(CNN) -- Death has a way of sanitizing the most virulent and despicable aspects of prominent lives, especially those who trafficked in racial bigotry. Roland S. Martin says former Sen. Jesse Helms was an unapologetic conservative but also unabashedly racist. In the last several years, notorious racists such as former Georgia Gov. Lester Maddox and Sen. Strom Thurmond of South Carolina left this Earth, and in efforts to show the humanity of both, tributes poured in, speaking to their Christian faith and unyielding conservative values. Vice President Dick Cheney spoke warmly of Thurmond at his 2003 funeral, citing his run for president in 1948. But Cheney failed to mention that he ran as an ardent segregationist.
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Roland S. Martin: Tributes hail Jesse Helms as a conservative champion
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Martin: Helms once purposely whistled "Dixie" in elevator with black senator
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Give Helms credit where it's due but don't cover up his racism, columnist says
Once when she was on the elevator and he saw her, Helms started to sing "Dixie," a call-to-arms song for lovers of the @placeholder, and clearly an offensive song to anyone black.