Dear Friends,
It's really dumb to endorse a candidate, or even multiple candidates. All you do is anger your friends, fire-up your enemies and burn political capital. So, with that in mind, here are my endorsements:
DEMOCRAT: Go "uncommitted." President Obama has disappointed his base on so many issues, even signing the National Defense Authorization Act. Obama needs our support to win in November. He needs to know that we're unhappy, and that we intend to hold him accountable. We do that with a strong showing of uncommitted Democrats at Tuesday's 7:00 pm caucus. Call the Iowa Democratic Party at (515) 244-7292 to find out where to caucus.
REPUBLICAN: Support one of the less extreme candidates: Ron Paul, John Huntsman, Buddy Roemer or Fred Karger. Any of them would provide a far healthier debate with President Obama on key issues. Of course, three of these candidates have long been dismissed by the corporate media and the Republican Party. That's wrong, it's unfair, and pre-picking an "acceptable" field of candidates must change . . . but that's a battle for another day. Call the Iowa Republican Party at (515) 282-8105 to find out where to caucus at 7:00 pm on Tuesday.
These endorsements in no way reflect my opinion on next fall's general election. And whether you attend the Democratic or Republican caucus, you should introduce resolutions on issues important to you.
So, join the conversation Monday, Wednesday and Thursday (no Fallon Fourm on Caucus night) 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
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.
January 3 - Iowa Caucuses (Statewide)
At 7:00 pm, 1,774 precinct Democratic and Republican caucuses will vote for presidential candidates, elect delegates to the county conventions, and adopt resolutions to build the parties' platforms. Contact either the Iowa Democratic Party at (515) 244-7292 or the Iowa Republican Party at (515) 282-8105.
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 5 - 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.
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.
January 26 - 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.
