Memorial Day

On national television not too long ago, I heard someone say: extreme Christianity is just as dangrous as extreme Islam.

I also heard a prominant news anchorman, on a prime time news (commentary) show, say how much better the European political system is than the American system.

For the cynics who scorn and mock the heart of this country, I truly grieve. I do not understand how someone could enjoy the fruits of this country while simultaneously tearing it down. The arrogance and ignorance prompts me to ask how anyone could be shortsighted enough to hate the place that gives them life. I have a message for those who reap the benefits of this country, yet they hold vengeful and bitter attitudes about the values of this country: be careful. You are on dangerous ground. As the poison of political correctness continues to seep deeper and deeper into pop culture, America's great voice of character is inevitably being silenced. Through the mediocrity of spiritual and political ignorance, the United States of America is brought to a painful place.

I know many democrats are eager to pull our troops out of Iraq. I do not know the full breadth of their political motivation for wanting to leave the middle east, but I have a message for them: I know this war is tough, and the price is high. I know it hurts to have family overseas, giving their lives. i know it is a costly war, and these terrorists have put us in a terrible position. And I also know that you, as democrats, believe in open dialouge. In the spirit of listening to open dialouge,please hear my plea: Please consider the stakes. Please support this war. These terrorists have to be stopped. They are fueled by evil, and the threat they pose to us is real. Please consider the Gulf War of the early 90's. Please consider the bombings of '93. Listen to their threats. These people are cold-blooded, suicidal killers. And most of all, remember 9-11-01. If given the chance, these horrid terrorists will bring an attack upon this country even worse than the twin tower collapse. Don't degrade our War on Terror into political squabblings. These terrorists haven't gone away, they are just waiting and planning. Take this message for what it's worth.

I have said it before, and I will say it again: America is the greatest country on earth. We enjoy privilege, freedom to worship, great wealth, a rich and fascinating history, and the power to change the world for good. America is founded on principles of optimism and hope. While struggling to solve our own problems, we reach out to other parts of the earth to give a helping hand. In compassion, we strive to rid the world of injustice.

This Memorial Day, I am reminded that thousands have fought (and many died) for our precious freedom. I am thankful for their sacrifice, and reflect on it with respect and gratitude. If it weren't for them, this country could not exist. And, the freedom that we enjoy every day could not be ours. Thank you, men and women of America's military. Because of you, we are the greatest nation on earth.

I know I don't speak in such blunt political terms on my blog very often, but I have been inspired this Memorial Day to speak my mind. Isn't that a freedom we have? I want to exercise that freedom.

The story of America is the story of expanding liberty: an ever-widening circle, constantly growing to reach further and include more. Our nation's founding commitment is still our deepest commitment: In our world, and here at home, we will extend the frontiers of freedom. - President George W. Bush

"The name of American, which belongs to you, in your national capacity, must always exalt the just pride of Patriotism.... It should be the highest ambition of every American to extend his views beyond himself, and to bear in mind that his conduct will not only affect himself, his country, and his immediate posterity; but that its influence may be co-extensive with the world, and stamp political happiness or misery on ages yet unborn." -George Washington

my personal finances

in a meager and desperate attempt to pinch pennies, I've been cutting back on bills lately. I cut my Netflix service down a notch, cut my cell phone plan down a notch, and I made a personal comittment to myself..."I, Evan, will not turn on my thermostat for the entire month of May."

The good news about the thermostat thing is that the month of May is usually a mild month. And, my apartment is on the first floor. So, it's kind of like a cave. It stays 71 degrees all the time.

All month, I've had various temptations to turn on the thermostat. Whenever I feel warm, or cool, I check the temp. It never fails. It's always between 71-73 degrees in my apartment. Absolute perfection. So, I've stuck with my pledge to keep the AC and heat OFF.

Today, I got my electric bill for the last half of April and the first half of May. When I saw the amount, I laughed out loud. 26 dollars. My plan is working!!

Jerry Falwell

I felt a very strange mix of emotions yesterday when I heard about the death of public figure Jerry Falwell.

As leader of the "Moral Majority", Falwell spearheaded a unique political movement. He had distinct and uncompromising spiritual and political views. These views fueled intense controvery.

When I was in college, I began to question the dogmatic authority of this man. I slowly began to regard his views as narrow, stuffy, and irrelevent. Especially when he blamed gay people for the tragedy of 9/11. (Sounds insane, but it's true. Falwell later retracted that statement, partially.) It was the statement of a bitter man out of touch with society.

But now, in retrospect and upon his death, my view is different. Yes, his views were what I consider ultra-conservative. And yes, he made mistakes. And yes, he had an exterior shell of superficiality, but no more than any other public figure. My view is different now because I see Falwell's torrid and varied legacy as that of a well-meaning, spiritually conscious, passionate man. I imagine that he was headstrong, determined, and deeply emotional about his beliefs.

My most distinct memory of this man was when I met him in high school. I was on a summer church camp with my Baptist youth group. The camp was on the campus of Liberty University. One morning, Falwell spoke to us about how great Liberty U was. Afterward, I went up front and shook his hand. I remember, he seemed fairly pudgy. And, his face looked more elderly and round from up close. Almost scary looking. He signed my dad's Bible. I know, it's weird. But, I felt like I had to have some excuse for going up front to meet him. And, he was signing stuff. So, I had him sign the inside cover of my dad's Bible. Weird.

Through all the controversy, and disagreements I had with the man, I still respect his legacy. And, I respect a man who will stand up in the face of what he perceives as injustice. He was probably a caring man under his stuffy exterior. I'll pray for that campus, and for his family. And I'll pray for future leaders, that they may be able to immulate his courage.

glorious drive-in

My girlfriend Tiffany and I have been going to drive-ins for the last year. We have been to three now, and they are quite wonderful.

Many people associate the drive-in with 50's nostalgia. However, considering that I was not alive in the 50's, I personally associate the drive-ins more with the 1980's. The drive-ins are incredible. The one Tiffany and I went to this last friday featured a Galaga stand-up arcade game, Ms PacMan, and a pinball machine (also from the 80's) called "Heavy Metal Meltdown."

The drive-ins these days are not the romantic getaways for teens to makeout. They no longer have the broken little fuzz speakers that you attach to your driver's side window. Now you tune your radio to an AM channel. No, the drive-in has come a long way.

The reasons I love the drive-in are varied. For one, East Tennessee is incredibly beautiful. The audience is basically in the middle of a field surrounded by woods. This last friday, around sunset, a cool mist settled over the trees. It was about 71 degrees outside, and everything was lush and green. We were in the front row, and sat out on lawn chairs. During the movie, when it got colder, we got in the car.

Another reason I love it is because it's cheap. 5 dollars for a double feature.

The drive-ins here in Tennessee are also a lovely myriad of rednecks. Many have redneck trucks and cigarrettes. They smoke frequently, and have bleached hair. Many of the rednecks have Looney Tunes attire, and drive Chevrolet Camaros. it's a lot of fun.

Click here to see the official web site of the ring of drive-ins here in East Tennessee.