It is this reporter’s opinion that some people make headlines while others make history. Those words are not original, they come from such writers as Philip Elmer-DeWitt and Doug Patton. Patton is an outstanding columnist for Human Events, a speechwriter, and a public policy adviser.
They have spoken for the few old stars left in Hollywood — those that loved their country enough to show respect, service, and loyalty to this great nation and all people.
During my earliest days in Hollywood, I was privileged to walk the walk with Charlton Heston, Duke Wayne, Ronnie Reagan, and other true patriots. I treasure these memories.
I recall those early days when we joined the NAACP, the Urban League, and others in joining the cause of desegregation. Heston, Los Angeles radio-host Ray Briem, and others joined politician Howard Jarvis in the famed Proposition 13 that saved hundreds of thousands of taxpayers their homes.
Praise has come from many fellow journalists on the passing of Charlton Heston. Sadly, there are others who have used this moment in history to justify their hatred of guns, some following their own service in the military. Heston, many will recall, staunchly supported gun ownership.
Let’s face it, our nation was founded on gun ownership.
Hating guns is like hating cars because drunks kill so many.
Americans took an oath to uphold the U.S. Constitution and that includes the Second Amendment. Banning guns is therefore against the oath Americans took as citizens.
That is not to say that among us are also members of the National Rifle Association (NRA), who also serve as activists.
Long before Heston became known as the passionate leader of the NRA, long before it became fashionable in Hollywood, Heston joined many of us in fighting desegregation.
Heston, an early supporter of John F. Kennedy for president, switched his party affiliation from Democrat to Republican and became an ardent supporter of his old friend and mine, Ronald Reagan.
Along with Heston, Reagan, John Wayne, and others, we spoke out and marched against obscene racism.
Mark Chesnut, editor of NRA’s America’s 1st Freedom, calls Heston, “a hero of heroes, fighting wrong for the good of right, for the good of justice.”
Charlton Heston, during his five-year tenure as president of the NRA, gave the organization the visibility it had never known before.
Heston never flinched from the truth about the right to keep and bear arms. Who can forget that memorable moment at the 2000 NRA Convention, when the NRA was so strongly opposed by the presidential candidacy of Vice President Al Gore who favored restrictive gun control?
Who can forget Charlton Heston holding a hand-made Brooks flintlock rifle above his head and declaring, “From my cold, dead hands, Mr. Gore!”
In 2003, diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, Heston stepped down as NRA President. There were those in Hollywood hating guns with a passion who scoffed at Heston and his affliction, saying Heston deserved whatever was said about him for his involvement in the NRA.
Heston, always the gentleman, responded saying that he was saddened by his opponent’s stooping to such tactics — that actors and others were engaged in the culture warfare but that he, Heston, would remain completely pro-life, pro-family, pro-American.
He once characterized political correctness as “tyranny with manners.” His memorable motion pictures such as “The Ten Commandments,” “Ben-Hur,” and others will live in the minds of those who will recall more than a handsome face in Charlton Heston, but a great actor and activist.
Heston supported as I did, the NAACP and the Urban League, in their early cause back in Martin Luther King Jr. and desegregation in 1963. We have also served our country in defense of our great nation and its principles.
Heston stood with George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, and Benjamin Franklin. In opposition to those who have aligned themselves with Adolph Hitler, Joseph Stalin, Fidel Castro, and the other despots of history who hated guns in the hands of citizenry.
When Heston died at the age of 84, with his beloved wife of 64 years, Lydia, at his side. He remains an American patriot, one who made history, not just headlines.
Charlton, we stand beside you as a great American patriot. May you rest in peace.
This is one reporter’s opinion. We welcome yours.
Listen to George Putnam at www.CRNTALK.com.
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