Dear Friends,

LISTEN TO THE ENTIRE PROGRAM HERE, or individual segments below:

(01:34) Winterset, with Darlene Loiler, Richard Tucker, Teaghan and Ava Lemon – LISTEN
(19:06) Greenfield and Orient, with Jean Walker, Jim Thacker, John Van Nostrand – LISTEN
(34:37) Creston, with Katie Davidson – LISTEN
(51:11) Iowa Stage Theater’s production of Buried Child, with Richard Maynard – LISTEN
(55:55) Growing leeks, with Kathy Byrnes – LISTEN

Supporters in Winterset hosted a potluck. Twenty people showed up for good conversation and a lovely meal.

The day’s march from Earlham to Winterset is another long one — 17 miles. It’s made easier by perfect weather, quiet gravel roads, and stellar hospitality at the end of the day.

During my first break under a shade tree, a farmer pulls up in his pick-up truck and asks if everything’s ok. I explain what I’m doing. We discuss crop yields (good) and commodity prices (bad).

I ask him how President Trump’s tariff war is affecting him and other farmers. “There’s a lot of talk around here about how China hasn’t bought a single US soybean this year,” he says.

“Yeah, I believe we sold over $12 billion worth of soybeans to China last year,” I say. “So, the harvest is excellent, but the market’s gone. That can’t be good for folks around here.”

“Nope,” he says. “My wife’s a Democrat. I’m a Republican, but I’ll never, ever vote for Trump.”

A few miles down the road, I see a farmer watching his cattle by the gate to his pasture. The herd sees me out on the road and takes off running. “Sorry I spooked your cattle,” I apologize. I wonder, in jest, how cattle feel about the soybean market.

“Oh, they’ll be fine,” he replies. “They just aren’t used to seeing folks walk by. I”ll call them and they’ll come back.”

He says, “Here girlie girlie girlie,” which is the funniest cattle call I’ve ever heard. I have no doubt that it’s usually effective. But this time, given my intimidating presence, the cows stay put a safe distance away.

I share with the farmer my concerns about the future of our democracy. He agrees we’re in a world of hurt.  We discuss Trump’s use of the National Guard in “Democratic cities.” The man concurs it’s not an appropriate use of the US military. “And I wonder what it’s costing the taxpayers,” he muses.

I wasn’t able to record an interview with either farmer. But later that day (and in the following days), I interview eight people:

— Two retired women (Darlene and Jean)

— An activist with Braver Angels (Richard)

— Two high school students (Teaghan and Ava)

— A former US Army sniper (Jim)

— A small town pastor (John)

— A small business owner (Katie)

I hope you’ll listen to these interviews (see links above). If you feel our conversations have merit, please share them with others.

If you’d like to help with a donation to keep the Save America March rolling, I’d be most grateful.

And thanks to the local small business partners and non-profits who support this platform. Click on their logos for details about why they’re awesome, and please support them as you’re able.

​​​​​​​Thank you for reading, listening, and taking action.

Ed Fallon

*******

In addition to our PODCAST, listen to the Fallon Forum on these affiliates:

– KHOI 89.1 FM (Ames, Iowa)
– KICI.LP 105.3 FM (Iowa City, Iowa)
– WHIV 102.3 FM (New Orleans, Louisiana)
– KPIP-LP, 94.7 FM (Fayette, Missouri)
– KCEI 90.1 FM (Taos, New Mexico)
– KRFP 90.3 FM (Moscow, Idaho)
– WGRN 94.1 FM (Columbus, Ohio)
— WJLQ 99.7 FM (Muskegon, Michigan)