25 Jan 2017

Army Corps Pipeline Analysis Must Include Iowa

By Ed Fallon

Environmental Impact Statement Should Not Be Limited to North Dakota

 

14 Feb 2014

AFSCME IOWA COUNCIL 61 PEOPLE COMMITTEE AND TEAMSTERS LOCALS 90, 120, 238, AND 554 ENDORSE JACK HATCH FOR GOVERNOR

By Ed Fallon

CEDAR RAPIDS - Today, the AFSCME Iowa Council 61 PEOPLE Committee and Teamsters Locals 90, 120, 238, and 554 announced their endorsement of Jack Hatch for Governor.

"Jack Hatch is the leader that we need in order to build a better Iowa - an Iowa with a strong and growing middle class. With a record of success in both the private sector and the public sector, Jack will bring Iowans together to create real opportunity for Iowa families," said AFSCME Iowa Council 61 President Danny Homan.

"Jack has always been there for the working men and women of Iowa and now we are here for him.  Terry Branstad has been in office for too long and he is coasting.  Jack is the change we need in Terrace Hill," said Teamsters Local 238 Secretary-Treasurer Gary Dunham.

"I am honored to have the endorsements of AFSCME and the Teamsters. AFSCME members are working every day in our communities to keep us safe, protect the most vulnerable, and make our communities run on a day to day basis. Teamsters are a powerful force in Iowa and represent a wide array of Iowa workers. Iowans know we can do better than Terry Branstad's status quo. Together, we are united in our goal to build a better Iowa," said gubernatorial candidate Jack Hatch.

AFSCME is known for its political action program which is financed with voluntary contributions. The program supplies grassroots volunteers for AFSCME-endorsed candidates.

In Iowa, AFSCME Iowa Council 61 represents 40,000 public employees and private sector employees.

Teamsters Locals 90, 120, 238, and 554 represent over 15,000 current members and retirees throughout the state of Iowa.

###
20 Jan 2014

Hatch for Governor

By Ed Fallon

For three decades, Jack Hatch has been a strong progressive voice fighting for a better Iowa. Jack is an independent thinker who's not afraid to challenge his own Party. Whether the fight is about creating jobs, getting rid of tax breaks for big corporations, expanding health care coverage or defending civil rights, Jack puts Iowans first.

His work in the private sector is equally impressive, and Jack has overcome all kinds of obstacles to build affordable housing in neighborhoods where it's desperately needed.

Today, I'm endorsing Jack Hatch for Governor because he's a strong leader with a solid track record and the determination to move Iowa beyond the failures of Terry Branstad. And I'm convinced he can win, so I'm putting my money where my mouth is and donating $100 to his campaign. Please consider doing the same. Speaking as one who ran for Governor, I assure you that it will make a difference.

Monday, Dr. Charles Goldman joins me to discuss medical marijuana. Charles writes, "Evidently it is hard to get a seat on a plane heading to Denver, as marijuana tourism takes off in the Centennial State. Here in Iowa, it is unlikely that we will see marijuana emporiums any time soon, but isn't it time Iowa joined 20 other states and Washington, DC in formulating a humane state-regulated medical cannabis program? In advance of tonight's program, you might want to view the video of Dr. Steven Jenison, who ran the New Mexico Medical Cannabis Program, at http://youtu.be/qYtxwPoAzwM.

Tuesday, Ambassador Ken Quinn of the World Food Prize joins me to discuss Howard Buffet's "40 Chances: Hope for a Hungry World" exhibit, now on display at the WFP headquarters in Des Moines.

Wednesday, Michael Dietrick with the NRDC discusses climate change and the upcoming Citizen Advocates meeting in Des Moines.

Thursday, State Rep. Dan Kelley shares what's happening at the Iowa Statehouse.

Join the conversation live Monday-Thursday from 6:00-6:30 pm. Listen and watch online at www.fallonforum.com. Call-in at (855) 244-0077 to add your voice to the dialogue. Podcasts available after the program. And catch the Fallon Forum on KHOI 89.1 (Ames) Wednesdays at 4:00 pm and KPVL 89.1 (Postville) Wednesdays at 7:00 pm.

