Jesse Helms 1921-2008

Conservative Sen. Jesse Helms, 86, a truly great American and champion of freedom, died at 1:18 a.m. today. Helms, who gave our country three decades of service as a U.S. senator from North Carolina, was ill in recent years.

Heritage President Ed Feulner said it wll when he called him a “dedicated, unflinching and articulate advocate of conservative policy and principle.”

In response to today’s sad news, Feulner offered this statement:

"Jesse Helms was one of the most consequential figures of the 20th century. Along with Barry Goldwater and Ronald Reagan, he helped establish the conservative movement and became a powerful voice for free markets and free people. The defeat of Soviet communism and the rise of Ronald Reagan would not have happened without his intrepid leadership at decisive times."

I couldn't say it better...R.I.P.