Republicans Can’t Count

Published on January 23, 2012. 0 Comments

Dear Friends,

If Iowa is to retain its first-in-the-nation status in the presidential nominating process, this year’s caucus debacle demands dramatic action. An edgy, decisive plan is needed, and I’m happy to announce that I have it. Here’s a step-by-step guide to the impeccable logic behind my thinking:

1. Ballots were unable to be counted in 8 of 1,774 Republican precinct caucuses. That’s a failure rate of .045% — unacceptable when dealing with something as important as voting, or caucusing, or electing delegates . . . or whatever it is we do here in Iowa to help pick the leader of what used to be called, charmingly, “the free world.”

2. Presumably, precinct chairs and/or secretaries counted the ballots in each precinct, with interested (often suspicious) rank-and-file caucus goers looking on.

3. The chair and secretary were presumably Republicans at all precinct caucuses. All but one, that is . . .

4.  That’s right. As previously reported, Republicans in Des Moines 66 elected this former Democratic legislator as caucus secretary. I was a registered Republican for all of 60 minutes before I got to count ballots (and money!). There were no errors in the vote tally in Precinct 66 (and every red Republican cent was accounted for too, in case you’re wondering).

5. Therefore, since the error rate among Republicans counting votes is an unacceptable .045% vs a spotless performance among Democrats counting votes, I call upon Matt Strawn, chair of the Iowa Republican Party, to immediately announce to the world that, beginning in 2016, only Democrats will be allowed to count ballots at Republican precinct caucuses.

And given the extent to which Presidents Reagan, Bush I and Bush II ran-up the federal debt, it might not be a bad idea to keep Democrats in charge of managing the federal till as well.

That said, we have some great conversation brewing for you this week. And I hope you’ll not only tune-in, but call-in — everyone but Frank, that is.

Monday, Charles Goldman and I read tea leaves as we attempt to find meaning in the craziness of the recent South Carolina primary. We’ll also talk about SOPA and PIPA. And no, SOPA and PIPA aren’t characters in a new Disney film.

Tuesday, we talk with Debi Durham, director of the Iowa Department of Economic Development, about the $809 million in state money that has gone to just 50 companies over the past seven years. Debi and I are unlikely to agree on whether this is a good thing or a bad thing, which should make for some provocative conversation.

Speaking of being unlikely to agree, also on Tuesday, Dave Williams, President of the Taxpayers Protection Alliance, will gab with me about the State of the Union address, which airs live at 8:00 pm central time.

Wednesday, we talk nuclear power, and Sonia Ashe of the Iowa Public Interest Research Group joins us. Apparently, even the Iowa Utilities Board is raising concerns about MidAmerican Energy’s proposal to soak rate-payers with the cost of building a new nuclear power plant.

Thursday, Speaker of the Iowa House, Kraig Paulsen, is our guest for the opening segment of the show, which will focus on matters before the Iowa Legislature this session, obviously.

This week’s Fallon Forum Freebie: two complimentary smoothies at The Juice Company, a new local business owned by Sylvia DeWitt and operating in the Shops at Roosevelt, 845 42nd Street in Des Moines. (I hear they’ll soon have ice cream too!!)

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

Justice, Not Charity

Published on January 16, 2012. 1 Comment

Dear Friends,

I hate to throw a wet blanket on anyone’s Martin Luther King Day celebration, but this holiday is not about volunteerism. It’s not about performing a few random acts of charity or kindness. It’s about justice!

Many of us have forgotten – or chosen to sanitize – the core message of the hero of America’s civil rights struggle. We’ve rendered King’s memory comfortable and safe. Thus, we don’t notice the abysmally small progress America has made over the past forty years toward creating the just society King fought and died for.

Sure, as an opinion piece in today’s Des Moines Register notes, volunteering at the food bank, assembling hygiene kits, or writing letters of encouragement to veterans are all good and important things to do. But these acts of charity would be less necessary if justice and equality were alive and well in America today.

At every level of government – city, state and federal – policy decisions exacerbate homelessness, poverty and hunger. According to a CBS news report last month, food bank use is skyrocketing in “the upscale suburb of Urbandale,” where food bank visits are up 80 percent over last year. So, I hope after you stack a few cans at the food bank you’ll call Governor Branstad and read him the riot act for vetoing last year’s modest increase in the Earned Income Tax Credit.

Among congressional Republicans, opposition to real health care reform has made it impossible for a growing number of Americans to access quality, affordable care. So, when you’re done assembling those hygiene kits, make sure you give Congressmen Latham and King and Senator Grassley a piece of your mind for blocking progress on health care reform. And let Congressmen Braley, Boswell, and Loebsack and Senator Harkin know that you expect Democrats to do more than slap a few band aids on a health-care system that’s hemorrhaging.

