Dear Friends, LISTEN TO THIS WEEK’S PROGRAM: (00:44) Is the US on the path to dictatorship? (20:50) Try what in a small town? (38:59) Things are heating up (53:06) New Continue Reading →
If Wes Anderson’s recent film, Asteroid City, didn’t trigger public concern about nuclear war, perhaps two films that premier this week will.
Uranium Derby is Brittany Prater’s first film, released under the auspices of Cornfield Productions. The film discusses the role played by Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa, in the development of the atomic bomb in the 1940s. The film takes a hard look at the disturbing legacy of radioactive waste left behind in several location throughout Ames in 1951-1952, including a dumping ground that was later developed into the Hunziker Youth Sports Complex.
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The Iowa Legislature meets in special session today to consider a bill to severely restrict abortion. Nothing prevents them from also addressing other concerns, for example, eminent domain to build CO2 pipelines.
Talk about unfinished business! Earlier this year, a bipartisan majority in the Iowa House voted to toughen eminent domain law. Yet when the bill (HF565) landed in the Senate, Governor Reynolds and Senate Republican leadership killed it. (I discuss this in detail starting at the 6-minute mark of this week’s program.)
Given that nearly 80 percent of Iowans oppose using eminent domain to build CO2 pipelines, the Legislature should use this special session to address the problem. Continue Reading →
I took a break from hosting the Fallon Forum this week. Charles and Kathy filled in, with a deep dive into the recent US Supreme Court ruling on affirmative action. Charles also interviewed “Patricia Longbottom,” an over-the-top parental rights advocate. (Spoiler alert: this segment is a parody.) Charles and Kathy also discuss the 14 foods you’ll need to get you through the apocalypse. (I wish I could tell you this was also a parody.)
In other news, it’s been a tragic Independence Day holiday for too many American families, with celebrations marred by gun violence. Between Friday and Wednesday, 20 people were killed and 126 injured at 22 mass shootings.
Twenty-two mass shootings in six days! Wrap your mind around that. Sorry, thoughts and prayers are not a rational response.
I could say a whole lot more about gun violence, but want to reflect on another critical aspect of American life that comes to mind during this holiday. Here’s an excerpt from my book, Marcher, Walker, Pilgrim. As always, I welcome your feedback: Continue Reading →