Congratulations and 7.2 points are awarded to Haaaave You Met Dead?, Famous Last Words, Dead Place, Last Call, and Whoaa-ooah, Dying on the Edge

[CNN]

Try to Take the Helms, but Jesse Remains Above Deck

A variety of health problems forced Jesse Helms to give up his Senate seat a few years ago. So he's been spending more time outside the public eye. That's still no reason to sentence him to death. Or even to gloss over his death in an opening sentence of a news piece.

Jesse Helms will be spinning in his grave if Jim Neal beats Sen. Elizabeth Dole for the US Senate seat Helms held for five terms in North Carolina.

Red states...blue states...living states...deceased states...They all mesh inside this thing we call the United States.

[NY Post]