Dear Friends,
LOVE LETTER
Once in a while, an email arrives reminding me that my work is not in vain. Here’s one:
Dear Ed,
I came across mention of your radio show recently and realized I owed you a thank-you that’s roughly twenty-five years overdue.
In the early 2000s, I was a high school student in Des Moines who’d gotten it into his head to get involved in state and local Democratic politics. The experience was mostly bruising. Leonard Boswell brushed off a question I’d asked about Iran’s nuclear program with “Well, boy, that’s a big question from a young mind.” Preston Daniels, asked how a kid could get more involved at the state and local level, answered: “Don’t.”
You were the exception. I have a clear memory of walking a District 70 neighborhood with you, handing out flyers, and being treated — for the first time by an elected representative — like someone whose attention was worth earning rather than enduring. It was the first time anyone in that world had given me a real conversation instead of a brush-off.
That afternoon is a big part of why I still believe civic work matters. I’ve left Des Moines since then, but that one day on the west side is why, even 25 years later, I still volunteer, and still campaign.
You almost certainly don’t remember me, and there’s no need to. I just wanted you to know that what may have felt routine to you that day didn’t feel routine on the receiving end. Thank you for taking a 17-year-old seriously when you didn’t have to. All the best. — Aaron
Aw, that so made my day. Made my week, in fact. One of the kindest letters I’ve ever received. Thank you, Aaron.
HATE MAIL
Of course, not everyone appreciates my work. Here are a few tasty examples:
Apparently your uneducated mind doesn’t know the difference between immigrants and illegal aliens. Try reading Federal Immigration Law. What is dangerous and diabolical is the Democrat Party and your podcast of lies.
And this:
What a pathetic effort Ed. You are just gone. You need to hire a therapist to help you with your delusions.
But wait, there’s more:
Delete me from your email digits (sic) Ed, or I will be on your damn door step!
And more:
Nice try Ed. You insultive piece of crap. You are a complete liar. Hmmm are you nefarious? Will you be rounded up? I hope so with your promotion of lies.
Again, Aaron, thank you. Your message meant more to me than you can imagine.
MORE NOCTURNES
Why not! I love Chopin’s music, and I’m happy to share it with you. HERE’S MY RENDITION of Opus 15, Numbers 2 and 3. I dedicated this set to my favorite planet. It includes an improvisation and Anna English singing my rendition of “Praise God.”
JOHN FORBES
To my Polk County, Iowa, audience, please vote for John Forbes for County Supervisor on June 2. There’s been unprecedented chaos in our county government these past two years, and I’m confident John can fix it.
State Rep. Austin Baeth shares my confidence in John. Here’s a SHORT VIDEO Austin shared recently.
JEFFREY WEISS
My favorite poli-sci prof joins me. CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL PROGRAM, WHERE JEFF AND I DISCUSS:
(01:51) Trump’s Iran deal vs Obama’s – LISTEN
(19:05) Weighing the prospect of Trump being “25th-amendmented” – LISTEN
(37:55) Can Cuba continue to withstand US imperial ambitions? – LISTEN
(51:48) Ranchers want grazing on conservation land, with Kathy Byrnes – LISTEN
Thanks for reading, listening, and taking action. And if you’re a central Iowa resident, remember to support the local businesses and nonprofits that help underwrite this platform.
Ed Fallon
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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)
– WGOT-LP 100.1 FM (Gainesville, Florida)
– KRFP 90.3 FM (Moscow, Idaho)
– WGRN 94.1 FM (Columbus, Ohio)
— WJLQ 99.7 FM (Muskegon, Michigan)