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.
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.