13 Jan 2014

Wrong questions on gas tax

By Ed Fallon

We've seen a lot of talk recently about the proposed gas tax hike. In farm country, agribusiness is concerned about rural bridges in decay - bridges that might see a couple dozen cars a day. In suburbia, developers are worried that one of their main urban sprawl cash cows might dry up. And of course, the road construction lobby is just drooling to get more money to lay asphalt and concrete anywhere and everywhere.

Yet what about reality? Is a car-centric transportation system what's needed for the 21st century? For one thing, more roads mean more cars, more greenhouse gas emissions, and more climate change. Furthermore, as people drive less, it makes sense for the public investment to shift. And even as Governor Branstad and his Iowa House buddies deep-six a paltry sum for passenger rail, I predict they'll have no problem justifying truckloads of cash for highways.

And I would not be surprised to see the debate shift from a gas tax hike to a sales tax hike, thus making those of us who use the roads the least (i.e., low-income Iowans) pay for the desired "improvements."

See my additional comments in today's Register online, and tune-in tonight, Monday, for more talk on this topic. Your views welcome, too, at (855) 244-0077.

Tuesday, we talk with Scott Warner of Corazon Coffee Roasters about the debate over what it means to be "fair trade."

Wednesday, we talk with Harold Hedelman about another tool for folks wanting to do more about the climate crisis. Harold talks about the Natural Resources Defense Council's upcoming Citizens Advocate training in Des Moines. (See Events page for details.)

Thursday, State Rep. Dan Kelley is back on the hill - and back in the studio with us for an update on the first week of legislative action . . . or inaction, as some are predicting.

Join the conversation live Monday-Thursday from 6:00-6:30 pm. Listen and watch online at www.fallonforum.com. Call-in at (855) 244-0077 to add your voice to the dialogue. Podcasts available after the program. And catch the Fallon Forum on KHOI 89.1 (Ames) Wednesdays at 4:00 pm and KPVL 89.1 (Postville) Wednesdays at 7:00 pm.

Thanks! - Ed

09 Jul 2013

Senator Harkin endorses Climate March

By Ed Fallon
We are very excited to announce the endorsement of Senator Tom Harkin!

"We are already seeing increasing intensity and frequency of storms, droughts, and heat events caused by climate change, and that trend is just beginning," said Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA). "The Great March for Climate Action may be just what's needed at this time to wake-up America to the urgency of climate change, and I commend Ed Fallon for getting the ball rolling. I wish the Climate March every success and hope it helps spur the Congress into action to address this critical challenge to the planet."

Which brings me to this week's Calls to Action:

(1) Invite a US Senator, member of Congress, mayor or state lawmaker from your area to endorse the Climate March. Click here for a full list of endorsing individuals and organizations.

(2) Check out this heart-warming story about a retired Des Moines minster, Bob Cook, who plans to go the distance in next year's March. Please share it with your local media contacts. Better still, share your own story about why you are marching and/or supporting the March. We inspire others to take action not only through our commitment to marching but through the power of our personal witness as well.

Thanks, and have a wonderful Fourth of July weekend! Oh, and if you're planning to come to the 80-35 Festival this weekend in downtown Des Moines, check out our booth, which will feature a big map showing the March route, and a fine beverage we're calling "climate-aid."
29 May 2013

Great March for Climate Action

By Ed Fallon
Today we announced the route for next year's eight-month coast-to-coast march for climate action. We're delighted at the story in today's Des Moines Register. Please help spread the word by sharing the article with your local media, your personal contacts, and on Facebook. Also, please check out the map of the route and list of cities. We welcome any feedback as we further refine the details.


I am grateful to our awesome staff for pulling this together so quickly. We received excellent input and guidance from people across the country, too. Thanks to all of you as well.

In today's press release, March Route Coordinator, Courtney Kain, writes, "We now turn our attention to the challenge of figuring out logistics, such as feeding marchers, transporting gear, providing portable bathroom, laundry and shower facilities, and showcasing the sustainable practices we need to embrace if America is to grapple successfully with the climate crisis. As we continue to build a strong foundation for this March, by mid-summer we'll be well-positioned to actively recruit marchers."

