With the death of Jesse Helms, the world has lost one more "agent of intolerance." I don't know that this is necessarily cause for celebration (although the fireworks last night suggested that many others thought so), but I feel comfortable saying that I will not miss his religiously-fueled bigotry. Still, the man does deserve a fitting tribute.

What better way to pay tribute to Jesse than by quoting him?

I've been portrayed as a caveman by some. That's not true. I'm a conservative progressive, and that means I think all men are equal, be they slants, beaners, or niggers.

-- Jesse Helms, North Carolina Progressive, February 6, 1985, quoted from the Democratic Alliance, "Yes, They Really Said It!"