With the passing of Senator Jesse Helms, a man often wrapped up in ongoing controversy, one has got to say at least one thing about the former lawmaker - “RIGHT OR WRONG, HE WOULD NOT BEND!”

I knew the Senator through multiple correspondence, and found him to be extremely intelligent, though often stubborn and opinionated! He was also a patriot, and if nothing else can be said about any American, being a true patriot is more than enough!

A man is, after all, but a product of his times, and although the late senator and I agreed on a great many patriotic things, there were times when he and I were as different as night and day. He did remain on talking terms with my wife in his later years, however. but made it exceedingly clear that when I, as an Independent, verbally backed someone that was not of his liking, we had come to a parting of the ways! And for the record, the gent that I backed ended up serving hard time in jail - oh well, no one is perfect!

This can be attested to by the number of politicians from both political parties who ended up in jail for one reason or another, or those who now seem more concerned about elections and personal fame than the common good of all of our citizens, in my humble opinion!

After all is said and done, however, and disregarding any vested interests or party politics, Jesse Helms, was a true Tar Heel and a loyal American. He was a man who’s iron-clad beliefs could not, and would not be shaken, right or wrong! “And for this, he will surely be remembered as an integral part of American history!”

Having differing interpretations and views, be they inscribed upon the very same pages of our proud heritage, is what we as a nation of free men and women are all about. This is, after all, what has, and will continue to make us great!”

We will miss you Jesse - you were one of a kind! And after all is said and done, all of us will be judged for what we tried to accomplish, and not what people wished us to be!

“To thy own self be true!!”