And when you’re done writing that encouraging letter to a veteran, tell our congressional delegation that a great way to reduce the number of disabled veterans needing letters of encouragement would be to end the war in Afghanistan and to avoid a war with Iran.

Most important, make a commitment not to settle for charity but to fight for justice.

In the spirit of today’s holiday, embrace every tool available to the non-violent activist, including protest, education, voting, civil disobedience, even building a new political party.

Monday, we’ll talk about Martin Luther King Day, justice vs charity, and non-violent action. Also today, we’ll hear from Abbie Durkee with My Alibi Clothing, who talks about her work to inspire woman to feel comfortable enough on a bike to make it their transportation option of choice.

Tuesday, we’ll talk about the City of Des Moines’ $40 million water problem. We’ll also discuss the latest developments in the Keystone pipeline scandal, and why special interests are pressuring President Obama to approve it.

Wednesday, we pose a fascinating question: Why is it that the act of four Marines urinating on Taliban corpses doesn’t discredit the U.S. Marine Corps, yet one Occupier defecating on a New York City police car discredits the whole Occupy Wall Street movement? We’ll also talk about the latest in Republican presidential primary politics. And on a lighter note, pun intended, we’ll talk with piano mover Shon Clausen of S & P Piano about his life of spinal anguish.

Thursday, we’ll discuss how over the past seven years $809 million in state tax breaks have gone to just 50 wealthy companies. Check out this excellent piece of investigative reporting by Lee Rood in Sunday’s’ Des Moines Register. State Representative Dan Kelley (D-Newton) will join us, and I’ve invited other legislative leaders to be part of the conversation as well.

This week’s Fallon Forum Freebie is a $25 gift certificate to Speedy Taco. Learn more by clicking here.

Oh, and if you missed last Wednesday’s excellent conversation with Sylvia Piper of Disability Advocacy Now, you can hear the show as a podcast.

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

Voter Suppression

Published on January 9, 2012. 0 Comments

Dear Friends,

Some of my best teachers have been insane. In my twenties, I met “Jerry from Derry” at a monastery in Ireland. How crazy was Jerry? The monks had him hauled-off to a psyche ward in Dublin after he donned a robe and prostrated himself on the altar during Compline. Maybe no one else learned anything from Jerry, but during one of several long walks in the countryside, he taught me to question society’s propensity to sacrifice creativity for practicality. Ever since, my life has focused on creative pursuits to the detriment of pragmatism.

Years earlier, Sister Kathleen (also from Ireland, home of great writers and nutty saints) was crazy enough to earn the nick-name “Goose” from her snickering class of seventh-graders. In other realms of modern life, she too might have found her way to a psyche ward. But nuns were an increasingly rare commodity in the 1960s, and the Catholic hierarchy deemed Sister Kathleen suited to classroom instruction. Her litany of craziness is too long to mention. But she impressed upon me (and maybe others) in her own demented way that “the most dangerous man in the world is the one who won’t vote.”

Between you and I — i.e., speaking as one marginally sane person to another — Sister Kathleen overstated the evils of not voting. But the fact that obstacles to voting are growing should concern anyone committed to preserving — or perhaps, reclaiming — our representative democracy. There’s a striking example in the news today, in fact, as the U.S. Supreme Court decides whether Texas will be allowed to retain new political boundaries that blatantly marginalize the state’s growing Latino population.

Monday, Charles Goldman and I discuss voter suppression, with a look not just at the breaking news regarding Texas but at the many tactics being used to keep people from participating in meaningful elections.

Tuesday, we discuss Terry Branstad’s Condition of the State address and other State Capitol happenings, some involving protests, clever signs and possibly arrests.

Wednesday, we talk about the politics of disability advocacy with Sylvia Piper.

Thursday, State Representative Dan Kelley (D-Newton) gives us an inside look at the opening week of the Iowa Legislative Session.

This week’s Fallon Forum Freebie is a $25 gift certificate to Mojo’s on 86th. I had dinner at Mojo’s Saturday night with a dear friend and it was truly a culinary adventure of the finest caliber. Mojo’s menu offers food and drink from no less than 29 Iowa farms and producers. Check out the list here.

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

My Caucus Endorsement(s)

Published on January 2, 2012. 2 Comments

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 will 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

Fallon Hosts Caucus Comedy Show Tonight

Published on January 1, 2012. 0 Comments

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sunday, January 1, 2012, 1:00 pm CST
Contact Ed Fallon at (515) 238-6404

Stepping into an uncomfortably new realm, former state representative and current talk show host Ed Fallon hosts tonight’s Bob Zany comedy show. The show is called “Is This Your Caucus Or Are You Just Glad To See Me,” and Fallon will kick-off the show telling political jokes and playing the accordion for 10 minutes.

