"It has always been my contention that there is no sense in being in office if you don't have the courage to do what is right, even if it is the most unpopular position in the world." -- Jesse Helms

At one point in Helms' life, he could fairly have been called a racist, but like many pols, he left behind his bigoted ways when he left the Democratic Party. Over time, he became a champion of American people of all colors, of conservatives, and of the people of North Carolina. He was a man of principles, a man of courage, and he will be greatly missed, especially here in his home state.

Although it seems appropriate somehow for a great and patriotic man like Jesse Helms to shuffle off this mortal coil on Independence Day, my condolences go out to his friends and family. Jesse Helms will be missed.