Thanks again for getting us this far. We have a long way to go, of course. But establishing the march route is an accomplishment we can all celebrate.

Ed

29 Apr 2013

The GREAT MARCH FOR CLIMATE ACTION

By Ed Fallon
-- stepping forward for our Planet, our Future --


Dear Friends,

Setting up a 3,000 mile march involves a lot more than drawing a bright-colored line across a map of the US. We are fortune to have Courtney Kain on board to coordinate this mammoth task. Courtney's background includes a four-year stint with the Army National Guard, managing logistics for several thousand troops at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa.

"We'd go on training marches through a variety of terrains, often for a week or two, camping in a lot of different places under some pretty adverse circumstances," said Courtney. "There was a lot of integration between planning the route and planning our equipment needs. Of course, we carried 60-pound packs on our backs and had our guns. Honestly, I'm looking forward to not having to deal with hauling either of those on the Climate March!"

Like any big event, much of Courtney's work with the National Guard involved tedious behind-the-scenes labor. "Often, we'd be out on the base at o'dark thirty, sometimes in sub-zero weather, doing vehicle maintenance and what not. We not only had to issue equipment but keep tabs on it as well. Marching boots were probably the most important piece of equipment. I remember a lovely set of massive blisters during my early days with the Guard."

Courtney appreciates all the folks in communities across the country who are stepping forward to help with on-the-ground challenges in setting up the route. "We can do a lot from our headquarters here in Des Moines, especially with the help of the Internet," said Courtney. "But there's no way we can figure out all the details without our supporters' eyes and ears helping to identify the best routes and campsites in communities we'll march through."

Our plan is to release the full description of the March route sometime next month. In the meantime, we need your help, not just working with Courtney on setting up the route, but helping pay for all the costs involved. To that end . . .

If you haven't already, please become a March Starter. Donate between 1 cent and 33-1/3 cents per mile - between $30 and $1,000 - to help Courtney finish this task at a pace that would impress the US Army. Click here for details, and thanks to all who have stepped forward so far.
11 Mar 2013

School Board "Shops Local"

By Ed Fallon
Dear Friends,

{First, a brief update: The Great March for Climate Action is off and running . . . okay, walking. Please "like" our Facebook Page, and keep abreast of new developments as they occur . . . there's at least one newsworthy item to share each day.}

A big "CONGRATULATIONS!" to Tom Ahart for being selected as the next superintendent of the Des Moines Public Schools. A "rose" to four of seven School Board members for "shopping local" and going with a known quantity who's already proven himself. A "thistle" to the entire board for cloaking the process in secrecy.

Not that secrecy is uncommon in government anymore. Officials at all levels are acting with greater disregard for public input and observation. This is not a good thing for those of us partial to democracy, freedom and an open society.

Monday, Des Moines attorney Alfredo Parrish discusses racial disparity in Iowa's prisons. And yeah, it's bad. Read Alfredo's recent opinion piece in the Des Moines Register for a primer on just how bad - and why. Also today, we discuss several aspects of the climate crisis, including the linchpin upon which all eyes rest: the Keystone Pipeline. We also talk about Tom Ahart's selection as Des Moines Public Schools' new superintendent, and the issue of government secrecy.

Tuesday, I'm still hammering out the details, but we start the conversation with Guns, God, and Gays. That should bring my right-wing audience out of the woodwork.

Wednesday, Charlie Bruner, executive director of Iowa Family and Policy Center, and Anne Kinzel, former coordinator of Iowa Legislative Health Care Coverage Commission, discuss Medicaid and IowaCare. With the issue front and center at the Statehouse, and with Governor Branstad digging in his heels against expanding Medicaid, this is an important conversation. Check out Charlie's recent opinion piece here and Anne's here.

Thursday, State Rep Dan Kelley provides us our weekly inside look at the Iowa Statehouse. And Nakisha Phillips charts her journey through pregnancy with a doula and a midwife.

Friday, Aaron Todd discusses the tremendous progress made on revitalizing one of Des Moines most blighted corridors: Sixth Avenue. Also, Heather Ryan joins us for another weekly feature: "Ryan's Rants."

