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

DES MOINES, Iowa (Feb. 13, 2012) - Citizens from across Iowa participating in Humane Lobby Day 2012 met with lawmakers today at the Capitol to urge them to support legislation to strengthen the standards for large-scale commercial dog breeding operations and oppose a resolution to overturn a science-based Natural Resources Commission rule banning the use of toxic lead shot during the state's new mourning dove hunting season. The Humane Society of the United States, ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) and The Iowa Federation of Humane Societies are sponsoring Humane Lobby Day.

"Animal advocates attending the 2012 Humane Lobby Day will remind state lawmakers that Iowans want to protect dogs from puppy mill cruelty and protect wildlife from toxic lead poisoning," said Carol Griglione, The HSUS' Iowa state director. "The Natural Resources Commission made a science-based decision not to allow toxic lead shot to poison our land and wildlife, and the legislature should not trump science with politics."

Attendees will urge their representatives to support S.F. 2073, which is sponsored by Senator Matt McCoy (D- Polk County). This legislation would require commercial dog breeding facilities whose license has expired, been revoked, or relinquished to either sterilize or find new homes for all but three of their dogs within 45 days. This measure would fix a loophole in the law that allows unlicensed (but formerly licensed) commercial breeders to keep their dogs even after their license has been suspended.  Members of Iowa Voters for Companion Animals were also on hand to support this legislation.

"The ASPCA has seen first-hand the unspeakable cruelty and horrific conditions of puppy mills," said Ann Church, vice president of state affairs for the ASPCA. "We're thrilled with the number of supporters attending Humane Lobby Day and championing to enact stronger laws to regulate commercial breeders. It's important for lawmakers to hear from their constituents and today's event is a unique opportunity for animal advocates from across Iowa to meet with their legislators and be the voice for animals."

These Iowan animal advocates also oppose Senate Joint Resolution 2001, which would overturn the recent Natural Resources Commission decision to prohibit the use of toxic lead shot for the newly-approved dove hunting season. Senate Joint Resolution 2001 was recently approved in the House and will soon be debated in the Senate. The HSUS and the ASPCA® oppose SJR 2001 because animals suffer and sometimes die from lead poisoning through inadvertently consuming the spent lead ammunition. Hunters have non-lead ammunition alternatives that are equally accurate and inexpensive, and have been required by law for waterfowl hunting for two decades.

Iowa ranks 21stin The HSUS' 2011 state animal protection rankings, which grades each state  based on a wide range of animal protection laws dealing with pets, animal cruelty and fighting, wildlife, animals in research, horses and farm animals. The state gained points for its strong animal fighting laws, but ranks near the middle of the pack because of relatively weak animal cruelty laws.

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Here is information about Senator Grassley's schedule this week in Washington.  The Senate is in session.

·         Senator Grassley will meet during the week with Iowans from Iowa Valley Community College, the Association of Maternal and Child Health, the Polk County Medical Society, the Iowa Association of Community Colleges, AFGE Local 2119 of the Rock Island Arsenal, Western Iowa Tech Community College, the Association of Iowa Workforce Partners, Iowa Western Community College, Iowa Central Community College, the Catholic Bishops of Iowa, Ducks Unlimited, Southeastern Iowa Community College, Indian Hills Community College, the Iowa Taxpayer Advocate Office, and the Iowa Chiropractic Society.

·         Senator Grassley will be a guest on public affairs programs hosted by Trent Rice of KASI Radio in Ames, Dan Kennedy on WOC Radio in Davenport, and Fred Hoffman of KCPS Radio in Burlington.

·         On Monday, February 13, at 3 p.m. (ET), Senator Grassley will answer questions by video teleconference from students in the Iowa Politics class of UNI Professor Christopher Larimer.

·         On Tuesday, February 14, at 10 a.m. (ET), a Finance Committee hearing is scheduled to hear testimony from Treasury Secretary Tim Geithner regarding the President's 2013 budget proposal.

·         On Tuesday, February 14, at 10 a.m. (ET), a Budget Committee hearing is scheduled to hear testimony from the Acting Director of the White House Office of Management and Budget regarding the President's 2013 budget proposal.

·         On Tuesday, February 14, and Wednesday, February 15, Senator Grassley will meet with community leaders and city officials traveling to Washington with both the Quad Cities and the Mason City/Clear Lake Chambers of Commerce to discuss economic development initiatives and other public policy matters.

·         On Wednesday, February 15, at 9:30 a.m. (ET), Senator Grassley will participate in a hearing and business meeting of the Senate Agriculture Committee regarding "Energy and Economic Growth for Rural America."

·         On Wednesday, February 15, at 10 a.m. (ET), a Budget Committee hearing is scheduled regarding the President's 2013 budget request for the U.S. Department of Transportation.

·         On Wednesday, February 15, at 10 a.m. (ET), a Judiciary Committee hearing is scheduled regarding "Protecting Those Who Protect Us:  The Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant Program."

·         On Wednesday, February 15, at 10 a.m. (ET), a Finance Committee hearing is scheduled to hear testimony from the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Sebelius, regarding the President's 2013 budget proposal.

·         On Wednesday, February 15, at 2:30 p.m. (ET), a nominations hearing of the Senate Judiciary Committee is expected.

·         On Thursday, February 16, at 10 a.m. (ET), Senator Grassley will participate in the weekly business meeting of the Senate Judiciary Committee.  The committee may consider the nominations of John Z. Lee to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois, John J. Tharp Jr. to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois, George Levi Russell III to be United States District Judge for the District of Maryland, Andrew David Hurwitz to be United States Circuit Judge for the Ninth Circuit, and Kristine Gerhard Baker to be United States District Judge for the Eastern District of Arkansas.  Last week, members of the Judiciary Committee passed Senator Grassley's legislation to permit the broadcast and televising of Supreme Court proceedings.

McCaulley Piano Studio and Happy Joe's Pizza are teaming up to raise money for King's Harvest and its new shelter for homeless mothers with children.

A piano recital will begin at 1:30 p.m. Feb. 26 at the Happy Joe's location at 201 W. 50th St., Davenport.

Students and their families who attend are asked to donate $10. The money will go directly to King's Harvest and the new shelter. Performing students will receive a free Little Joe pizza and their families will receive 15 percent off any food purchase.

Monetary donations can be sent to 5837 Wisconsin Ave., Davenport, IA 52806, or via kingsharvest.net. For more information, call King's Harvest at 563-570-4536.