Oddly, the White House blurb does not mention Heston's advocacy for gun rights, or does being an "early voice on behalf of civil rights" include his 2nd Amendment work?
Politically, should we consider this a mere symbolic sop to gun-owners, or a genuine sign of where the administration is on gun control (noting that both Heston and Bush have no affection for civilan ownership of military-style rifles.)
Both, it's sop and an indication that Bush and Heston/NRA are unwilling to recognize the unconditional right of the people to keep and bear arms. Bush, Heston, and Brady, are all gun control nuts, they just differ on the speed, method, and extent of disarmament.
It sure looks like some of these awards are political sop to various special intrest groups, the NWO, contributors, and payoff for votes on legislation. Which might be OK if the legislation, etc., were in the best intrest of the people of this country. Unconstitutional legislation like the patriot act, ejimucation bill, and AW ban expansion/renewal is not. Has Bush signed anything that's legal/constitutional?
Heston said he doesn't like them but doesn't want them banned. Anything else is putting words in his mouth.