So, Monday-Friday, join the conversation online from 12:00-1:00 pm on the Fallon Forum website. Call-in at 244-0077 or toll free (855) 244-0077 and add your voice to the dialogue. If you miss a show, video and audio-only podcasts are available later in the day. Thanks!

EdCommunity CPA


EVENTS

March 11 - Public Talk on Reiki (West Des Moines)
Free introductory conversation about Reiki with practitioner Diane Sweet, at the West Des Moines Public Library, 7:00-8:00 p.m. Free and open to the public. Contact Dustin at (515) 333-7891 or teachingtheagelesswisdoms@gmail.com.

March 13 - Max Wellman & His String Quartet (Des Moines)
Max Wellman, in conjunction with Civic Music Association's Backstage Social Group, presents an evening of jazz and standards brought to you by a classically-trained string quartet. Max and Sam Wells perform the art songs by Cole Porter, Duke Ellington and others through a classical medium. It's at the Fourth Street Theater, 214 4th St. at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $10. Contact Max at (515) 490-5497 or max@maxwellmanmusic.com.

March 14 - Drinking Liberally (Des Moines)
You don't have to be a card-carrying liberal to enjoy political conversation and excellent libations at AJ's, 419 E Court starting at 8:00 pm every Thursday. If the revolution is going to start anyplace, it's over a frosty libation. Contact desmoines@drinkingliberally.org.

March 15-17 - Reiki First Degree (Des Moines)
Two-day Reiki training session. Cost is $150. Contact Dustin at (515) 333-7891 or teachingtheagelesswisdoms@gmail.com.

March 23 - Max Wellman and His Big Band (Des Moines)
At Hoyt Sherman Place, 15th and Woodland, 8:00 pm. Enjoy an evening of arrangements by Des Moines trumpeter/composer Dave Rezek. The band is made up of several of Des Moines' finest up-and-coming jazz musicians, including several members of the popular Uplift Quintet. Tina Haase Findlay of Bella Soul will also perform. Tickets are $20. Contact Max at (515) 490-5497 or max@maxwellmanmusic.com.

March 24 - Ecumenical Processional for Peace (Des Moines)
Processional begins at 3:00 on the west steps of the State Capitol and ends at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 815 High Street for a 3:45 service. This year's event commemorates the anniversary of the assassination of Archbishop Oscar Romero. Contact Chet Guinn at (515) 282-8054 or Eloise Cranke at ecranke@mchsi.com.

March 27 - An Evening with Rachel Reynolds (Des Moines)
Rachel Reynolds, a local nursing instructor and human rights advocate, speaks about human rights, her experience with child soldiers in Uganda, and her impressions of the "Lord's Resistance Army." The event is sponsored by Amnesty International at Des Moines Valley Friends Meeting House, lower level, 4211 Grand Ave. Everyone is welcome and refreshments will be served. Contact Mike at (515) 238-1782 or mikecollet4@aol.com.

March 28 - Equal Justice After Hours (Des Moines)
Annual fundraising event supporting Iowa Legal Aid and its work to provide access to justice for low-income Iowans. At Temple for Performing Arts, 1011 Locust St, program includes remarks by Georgetown University law professor Peter Edelman and induction of Robert C. Oberbillig into the Iowa Legal Aid Hall of Fame. Reception at 5:30 pm, program at 6:30. Tickets are $50, or $150 to be a sponsor (sponsors may attend a special reception with Mr. Edelman from 5:00-6:30). Contact Terri Bennett at (515) 243-2980 (x1611) or tbennett@iowalaw.org.

March 28 - Green Drinks (Des Moines)
Join excellent conversation about energy and the environment over food and drink at Gateway Market and Cafe, 2002 Woodland Ave from 5:30-7:30 pm. For more details, see www.greendrinks.org.

10 Sep 2012

Occupy Turns One

By Ed Fallon

Imagine throwing a birthday party for your kid and using the occasion to remind him of the many ways he's failed over the past year? If you did that, you'd be a truly horrible parent.

So, as the Occupy Wall Street movement celebrates its one-year anniversary this weekend, let's resist the temptation to talk about all the things that have gone wrong and focus on the good stuff. After all, there's a reason why so many of us were inspired and saw OWS as the most promising groundswell for social change to come along in decades.

