Dear Friends,
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THIS WEEK’S PODCAST. Charles Goldman and I discuss what a political and environmental disaster the Winter Olympics are. Charles and I also look at the unprecedented attack on public education, and Kathy Byrnes and I offer a tribute to our cat, Mika.
Not discussed on this week’s program, but front-and-center in my mind, is the urgent need for climate action. One idea I’ve been kicking around: another cross-country march!
I’ve written to a handful of wealthy and well-connected people I know. Check out, for example, my letter to Mark Ruffalo (below). If you know someone in a position to fund a really big, well-organized march, feel free to share my letter with them:
Dear Mark,
You might recall posing for this photo promoting the 2014 Great March for Climate Action. Thanks again for supporting that massive undertaking!
Actor and climate activist, Mark Ruffalo, promoting the 2014 Great March for Climate Action.
I write to suggest a new major initiative to move us forward on climate action: Another march across the US!
As a veteran of six long marches, I’m confident a well-organized, well-funded climate march of up to 1,000 participants from the West Coast to the East Coast could accomplish much. Among other things, it would:
1. Generate significant and sustained media coverage — nationally, internationally, and along the march route.
2. Mobilize voters to support the strongest climate candidates running for local, state, and national election along the march route.
3. Engage tens of thousands of voters in personal conversations with marchers.
4. Showcase the types of sustainable systems and technologies essential to survival in the New Climate Era.
5. Equip marchers with the tools and connections to help continue their climate work after the conclusion of the march.
My background: I served as an Iowa lawmaker for 14 years. I was also a candidate for governor in 2006 and US Congress in 2008. For the past twelve years, I’ve hosted a talk show, The Fallon Forum. I also direct a climate NGO, Bold Iowa, and my partner, Kathy Byrnes, and I run the educational non-profit Birds & Bees Urban Farm.
My experience relevant to long marches includes serving as the Iowa coordinator of the Great Peace March in 1986, and founding and directing the Great March for Climate Action in 2014. My memoir from that march is Marcher, Walker, Pilgrim, and in addition to its capacity to inspire climate action, the book offers a candid window into the challenges and benefits of organizing a coast-to-coast climate march.
In addition to two cross-country marches, I’ve also organized and participated in four shorter marches (ranging from 85 to 400 miles). One of those is featured in a short documentary by Ralph King, Crossing the Divide. It shows how marchers overcame hostility from rural conservatives we met along the way. The documentary’s message is super important as climate activists struggle to find ways to communicate with “red state” voters.
We raised $500,000 to conduct the Great March for Climate Action. It wasn’t nearly enough. Five million dollars is my estimate of what’s needed to jump-start a stronger, more impactful march. We’d also need a fantastic director and a great staff team, and the march should be headquartered in California, not Iowa.
Would you be willing to help raise the capital to organize this march?
My role? I’m not in a position to organize another march, though I might be interested in participating as a marcher. I’m certainly willing to put in all kinds of volunteer hours to help and advise those who step forward to lead the effort.
Let me know what you think, and thanks again for all you do for our planet and our future.
Ed Fallon
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On this week’s Fallon Forum:
(1) Public education under attack, with Charles Goldman;
(2) Winter Olympics an environmental disaster, with Charles Goldman;
(3) Tribute to Cat Mika, with Kathy Byrnes.
CHECK OUT THIS WEEK’S FALLON FORUM:
You can also catch The Fallon Forum on these local 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)
Please support the local businesses and non-profits who make this program possible. Click on their logos on The Fallon Forum website and in our weekly email, and visit Dr. Drake Family Psychiatry, Story County Veterinary Clinic, Bold Iowa, and Birds & Bees Urban Farm.
Thanks for supporting the civil alternative to the shock jocks!
Ed Fallon