Ta Ta Jesse Helms

flippyshark · 07-04-2008, 02:42 PM

Just to clarify my own post - it wasn't the news of Helms' demise that made my day - it was the previous video post, which portrayed a gay men's choir trying to confront the then-living senator with a cheerfully sung mesage of love. It was a very good example of out-classing your adversary. (It was also a rare example of a Michael Moore stunt that did not make me cringe.)

I don't blame anyone for thinking the world a better place without the kind of ignorance and proud bigotry Helms defiantly stood for. Unfortunately, the passing of one person doesn't in itself change much of anything at all, and, as Helms had slipped into dementia well before his death, it can't really be said that the level of intolerance is any different at all today as a result of his departure.

As for celebrating a death or not, well, I agree that shadenfreude is unseemly. Is his death tragic? I think the most tragic deaths are the ones in which a life ended without a person growing or achieving something. For all I know, Helms may have stood up for the underdog somewhere along the line. He did soften his stance on AIDS assistance to other countries. I hope he gained some perspective on race equality and gender issues in his post-senate years, but I have no way of knowing. (And the issue is clouded by his faculties having faded away slowly.) But he said and did things in his life that ensure his name is going to be synonymous with attitudes that are fast falling into well-deserved ignominy.

But, wise or foolish, rich or poor, we are all going to be equal someday.

Tref · 07-04-2008, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flippyshark

But, wise or foolish, rich or poor, we are all going to be equal someday.

What is it about the death of assh*le that brings out the philosopher in us? The man was a sh*t. Helms made no attempt to repent or feel sorry for his words and deeds. I have no pity for this man. I am glad he is gone. I think its funny that a few here feel the need to shame others into feeling bad for expressing relief at the man's death. KB -- I don't tell you how to feel, so you certainly do not need to tell me how I should feel.

Besides, what better day for Helms to die -- Independence day.

flippyshark · 07-04-2008, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tref

I think its funny that a few here feel the need to shame others into feeling bad for expressing relief at the man's death.

Since you quoted me, I have to wonder if you found my post to be such an admonishment. If so, not so. Read it again carefully. (It's neither grave-dancing nor finger-wagging. It's just some thoughts inspired by the other posts.) If not, OK. Doesn't matter much either way. There really isn't a whole lot more to be gained from this topic, most likely.

Tref · 07-04-2008, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flippyshark

Since you quoted me

Sometimes a quote is just a quote, though I hear a Kubrick quote is worth extra points.

07-04-2008, 02:42 PM	#1
flippyshark Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 2,852	Just to clarify my own post - it wasn't the news of Helms' demise that made my day - it was the previous video post, which portrayed a gay men's choir trying to confront the then-living senator with a cheerfully sung mesage of love. It was a very good example of out-classing your adversary. (It was also a rare example of a Michael Moore stunt that did not make me cringe.) I don't blame anyone for thinking the world a better place without the kind of ignorance and proud bigotry Helms defiantly stood for. Unfortunately, the passing of one person doesn't in itself change much of anything at all, and, as Helms had slipped into dementia well before his death, it can't really be said that the level of intolerance is any different at all today as a result of his departure. As for celebrating a death or not, well, I agree that shadenfreude is unseemly. Is his death tragic? I think the most tragic deaths are the ones in which a life ended without a person growing or achieving something. For all I know, Helms may have stood up for the underdog somewhere along the line. He did soften his stance on AIDS assistance to other countries. I hope he gained some perspective on race equality and gender issues in his post-senate years, but I have no way of knowing. (And the issue is clouded by his faculties having faded away slowly.) But he said and did things in his life that ensure his name is going to be synonymous with attitudes that are fast falling into well-deserved ignominy. But, wise or foolish, rich or poor, we are all going to be equal someday.
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