My short list of why Occupy Wall Street resonated so powerfully with so many:

- Most Americans know something is deeply wrong in our country. We know powerful corporations are a big part of the problem, and we're furious that some of the worst corporate offenders got huge taxpayer bailouts.

- Wall Street is the symbolic epicenter of corporate power and the logical target of public anger over corporate malfeasance.

- Thousands of rank-and-file Americans rallying before the gilded gates of Wall Street in peaceful protest captivated America. When law enforcement responded with an unnecessarily heavy-hand it only further rallied public support behind the protesters.

That's my short list of why Occupy Wall Street's one-year birthday anniversary deserves cake, not condemnation. What are your thoughts? Today, Monday, we'll talk about it. We also welcome the DeCoster family back to the news with the discovery of salmonella in DeCoster-owned chicken confinements in north-central Iowa. Also today, talent manager Heather Ryan joins us for an update on the bizarre child custody case in Kentucky involving a Mom who allowed her daughter to participate in a pageant.

Tuesday, Manu Martin with the Peoples Congress joins us. We also talk with Rachel Garrett about Paul Ryan's inspirational hero, Ayn Rand.

Wednesday, we talk with Bob Stone about Democracy School, and also John Brown about the controversy around so-called "smart meters."

Thursday, it's State Rep. Dan Kelley.

Friday, Libertarian Party candidate for Vice President, Judge Jim Gray, is back in Iowa and back on our program.

Among the other issues we need to address this week:

- Congressman Steve King finds a new enemy: healthy food. To make up for it, he's enlisted a new ally: overweight kids.

- The Orascom scam not only involves the biggest taxpayer handout to a corporation in Iowa's history but it appears to have been negotiated almost entirely behind closed doors.

- Rev. Sun Myung Moon, head of the so-called Unification Church, died last week. I'll share a personal story about my role years ago in England, helping de-program one of Moon's cult's many victims.

So, join the conversation live, Monday-Friday, online from 12:00-1:00 pm on the Fallon Forum website. Call in at 244-0077 or toll free (855) 244-0077. And tune-in to Bradshaw, Monday-Friday from 1:30-2:30, also on the Fallon Forum website. Video and audio podcasts are available, too.

Thanks! - Ed

 

EVENTS

September 13 - Drinking Liberally (Des Moines)
You don't have to be a card-carrying liberal to enjoy political conversation and excellent libations at AJ's, 419 E Court starting at 8:00 pm every Thursday. If the revolution is going to start anyplace, it's over a frosty libation. Contact desmoines@drinkingliberally.org.

September 14-16 - Democracy School (Fairfield)
Thomas Linzey, co-founder of Democracy School, has had success in Pennsylvania in combating encroaching CAFOs and  has worked with 140 communities in eight states on CAFOs, fracking, etc. School is Friday 7:30-10:30 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 12:30-4:30. The fee is $195.

September 14-30 - World Premiere of "Sense and Sensibility" (Des Moines)
The book by Jane Austen has been adapted for the stage by Iowa's Kerry Skram. Performances are at the Des Moines Social Club's Kirkwood Theater, 4th and Walnut. For tickets, call MIDWESTIX at (515) 244-2771.

September 18 - Irish Jam at Open Sesame (Des Moines)
Discover the fusion of Lebanese and Celtic culture every third Tuesday of the month with Irish jigs and reels, Mideastern belly dancing, and Lebanese cuisine washed-down with a pint of Guinness. All musicians and patrons are welcome at 313 E. Locust St from 8:30-10:30 pm.

September 22 - Latinos Unidos Scholarship Award Ceremony Dinner (DM)
From 5:30- 8:00 pm at Grace United Methodist Cottage Church, 3700 Cottage Grove Ave. Tickets are $20 for adults, $7.50 for children under $10, and $120 for a table for eight. Businesses contact Julian Caselli at j-caselli@hotmail.com and individuals Lena Avila Robison at iowalatina12@live.com.

