Charlton Heston (and some random poltical views)

My reaction to the AP article about Charlton Heston’s death on April 5, 2008 (plus other opinions!)

First, this article failed to mention that Charlton was formerly a Democrat. He was active in the Civil Rights Movement and became a proponent for gun control. He changed his party affiliation from Democrat to Republican in the mid 60’s campaigning for Barry Goldwater and then actively campaigned for Republicans the rest of his life.

Ironically I didn’t really know much about Charlton Heston until reading this article after his death. From what I have read, I have tremendous respect for his views, probably because they are VERY similar to mine.

Heston’s quote in 2002, referring to his diagnosis of symptoms consistent with Alzheimer's disease, "I must reconcile courage and surrender in equal measure." is venerable! This quote, reflecting his courageous and unique acceptance of this heinous disease, only increases my admiration for this man.

I can relate TOTALLY with the quote from the article: “With age, he grew more conservative and campaigned for conservative candidates.” I have stated many times, that the older I get, the more conservative I become. I wonder if this is because of wisdom or perspective gained from observing events and changes over the longer period of time. Although I don’t actively campaign, I certainly have MUCH stronger political views and am more vocal about my views now than when I was younger.

Charlton’s quote, jabbing then President Clinton, "America doesn't trust you with our 21 year-old daughters, and we sure, Lord, don't trust you with our guns," says volumes about how he felt about Clinton’s lack of character.

Personally, I don’t understand how Clinton supporters casually dismiss Clinton’s lack of morals and character with the defense, “everybody does it,” questioning how his private sex life affects his job as president. It puzzles me then how the private sex lives of Gary Hart and other major political figures have destroyed their pursuit of high political office, yet Clinton’s numerous indiscretions simply roll off the “Teflon man.” I suppose, ironically, people’s initial low expectation of Clinton’s character works in his favor.

Heston’s campaigning for Republican presidential and congressional candidates in his later years exemplifies his strong political views. And his stance against affirmative action reflects his common sense approach.

When examined objectively, affirmative action is in itself racial and, I feel, unconstitutional. Ironically affirmative action is REVERSE discrimination - it actually discriminates against a highly qualified person because of his race or gender. The free market, for the most part, should be free from government interference. Government should not dictate who a private business hires. Affirmative action obstructs the natural process of hiring the best qualified person. This is just another example of governmental interference in the free market in what is supposed to be a free society.

Ironically Bush’s REPUBLICAN administration included Blacks (Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice). I assume Bush chose them because they were the best qualified. A Republican administration also placed the only Black on the Supreme Court.

Cynically, I wonder if certain factions of the Democrat Party look down on certain cultural groups, and if they are intentionally trying to keep them dependent upon government assistance to assure a voting base.

Affirmative action, although probably well intentioned, is discriminatory. Besides discriminating against qualified “majority” candidates for jobs, it is demeaning to minorities – assuming they can’t compete or be hired on their own qualifications and abilities alone.

I wonder why it is the Republican Party that is pro life while the Democrat Party (which supposedly protects the poor and downtrodden) is pro choice. Who needs protection more than the totally helpless unborn child? Unlike Hillary Clinton and Obama, I DO believe life begins at conception. So no matter how it is rationalized, abortion is the taking of a human life.

Charlton’s attack on CNN’s telecasts from Iraq in 1990 illustrated his recognition of the liberal slant to the national media.

And obviously his strong stance as president of the NRA reflects his belief that government should not interfere with the rights of the private citizen.

Our forefathers originally designed our government to protect us, not from ourselves, but from harm from others. They intended that government stay out of our private lives. Unfortunately that perspective has been lost and too many feel that big government is entitled to a large portion of our income to spend on taking care of us and redistributing wealth. This is NOT what our forefathers intended. The United States should NOT be a “nanny- state;” we DON’T need the government to take care of us; we need government to protect us and stay out of our lives and pocketbooks. Taxation is out of hand!

Because of outrageous court rulings, our society has become bogged down in fear of litigation. People should bear responsibility for their own actions and stupidity. I believe the legal system should base decisions on some common sense and make lawyers pay for frivolous lawsuits. For this reason alone, I will vote Republican in the presidential election. We can’t afford any more nominations of liberal judges.

I feel to vote you should have to show photo I.D. and be able to read English (and not need Spanish ballots). To receive U.S. citizenship, you must be able to speak and read basic English. Thus - illegal aliens should not be able to vote.

I feel English SHOULD be our national language. Providing multi-languages everywhere in our society only prevents minorities from assimilating and advancing in our society. By enabling them this way, they are only being crippled. Is this actually what some in government want? Again I suppose I am being cynical.

So, I am VERY politically incorrect.

To sum up MY political beliefs: I believe in less taxes and low government intrusion, and I don’t believe government should provide solutions to all problems.

I have friends that are Democrat. Fortunately I think most of them are THINKING Democrats and not die-hard liberals.

My best friend’s father-in-law used to be Democrat. He has since switched to the Republican party. He stated, “I didn’t leave the Democratic Party, the Democratic Party left me.” Interesting perspective.

Although I am not 100% “Conservative” Republican (for example, I don’t feel homosexuality is a choice, and I believe committed couples should have legal rights), I do view most issues from the “Conservative” point of view.