Jesse Helms, born in 1921 in Monroe, North Carolina, was a prominent American politician and a leader in the [[conservative]] movement. He served as a United States Senator from North Carolina for five terms, from 1973 to 2003, making him the longest-serving [Republican](https://doctorparadox.net/the-gop-is-3-cults-in-a-trenchcoat/) Senator from North Carolina. Before his political career, Helms worked in journalism, first as a city editor for The Raleigh Times and later as a radio and television commentator for WRAL-TV, where he expressed conservative views on a range of political and social issues. His media career gave him a platform to reach a broad audience and helped to establish his political base. ## Extreme conservatism Helms' political career began in earnest when he was elected to the U.S. [[Senate]] in 1972, a position he held for 30 years. As a senator, Helms was known for his conservative stance on a variety of issues. He was a staunch advocate for limited government, tax cuts, and [[deregulation]], aligning with [[laissez-faire capitalism]] and the economic principles that characterized the conservative movement during his time in office. One of the most significant aspects of Helms' political career was his influential role in foreign policy. He served as the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for several terms, using this position to promote a conservative, anti-communist agenda. He was particularly vocal about his opposition to the Soviet Union and frequently criticized what he saw as appeasement policies toward communist nations. ## On the wrong side of history On domestic issues, Helms was known for his conservative views on social policies. He was a vocal opponent of [[civil rights]] legislation, arguing that it overstepped federal authority and infringed upon states' rights. His position on these issues often put him at odds with more progressive factions of the government and drew significant criticism from civil rights advocates. Helms also held conservative views on cultural and moral issues. He opposed abortion and was a strong advocate for "[traditional family values](https://doctorparadox.net/dictionaries/authoritarianism/strict-father-morality/)," stances that won him support from religious conservatives but also sparked controversy and criticism. Critics often pointed out that Helms' policy positions, particularly his opposition to civil rights legislation and support for tax cuts and deregulation, disproportionately benefited the wealthy and could contribute to wealth and power concentration. His policies, they argued, could potentially lead to a political system that primarily served the interests of the affluent at the expense of the less privileged. Moreover, his opposition to campaign finance reform raised concerns about the potential influence of wealthy individuals and corporations in political processes. Critics argue that this stance could contribute to regulatory capture and an erosion of democratic principles. In conclusion, Jesse Helms was a highly influential figure in the conservative movement, known for his staunchly conservative views on both domestic and foreign policy. His political career was marked by a consistent advocacy for limited government and traditional values. However, his positions were also a source of controversy, raising concerns about wealth concentration, the influence of money in politics, and the potential for the erosion of democratic principles. Helms passed away in 2008, leaving behind a complex legacy that continues to influence debates within American politics.