“If telling jokes doesn’t get people to laugh, playing the accordion will. I’ve never hosted a comedy show before,” admits Fallon. “Really, I don’t even get the title. Everyone knows what a caucus is, right? And we’re Iowans, so of course we’re glad to see you . . . just leave on Wednesday and don’t come back for four years.”

Bob Zany is well known in national comedy circles. He has a weekly spot on The Bob and Tom Show, has guest-hosted portions of Jerry Lewis’ Labor Day Telethon, and has appeared on Last Comic Standing. The focus of tonight’s show is the Iowa Caucuses, which is partly why Fallon has been asked to host. Asked if he were at all apprehensive about stepping outside one of his usual venues, Fallon said. “How hard can this be? Worst case scenario, I just read quotes from Michele Bachmann on the campaign trail in Iowa.”

The show is at 8:00 pm tonight at Java Joe’s Fourth Street Theater (214 4th Street in Des Moines), and is open to the public and the media. Admission for the general public is $15 per ticket. For more information, contact Java Joe’s at (515) 288-5282.

Breaking News

Published on December 29, 2011. 0 Comments

Dear Friends,

I have to tell you that Jesse Jackson will NOT appear on my show tonight, as previously announced. Comedian Bob Zany and journalist John Nichols will. Zany’s here for the January 1st “Is This Your Caucus or Are You Just Glad to See Me” comedy show at Java Joe’s (call 515-282-5282 for tickets). Nichols is here for Friday’s conference, “Building the Progressive Movement Inside and Outside the Democratic Party,” from 1:30-5:30 at the Unitarian Church, and tonight we’ll talk about John’s day on the road with Rick Santorum.

I burned the candle at both ends yesterday, first with an appearance on C-SPAN’s Washington Journal, and later that evening with Rachel Maddow. Your candid feedback is welcome. My Mom has already weighed in, telling me not to lift my coffee cup so often. Mother, please!!

So, join the conversation tonight 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

The Peoples Caucus

Published on December 26, 2011. 1 Comment

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, for 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 this Friday, December 30th.

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

Criticism of Obama Grows

Published on December 19, 2011. 0 Comments

Dear Friends,

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) has moved quickly and quietly, almost like a stealth bomber. Just this morning, President Obama signed it, and the debate rages over whether the bill’s detention provisions are the “end-of-liberty-as-we-know-it” or “not-really-that-big-a-deal.” (I’ve found Glenn Greenwald’s “Three Myths About the Detention Bill” particularly insightful.)

One thing that’s not up for debate: Obama said he would veto the bill if it contained such provisions. He didn’t, and many people are outraged at what appears to be a(nother) betrayal. Occupy activists fear the changes could lead to occupiers being targeted as national security threats.

Hoping to pressure the President to veto the bill, members of Occupy Des Moines pitched tents at Obama’s campaign headquarters this weekend. When Obama’s staff refused to clarify the President’s stand on this and related issues, protesters occupied Iowa Democratic Party headquarters. That’s where matters stand now.

Some Democrats complain about ANY criticism of Obama, suggesting that anti-Obama statements are paramount to endorsing a Republican for president. Excuse me? I can’t try to hold the guy I voted for accountable? I’m only supposed to criticize a REPUBLICAN president? If people start guilting each other into silence, then the anti-liberty provisions in the NDAA might not even be necessary for the power elite to squelch democracy’s uprising.

Monday, we’ll talk about President Obama and the NDAA. I hope to have a lawyer familiar with the details of the bill on the show with us tonight.

Tuesday, we’ll take a partial break from news and politics and talk with Ying Sa of Community CPA. The IRS is getting more aggressive. More audits are being issued. With the end of the tax year pending, what can you do to prepare and protect yourself?

Wednesday, it’s caucus, caucus, caucus conversation.

Thursday, former Democratic state legislator Joel Brown joins me to talk about why he’s supporting Ron Paul. (That should take some of the heat off me for irritating the Party establishment. Thanks Joel!)

This week’s Fallon Forum Freebie will be given away during tonight’s program. It’s a free pint of Guinness and a juicy piece of baklava for Tuesday’s Irish Jam Session, 8:30-10:30 pm at Open Sesame, 313 E Locust St in Des Moines. Check out the fusion of Celtic and Lebanese culture, featuring jigs and reels and belly dancing with Innah.

