I am so tempted to tell you how I feel about the movement to Boycott the Presidential Election, but will bite my tongue and save it for today's civil-yet-spirited conversation with Terri Lee . . . and anyone else who wants to call-in at (855) 244-0077 and opine on either side of the issue.

I will, however, weigh-in briefly on Mitt Romney's decision to concede Iowa to President Obama. Yes, if there is a political move dumber than coming out against the wind energy tax credit and calling Iowa's booming wind energy industry a "stimulus boondoggle," I can't think of what it would be.

Even Steve King disagrees with Romney.

Tom Latham cautiously chastised Romney, saying the latter's position "shows a lack of full understanding of how important the wind energy tax credit is for Iowa and our nation." (DM Register, 07/30/12).

And rumor has it that Senator Grassley, the self-described "father of the wind energy tax credit," is livid . . . although there weren't any tweets to corroborate such speculation.

Possibly the most telling comment in terms of the political damage this causes Romney came from Senator Harkin, who simply said, "Good luck in Iowa!"

Unfortunately, Romney's fatal stumble means the presidential candidates will spend less money in Iowa, at a time when our economy could use a boost. On the up side, we won't have to view so many inane television commercials. Bottom line? Put Iowa in the win column for Obama . . . unless that crazy boycott idea catches fire.

Monday, in addition to Terri Lee and me sparring over the proposal to boycott the presidential election, Jeffrey Weiss with Catholic Piece Ministry and I discuss yesterday's deadly US drone attack in Yemen on the eve of the commemoration of the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki (see Events calendar on my website).

Tuesday, Arnie Arnesen joins me. Arnie is, to some extent, my twin cousin from New Hampshire. Having served in the State Legislature and run for Governor and Congress, Arnie now hosts a daily talk show. With Arnie, one can never predict where the conversation will go, but let's start with the highlights posted in her e-mail message this morning: "Eliz Warren addresses the Dem. Convention good for the base? bad for the Pres?; Electing Ayn Rand for President?; Revolving Doors."

Wednesday, Sean Bremhorst with Students Beyond War is my guest. We'll discuss how some young veterans feel lied to by Army recruiters when the promise of $50,000 for college turns out to be a lot less. Also with me in the studio on Wednesday is Jim Gray, the Libertarian Party vice presidential candidate.

Thursday, we meet Kelli VanDyke-Wulfekuhle with Harbor of Hope Mission, which provides transitional housing for men released from jail or prison. Kelli is helping raise funds to refurbish the facility. Also Thursday, State Representative Dan Kelly joins us.

Friday, Ira Kurzban is my guest. Ira is an American civil rights and immigration lawyer and author. He received widespread media coverage during the 1980s for his representation of Haitian immigrants in Miami. Also Friday, we meet an innovative young entrepreneur: Emily Svec, whose business - Body by Svec - is turning plenty of heads.

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

August 6 - Hiroshima to Fukushima: The Nuclear Fallout (DM)
At the Japanese Bell on the State Capitol grounds (next to the Supreme Court Building) at 7:30 pm. This annual lament of the Hiroshima/Nagaski nuclear bombings will feature speakers and music. Contact Jeff Weiss with Catholic Peace Ministry at jjwcpm@yahoo.com or (515) 255-8114.

August 8 - Modernizing Iowa's HIV Statute (Ames)
Community Forum at the Ames Public Library and viewing of the film "HIV is Not A Crime," in response to efforts to change a state law criminalizing HIV transmission. It begins at 6:30 pm and is open to the public at no charge. Contact Mark Kassis at marktkassis@gmail.com or (515) 441-9944.

August 9 - 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.

August 24-26 - White Eagle Multicultural Pow Wow (Waukee)
At Hawkeye Antique Acres, 3322 Ute Ave. Twelfth annual event, fostering better understanding of all cultures through drumming, music, dance and story-telling from Native American and other cultures. Contact dcmoonwolf@hotmail.com or (515) 266-3187.

August 30 - Green Drinks (Des Moines)
Join casual conversation with people interested in environmental issues and sustainable energy over something to eat and/or drink. It's from 5:30-7:30 pm at Gateway Market and Cafe, 2002 Woodland Ave. Contact Shari Hrdina at DesMoinesGreenDrinks@gmail.com.

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.