September 27 - Coleen Rowley 'Blowing the Whistle on War' (Des Moines)
At 7:00 pm at Plymouth Congregational Church, 42nd and Ingersoll, Iowa's own Coleen Rowley talks about the need to end our permanent war economy and state of perpetual war. Coleen grew up in New Hampton Iowa and was part of the Federal Bureau of Investigation before blowing the whistle on bad intelligence work in the wake of September 11. She was Time magazine's PERSON OF THE YEAR in 2002 and is an important voice in favor of government transparency. Contact Jeff Weiss at jjwcpm@yahoo.com.

October 3 - Jim Hightower: Taking Back Our Food and Agriculture (Fairfield)
Hightower gives the keynote at the Jefferson County Farmers & Neighbors annual meeting at 7:30 pm at the Arts & Convention Center, 200 N Main St. An outspoken critic of CAFO animal production, Hightower will address what is needed to turn around our environmentally destructive, nutritionally compromised system of industrial food production. Contact Diane at drosenberg@lisco.com.

October 6 - The Shrinking Middle Class (Des Moines)
At Plymouth Church, 4126 Ingersoll Avenue, 10:00-2:00. Cost is $10 and lunch is provided for this presentation and panel discussion. Income inequality, rising costs, political corruption, and economic instability threaten our global household. This seminar will explore a variety of current problems and contemplate solutions surrounding the erosion of middle class political and economic power while providing a theological context for these contemporary struggles.

October 7 - Images of Peace Interfaith Prayer Service (Des Moines)
A 7:00 pm at DMACC Auditorium, Urban Campus, 9th and University for an interfaith prayer service featuring a video by Rodger Routh, presenting images of peace from various faith traditions and a variety of perspectives. At the end of the service people will walk to the Path of Peace Sculpture nearby to scatter the soil gathered from representatives of many different faiths at last year's Interfaith Service. Sponsored by the Des Moines Area Ecumenical Committee For Peace. Contact Eloise Cranke at (515) 262-5974 or Susie Paloma at (515) 480-1872.

October 20 - Contra Dance at Odd Fellows Hall (Des Moines)
Contra-Indications is hosting a contra dance at Odd Fellows Hall, 2904 Kingman Blvd, 8:00-11:00 pm, with lesson at 7:30 pm. Live music by Barn Owl Band; Jill Allen as caller. $10 adults; free under 12; $25 family maximum. Visit info@contra-indications.org.
07 Sep 2012

Let's Call It Labor Week

By Ed Fallon
Dear Friends,

It's appropriate that America designates a day to recognize the incomparable contributions of labor unions. But with so many politicians (mostly Republicans) actively working to obliterate organized labor, we would do well to spend more than just a day discussing issues affecting America's workers.

With that in mind . . . Tuesday, Colin Gordon with the Iowa Policy Project talks about wage theft and the $600 million each year stolen from Iowa workers! Folks might be astounded to learn how many low-wage workers are not paid the wages they are legally owed. And if you think the State of Iowa is doing its job to crack down on violators and protect such workers, think again. For a little homework on the subject, check out the Iowa Policy Project's new report.

Wednesday, Chris Wilbeck of Greene County talks about the potential impact of a 5,000-head corporate hog confinement proposed for her area. Folks there are still reeling from an unsuccessful battle to stop a confinement earlier this year. If the second one is built, there would be 12,400 hogs within a two-mile radius of Chris' home. (To sort of put that in perspective for us city folk, the population density of two-square miles in Des Moines is 5,030 - and a hog produces twice as much excrement as an adult human!)

The confinement operator is Prestage "Farms," a huge enterprise with its corporate tentacles wrecking havoc in six states. To sign a petition to stop them, click here.

And let me just throw this out there: What is it going to take before Iowa Democratic lawmakers - who for years campaigned in favor of local control yet did nothing when they had power - free themselves from the chains of corporate money and stand with the people they pledged to support?

Thursday, we discuss why labor leaders are unhappy with Whole Foods' CEO John Mackey, who once said that binding arbitration is "not the way we normally do things in the United States" and that allowing workers to organize without a secret ballot "violates a bedrock principle of American democracy." As Mother Jones once pointed out, "Mackey's tired canard has been debunked over and over. Even the Wall Street Journal editorial board, home of anti-labor commentary, finally admitted . . . that the 'the bill doesn't remove the secret-ballot option.'"