I’ve also got to mention the Bob Zany Show on January 1st, 8:00 pm at Java Joe’s Fourth Street Theatre. Yeah, Bob’s funny stuff. But the real funny thing is that I’m hosting the show. I’ve never hosted a comedy show before, and it remains to be seen if I can be funny for a full ten minutes. The promo says “free” but it’s actually practically free, at $15 a ticket. I want to thank Open Sesame, Tinker Heating and Cooling, and Tally’s Restaurant Bar & Catering for helping to sponsor the event.

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

What’s the “Truth” About 9/11?

Published on December 12, 2011. 1 Comment

Dear Friends,

I’m putting together this week’s update and am riveted by the live feed coming from Oakland, California. Check it out here. It shows police in full riot gear responding to Occupy Oakland’s blockade of the Port of Oakland. It’s empowering to see grassroots media fill-in the deep cracks where the mainstream media’s coverage ends.

Monday, we talk with Richard Gage, founder of Architects & Engineers for 9/11 Truth. More than 1,600 architects support this organization committed to “exposing the falsehoods and to revealing truths about the ‘collapses’ of the World Trade Center high-rises on September 11, 2001.” My audience has strong opinions on both sides of this controversial issue. Locally, there’s growing interest, and I encourage you to go to Clarion Gage Video to see one side of the debate.

Tuesday, there’s plenty to talk about regarding the Iowa Caucuses and the Occupy movement, and we’ll dig into some of the other breaking news as well.

Wednesday, Charles Goldman and I ask “What Would Jesus Do?” when it comes to the Republican presidential primary. Well, you realize that Charles and I are extremely well-connected? Yes, we happen to know the answer to this question. Really, we should wait to tell you. What the heck, here’s a sneak preview.

Thursday, I’ve got gobs of open-line time, but I can assure you of one thing; this week’s Unresponsive Public Official Award goes to Earth’s most arrogant human being: The Donald.

Our Fallon Forum Freebie is a $40 gift certificate for coffee, tea and other coffee drinks at Ritual Cafe. Ritual’s one of my favorite places to work . . . and to play. In fact, this Saturday, December 17, me and my guitar perform from 7:00-9:00 pm. I’ll share some of my favorite peace, love, and classical tunes. Join me for some fun and to support a great local business.

I’ve also got to mention the Bob Zany Show on January 1st, 8:00 pm at Java Joe’s Fourth Street Theatre. Yeah, Bob’s funny stuff. But the real funny thing is that I’m hosting the show. I’ve never hosted a comedy show before, and it remains to be seen if I can be funny for a full ten minutes. The promo says “free” but it’s actually practically free, at $15 a ticket. I want to thank Open Sesame, Tinker Heating and Cooling, and Tally’s Restaurant Bar & Catering for helping to sponsor the event.

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

Hampton Handout

Published on December 5, 2011. Closed

Dear Friends,

I’ve been a regular critic of the convoluted, corporatist economic schemes of both the State of Iowa and the federal government. Now we need to train our sites on Des Moines. The City Council is on the verge of approving millions of dollars in tax incentives for Hampton Inn to locate on the Des Moines River.

How is that fair to the owners of existing hotels in downtown? How is that fair to any local business owner, most of whom never get (or want) a penny of public money? And for the love of Adam Smith, how is that consistent with a free-market economy?

If you answered “it’s not” to any of these questions, please put your fingers where your heart is. (Ok, that sounds weird.) There’s still time to stop this corporate handout, and here’s what you can do:

(1) Read Mike Draper’s commentary. Mike is the owner of Raygun and has grown his business without tax subsidies. Mike will equip you with some pretty solid talking points to do battle with the forces of corporate welfare.

(2) Send a note to Des Moines City Council members. Let them know this is not how you want your tax money spent and that economic development should focus on local business, not national chains. Here are their names and e-mail addresses:

Mayor Frank Cownie: fcownie@dmgov.org
Bob Mahaffey: Mahafb@AEDairy.com
Brian Meyer: brianjmeyerward4@gmail.com
Chris Coleman: ccoleman@dmgov.org
Chris Hensley: chensley@dmgov.org
 Haley Griess: hrgriess@dmgov.org
Skip Moore: skipmoore@dmgov.org

The City’s tax give-away to Hampton Inn is among the topics we’ll discuss this week. We’ll also talk with Graham Gillette about his contention that “{h}aving university presidents in charge of campus police makes about as much sense as having pharmaceutical company CEOs in charge of the Food and Drug Administration.” There’ll be plenty of conversation about the caucuses, the presidential candidates and Occupy Wall Street, too.

This week’s Fallon Forum Freebie is something fantastic at Tally’s Restaurant Bar and Catering. Not specific enough for you? Sorry, you’ll just have to tune-in Thursday and see whether you win a $25 gift certificate or the entire restaurant.

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