Dear Friends,

Besides being a hard worker and all-around great guy, Gabriel de La Cerda is an awesome chess player. Applying his penchant for deep analysis to last week's big news stories, Gabe postulates that President Obama's Catholic Contraception Controversy, the Attorneys General Bank Settlement, and Rick Santorum's three primary victories are all connected.

Gabe writes: "By leaking the bank settlement along with the contraception news, Obama was able to dictate which story would be at the fore of the national dialogue and which would be buried. Many talking heads, who would have asked questions as to why a $26 billion settlement could not have been more, were instead busy chasing the juicier story of women's contraception."

Furthermore, "Thursday was the beginning of the annual Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). Friday, Obama announces a compromise in the contraception case nearly at the same time the main speakers where taking the CPAC stage."

In terms of its political impact on the President, "the contraception issue should be negative. Normally when bad news is coming, administrations try to dump it on a Friday, so the talking heads don't have an entire week to dissect the story."

"So why activate the far right on a prime news day? Because Obama wants the primary process to go on as long as possible. If he could pick an opponent to run against, Rick Santorum is his huckleberry."

"The contraception news was fire for Santorum to add to his rise going into CPAC. This political play forced Romney to step away from his strengths - economy and business - and step into his weakness - morality, an issue which plays to Santorum's strengths."

Wow, Gabe! You and I need to play a game of chess! But seriously, though one doesn't want to believe that the forces of Big Government and Big Business are this sinister and conniving, it's hard not to think Gabe's got some good points.

Monday, we talk about the ongoing foreclosure crisis and recent bank settlement. Iowa Attorney General Tom Miller is declaring victory. Others aren't so sure. Still others claim government sold out to the big banks. If you've got a foreclosure tale to share, give me a call tonight at (515) 312-0983.

Tuesday, we talk about Komen's corporate connections. As Laurence Lewis writes in a recent Daily Kos column, "One example is Komen's recent partnership with KFC to raise millions of dollars, and of course, just coincidentally, to associate the junk food giant with the promotion of health." I'd like to thank an anonymous listener with an immediate family member who died of breast cancer for helping sponsor this show.

Wednesday, consumer advocate Mark Cooper talks about nuclear power. Each week, some new information surfaces to make it even clearer what a bad idea is MidAmerican's ratepayer money grab. And is Warren Buffet really the friend of the people that the media like to paint? Thanks to Iowa Physicians for Social Responsibility for helping to sponsor this show.

Thursday, State Rep Dan Kelley (D-Newton) joins us, as does comedian-activist Lee Camp. This week's Fallon Forum Freebie is a gift certificate to Leap Day Special at Mojo's on 86th. We'll also give away two tickets to "Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom," performing at the Des Moines Social Club this week and next.

So, join the conversation Monday - Thursday from 7:00-8:00 pm at 98.3 FM and online. Call-in at (515) 312-0983 or toll-free at (866) 908-TALK. You can download the Fallon Forum as a podcast, too. Thanks! -- Ed

Dear Friends,

As you know, the official Iowa Caucus is on January 3rd. Well, the Peoples Caucus is tomorrow at 7:00 pm at the Occupy Caucus Headquarters, 504 E Locust in Des Moines. You should definitely plan to attend.

The Peoples Caucus is modeled after the Iowa Caucus. Resolutions will be offered and participants will break into candidate "preference" groups. But the twist is folks will indicate preference not for the best candidate but for the worst one, the candidate whose headquarters they want to visit over the next few days as part of the Occupy Caucus campaign. (And to reiterate: THERE WILL BE NO DISRUPTION OF THE JANUARY 3rd CAUCUS!)

Now, to be clear, if one were to overstay one's welcome at a candidate's campaign headquarters, one could possibly be arrested. But simply visiting candidates' headquarters to deliver a message about the grievances of the Occupy Wall Street movement is an important action to take. If you feel that corporate power is out of control in America, come tomorrow night and let your voices be heard. A big turnout will send a big message to Wall Street and K Street.

Monday, Charles Goldman and I talk with peace activist Tom Hayden.

Tuesday, attorney Kimberly Graham fills-in for me to discuss divorce law.

Wednesday, John Nichols of The Nation is my guest.

Thursday, comedian Bob Zany joins me. What, you don't think the caucuses have provided ample comic material? Think again.