Also, Thursday, Sonia Ashe with Iowa Public Interest Research Group discusses a new report on Super PACs. The report is called "Megaphones for Millionaires," and it's timely given the vast infusion of corporate money in the November election.

Friday, with one eye looking back at this week's Labor Day celebrations and one looking forward to an Iowa Legislature set to convene in just four months, we'll talk about some other issues affecting Iowa workers, including raising the minimum wage and the Earned Income Tax Credit.

So, join the conversation live, Monday-Friday, online from 12:00-1:00 pm on the Fallon Forum website. Call in at 244-0077 or toll free (855) 244-0077. And tune-in to Bradshaw, Monday-Friday from 1:30-2:30, also on the Fallon Forum website. Video and audio podcasts are available, too.

Thanks! - Ed

 

EVENTS

September 6 - Drinking Liberally (Des Moines)
You don't have to be a card-carrying liberal to enjoy political conversation and excellent libations at AJ's, 419 E Court starting at 8:00 pm every Thursday. If the revolution is going to start anyplace, it's over a frosty libation. Contact desmoines@drinkingliberally.org.

September 14-30 - World Premiere of "Sense and Sensibility" (Des Moines)
The book by Jane Austen has been adapted for the stage by Iowa's Kerry Skram. Performances are at the Des Moines Social Club's Kirkwood Theater, 4th and Walnut. For tickets, call MIDWESTIX at (515) 244-2771.

September 18 - Irish Jam at Open Sesame (Des Moines)
Discover the fusion of Lebanese and Celtic culture every third Tuesday of the month with Irish jigs and reels, Mideastern belly dancing, and Lebanese cuisine washed-down with a pint of Guinness. All musicians and patrons are welcome at 313 E. Locust St from 8:30-10:30 pm.

September 27 - Coleen Rowley 'Blowing the Whistle on War' (Des Moines)
At 7:00 pm at Plymouth Congregational Church, 42nd and Ingersoll, Iowa's own Coleen Rowley talks about the need to end our permanent war economy and state of perpetual war. Coleen grew up in New Hampton Iowa and was part of the Federal Bureau of Investigation before blowing the whistle on bad intelligence work in the wake of September 11. She was Time magazine's PERSON OF THE YEAR in 2002 and is an important voice in favor of government transparency. Contact Jeff Weiss at jjwcpm@yahoo.com.

October 3 - Jim Hightower: Taking Back Our Food and Agriculture (Fairfield)
Hightower gives the keynote at the Jefferson County Farmers & Neighbors annual meeting at 7:30 pm at the Arts & Convention Center, 200 N Main St. An outspoken critic of CAFO animal production, Hightower will address what is needed to turn around our environmentally destructive, nutritionally compromised system of industrial food production. Contact Diane at drosenberg@lisco.com.

October 6 - The Shrinking Middle Class (Des Moines)
At Plymouth Church, 4126 Ingersoll Avenue, 10:00-2:00. Cost is $10 and lunch is provided for this presentation and panel discussion. Income inequality, rising costs, political corruption, and economic instability threaten our global household. This seminar will explore a variety of current problems and contemplate solutions surrounding the erosion of middle class political and economic power while providing a theological context for these contemporary struggles.

October 7 - Images of Peace Interfaith Prayer Service (Des Moines)
A 7:00 pm at DMACC Auditorium, Urban Campus, 9th and University for an interfaith prayer service featuring a video by Rodger Routh, presenting images of peace from various faith traditions and a variety of perspectives. At the end of the service people will walk to the Path of Peace Sculpture nearby to scatter the soil gathered from representatives of many different faiths at last year's Interfaith Service. Sponsored by the Des Moines Area Ecumenical Committee For Peace. Contact Eloise Cranke at (515) 262-5974 or Susie Paloma at (515) 480-1872.

October 20 - Contra Dance at Odd Fellows Hall (Des Moines)
Contra-Indications is hosting a contra dance at Odd Fellows Hall, 2904 Kingman Blvd, 8:00-11:00 pm, with lesson at 7:30 pm. Live music by Barn Owl Band; Jill Allen as caller. $10 adults; free under 12; $25 family maximum. Visit info@contra-indications.org.

 

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