Helms did something right?

"High honors for Helms

Taiwan bestowed one of its highest honors on U.S. Sen. Jesse Helms last week.

In a ceremony in the North Carolina Republican's office on Capitol Hill, Helms received the Order of Propitious Clouds -- a wide turquoise sash meant to symbolize favorable skies. Helms, the top-ranking Republican on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, has been a longtime supporter of the island nation's independence from China.

"After nearly 30 years in the U.S. Senate, I take great satisfaction in knowing that I have done my best to be helpful in safeguarding Taiwanese sovereignty, security and democracy," Helms said. "As I prepare to leave the Senate early next year, I am confident that there are other dear friends of Taiwan in the Senate who will be around to stand up for the precious cause."

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