Sen. Julia Boseman: the lone No vote on Helms sycophancy
Sen. Julia Boseman, a Democrat from New Hanover County and the only openly gay state lawmaker, was the lone holdout on Senate Joint Resolution 1103, which honored “the life and memory” of former North Carolina U.S. Sen. Jesse Helms, who died last July. The bill passed the House yesterday 98-0 with 19 abstentions and the Senate 41-1 with seven abstentions.
To read the bill, you would not know that Helms was vehemently and cruelly anti-gay, or that he was a segregationist, or that he fomented racial hatred, or that he has the dubious distinction of pioneering fear-based politics. No, the bill’s language lauds Helms with flowery testimonials from former President George W. Bush, the Rev. Billy Graham, and puzzlingly, Liu Chao-Shuian, the premier of China. Even U.S. Rep. Bob Etheridge, a Democrat representing the Second Congressional District, which includes parts of Chatham and Wake counties, lost his backbone: ”Sen. Helms dedicated his life to serving the people of North Carolina. Whether people agreed or disagreed with him, Sen. Helms would always let his constituents know where he stood on the important issues of the day.”
Sixteen of 20 African-American House members and five of nine Senators skipped the vote.
The seven non-voting senators included three from the Triangle area: Ellie Kinnaird, D-Orange; Doug Berger, D-Granville; and Floyd McKissick, D-Durham. Sen. Richard Stevens, R-Wake, had an excused absence from the vote.
In the House, non-voting lawmakers from the Triangle were Larry Hall, D-Durham; Ty Harrell, D-Wake; Verla Insko, D-Orange; and Mickey Michaux, D-Durham. Rep. Becky Carney of Mecklenberg County, who is recovering from a heart attack, had an excused absence.
Read the Indy’s coverage of Helms’ death at the following links:
“Jesse Helms: Stories from our archives & most memorable quotes”
“Local leaders pull no punches about Jesse Helms’ legacy”
“The McHelms campaign”
7 Comments
“and puzzlingly, Liu Chao-Shuian, the premier of China”
You mean, the premier of the Republic of China, which is to say Taiwan, and if you followed Helms’ career at all, this would not be surprising.
— John Burns 10 June 2009
I’m aware of Helms’ connection; however, the puzzling part is why Liu Chao-Shuian would bother with a bill in the N.C. legislature.
— Lisa Sorg 11 June 2009
Because Helms was a noted champion of Taiwanese democracy. He supported the country’s right to defend itself and join international organizations (like the WTO, WHO, and UN). Helms opposed aggression on the part of China towards Taiwan. It is not puzzling why the Taiwanese premier would choose to honor Helms.
— John Burns 11 June 2009
Helms built his career on hate. Hooray for Senator Boseman! Let’s hope her courage is contagious.
— Steve Bocckino 12 June 2009
Helms built his career on hate. Hooray for Senator Boseman! Let’s hope her courage is contagious.
— Steve Bocckino 12 June 2009
because you dont agree with him is no reason to devalue his legacy
— charles allen 2 July 2009
Charles, Helms devalued his own legacy, every day of his career that he demonized people who were different from him, whether it was blacks, gays and lesbians, or other groups. Sen. Boseman, in her vote, shows an integrity that all too often Helms did not.
— Chuck Small 2 July 2009