We live in times, according to the Word of the Lord,
that are full of “wars & rumors of wars”.
But there are all kinds of wars, besides the actual—
they are political, cultural, spiritual & practical.
But my hope is not for more wars to start.
No, I fight war for peace. I fight for the heart.
I try to see the weirdness in my world & myself,
to think outside the box & take truth off the shelf.
To find the bright side others may have missed,
Maybe even find the right side…if it exists.
The weapons of my warfare are not bombs or guns,
but silliness & wisdom & the art of having fun.
Yes, my toons are designed to confront & incite,
but I’m looking forward to hearing what others may write.
And sometimes we may get up in each other’s face.
But as we push each other’s hot buttons, may it be with grace.
Sure, I have my own bias, my own preconceptions,
but I’m willing to fight through my own misconceptions.
So I’ll scribble out my views as I see they ring true;
But be open to change as I see the need to.
Check out this week’s toon & tell me what you think.
Use them as you wish, but just include my link.
So come on, jump in! The fire’s just fine!
Hear’s how I see it…Now what’s on your mind?…
Your fellow cultural warrior,
Dave Eden
Link to: EdenPoliticalCartoons.com
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Press Release: (retro)
Dallas, TX ; On October 22, 2008 David Eden launched his new political cartoon blog. A passionate conservative, Dave’s satire is sometimes controversial, but always insightful in the rich tradition of the American cartoonist. He began by posting a free, weekly cartoon & brief comment. His goals were to inspire visitor’s comments, offer his cartoons for use by other interested sites, and hopefully impact the culture.
Mr. Eden’s cartoons have appeared in local papers and several news sites - such as The Dallas Morning News, The Wylie News, The Champaign-Urbana News Gazette, OneNewsNow.com, Christian Action League & others.
Recently, one newspaper chose to terminate Dave’s services when two of his cartoons – on gay marriage and on Muslim terrorists – upset some readers. The publication’s officials stated they didn’t want to offend any segments of society. Dave began to realize: “We live in a climate that has devolved into such political correctness that we can’t even have some fun and satirical debate. If satire has come under such political scrutiny and prohibition, then debate is dying.”
This, in part, is what inspired Dave to venture forth with his own cartoon blog where he would have the freedom to share his own opinions & creations and to interact with readers, whether friends or foes. So, whether discussing the family, the media, politics or life, sparks from the cartoonist and readers should prove to be intense and stimulating.
Dave also realized: “…maybe I shouldn’t be as bombastic in my portrayals. You can create too adversarial a climate that kills debate, or too soft a one that shelters people from any kind of censure or growth. You walk the line. Some might actually change if there was some pointed but friendly conversation going on.”
And so, let the toons and the talk commence!
HISTORY:
David Eden resides near Dallas and is a father of five. A self-employed muralist, his business is Eden Signs & Murals. Edensigns.com Dave was born in New Lenox, IL, studied art at Illinois State University and has been involved in some form of creative expression all his life. He’s been a college athlete, a radical hippie, a rock drummer, a billboard painter and a pastor. He’s also an illustrator, a songwriter and involved in Christian children’s ministry.
Dave grew up laughing and drawing. As a kid, he loved copying the Sunday funnies. Back then, his faves were Alley Oop, Lil’ Abner and Beetle Bailey. Dave’s simple cartooning style reflects the influence of his lifelong favorite, Charles Shultz’s (Peanuts) and later, Bill Watterson (Calvin & Hobbs). His values and observations reflect his deep Christian faith and his conservative worldview. Dave’s cartoon tastes today are varied: Luaan, Family Circus, Farside, Gilbert, BC, etc. His favorite political cartoonist is Wayne Stayskal.
Dave says: “Most of today’s agonizing political and spiritual conflicts are no laughing matter, but more a cause for tears and prayer.” But Dave believes that “…If we could see the lighter side – of our own side, of the opposing side - with good cheer, it might spark deeper understanding and honest debate.”
