Sunday, March 10, 1996
No evidence Helms ever made zoo remark
Chapel Hill Herald, March 10, 1996
I am writing in the defense of Jesse Helms.
There is supposed to be this "zoo" remark of his: Just put a fence around Chapel Hill, he allegedly said.
It is a great and appropriate quotation coming from our distinguished U.S. senator, and who, friend or foe, would deny the sentiment to him? But, extensive research some years ago found no evidence that he indeed had ever made this memorable statement. Instead credit can readily be given to one Chubb Seawell, today not a well-remembered soul, but 30 years ago a famous wit and occasional substitute for Helms' conservative broadcast editorials.
Jesse Helms has enough truly awful attributes. Why burden him with something he never actually said?
Joe Herzenberg
Chapel Hill
I am writing in the defense of Jesse Helms.
There is supposed to be this "zoo" remark of his: Just put a fence around Chapel Hill, he allegedly said.
It is a great and appropriate quotation coming from our distinguished U.S. senator, and who, friend or foe, would deny the sentiment to him? But, extensive research some years ago found no evidence that he indeed had ever made this memorable statement. Instead credit can readily be given to one Chubb Seawell, today not a well-remembered soul, but 30 years ago a famous wit and occasional substitute for Helms' conservative broadcast editorials.
Jesse Helms has enough truly awful attributes. Why burden him with something he never actually said?
Joe Herzenberg
Chapel Hill
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