Bob's funniness is known coast-to-coast, and he'll be in Des Moines for some pre-caucus laughs on January 1st, 8:00 pm at Java Joe's Fourth Street Theatre. I'm hosting the show, though it remains to be seen whether I can be funny for a full ten minutes. Tickets are $15 at (515) 282-5282. Thanks to Open Sesame, Tinker Heating and Cooling, and Tally's Restaurant Bar & Catering for sponsoring.

Also, I want to make a plug for "Building the Progressive Movement Inside and Outside the Democratic Party." It's a forum organized by Progressive Democrats of America, National Nurses United and The Nation Magazine. Three local folks - Jay Howe, Jeff Cox and myself - will offer our perspectives during panel discussions. National leaders are participating too, including Rep Barbara Lee, Tom Hayden, John Nichols and Jean Ross. It's free, open to the public and at the Unitarian Church in Des Moines, 1800 Bell Ave, 1:30-5:30 pm.

So, join the conversation from 7:00-8:00 pm, Monday - Thursday at 98.3 WOW-FM and online. You can download the Fallon Forum as a podcast, too. Thanks!

Ed

EVENTS

Ongoing - Occupy Des Moines (Des Moines)
At Stewart Square, East 14th and Grand, all are welcome at a daily assembly at 6:00 pm (2:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday). Lots of regular activities planned. Check the Occupydsm Facebook page for details. Also, check Occupy Iowa's Facebook page for information about other actions around the state.

December 27 - Occupy Des Moines' "Peoples Caucus" (Des Moines)
With so many Americans dissatisfied with the leadership of both major political parties, local organizers have put out a call for people across Iowa and the nation to converge in Des Moines for a Peoples Caucus and an occupation of candidates' campaign head quarters from December 28-30. The Peoples Caucus is from 5:00-10:00 pm on the 27th, 504 E Locust St, and includes a discussion of resolutions central to the occupy movement followed by breaking into "candidate preference groups." For further details, click here.

December 29 - 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, this is probably it. Contact desmoines@drinkingliberally.org.

December 30 - Building the Progressive Movement (Des Moines)
From 1:30-5:30 pm at First Unitarian Church, 1800 Bell Avenue. Full title of the event is "Building  the  Progressive  Movement  inside/outside  the  Democratic  Party." Organized by Progressive Democrats for America and The Nation. Panelists include John Nichols, Rep Barbara Lee, Tom Hayden and others. Contact Tim Carpenter at pdatimcarpenter@gmail.com.

January 1 - Is This Your Caucus Or Are You Just Glad to See Me? (DM)
An evening of comedy starring Bob Zany (of Bob and Tom fame) with Keith West and The Zanettes. Ed Fallon and his accordion (yup, you read that right) will host the event, which is at Java Joe's 4th Street Theatre, 216 4th St, at 8:00 pm. Tickets are $15. Call (515) 288-5282.

January 5 - Green Drinks (Des Moines)
Join casual conversation with people interested in environmental issues and sustainable energy over something to eat and/or drink. It's from 5:30-7:30 pm at Gateway Market and Cafe, 2002 Woodland Ave. Contact Shari Hrdina at DesMoinesGreenDrinks@gmail.com.

January 7 (and every Saturday) Occupy Decorah (Decorah)
At the Winneshiek County Courthouse steps at 1:00 pm to discuss issues and plan action. Contact Jim Tripp at tripp@mail2jim.com.

January 12 - Cool Congregations Coffee (Ames)
From 7:00-8:30 pm at Bethesda Lutheran Church, 1517 Northwestern Ave for conversation about what faith communities in Iowa are doing to care for the earth. See firsthand what Bethesda Lutheran has done, installing a ground source heat pump system to heat and cool their facility with a goal of reducing their energy use and costs. Contact Sarah Webb at (515) 238-3587 or coolcongregations@iowaipl.org.

January 14 - Forey Fest (Des Moines)
There has been an outpouring of care and concern for Forey, the barefoot runner who was badly beaten recently. This will be an event filled with fun to benefit Forey. Details are still in progress, but the day will include a 5K run/walk and live music at Full Court Press bars and restaurants. See Forey Fest Facebook Page for details.

January 17 - Irish Jam at Open Sesame (Des Moines)
Discover the fusion of Lebanese and Celtic culture every third Tuesday of the month: belly dancing to Irish gigs and reels, Lebanese cooking washed-down with a pint of Guinness. All musicians patrons welcome, at 313 E. Locust St from 8:30-10:30 pm.