Author Archives: Ed Fallon

Strawberry fields forever, and everywhere

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Now let’s talk about strawberries!

Several years ago, Des Moines planted a whole lot of strawberries at three public locations. As word has gotten out, more and more Demoiniacs are picking literally tons of free fruit each spring.

The strawberry patches are so popular that, if Des Moines is serious about increasing local food security, more plantings are needed. Yet there’s been resistance from some City officials, often citing “budget constraints.”

Budget constraints? Really? It takes 10,000 strawberry plants to cover between 0.6 and 1 acre of land. The cost of those plants is $2,500-$3,000.

In a budget of nearly $900 million, don’t tell me Des Moines can’t find a few grand for strawberries.

I spoke at the Des Moines city council meeting this week, making the case to plant more strawberries. Check out my three-minute spiel here. Continue Reading →

Iowa Republicans nominate a Kansan for governor

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This week’s topics are:

1.Iowa Republicans nominate a Kansan for governor
2. Resistance to data centers is growing, and bipartisan
3. Big Oil is running the country and the planet
4. A brief history of eggplant, with Kathy Byrnes

Thanks for reading, listening, and taking action. And if you’re an Iowa resident, remember to support the businesses and nonprofits who help underwrite this platform. Continue Reading →

Donald Trump’s obsession with men

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This week’s topics are:

1. Donald Trump’s obsession with men
2. Ivanka’s island draws the ire of Albanians
3. You might be unwittingly helping make Elon Musk a trillionaire
4. International Year of the Woman Farmer, with Kathy Byrnes

Thanks for reading, listening, and taking action. And if you’re an Iowa resident, remember to support the businesses and nonprofits who help underwrite this platform. Continue Reading →

The coming civil war over water

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This week’s topics are:

— The coming civil war over water
— Surviving the Trump years
— Blowing up fishing boats
— International Year of the Woman Farmer, with Kathy Byrnes

Thanks for reading, listening, and taking action. And if you’re an Iowa resident, remember to support the businesses and nonprofits who help underwrite this platform. Continue Reading →

A love letter

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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. Continue Reading →

Trump might not be president in November

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THE THREE STOOGES AND MY FIRST PIANO
Well, not the real stooges. But three piano movers who reminded me and my early-teen-age brothers of our three favorite TV role models. As the eldest sibling, I lucked out and got to be Moe.

I learned my first nocturne at 16. Here’s a more recent performance of me playing Opus 9 #2, along with Opus 9 #1, some improv, and B-roll of the love of my life, Kathy, flaunting her dance skills in cute and clever ways — with a werewolf, a pork chop, and as a 1920s flapper.

THE INCREASING UNPOPULARITY OF ISRAEL’S WAR CRIMES
The Israeli government’s US political action committees have been effective at ousting Democratic members of Congress (including Jews) who criticize Israel. But with the Israeli military committing so many horrific war crimes, blind support for the Israeli government is becoming a political liability that may impact the November election.

DEMOCRATIC UPSTARTS THROW OFF THE YOKE OF THE PARTY ELITE
I’ve been arguing for 33 years that the Democratic Party has lost its soul. Bernie Sanders said as much during his nearly successful campaign for the Democratic nomination for president in 2016. Continue Reading →

Music is my refuge

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The work of trying to protect all that is sacred and beautiful in the world can be exhausting. I’ve been immersed in such work for 42 years. It’s often challenging to find that sustainable balance between activism and self-care.

One activity that has helped me maintain sanity over the years is music.

Last year, I finally learned, memorized, and recorded all 21 Chopin Nocturnes (a goal I started working on when I was 18!). The 10th set from my collection includes Nocturnes 21 and 13, and it’s dedicated to the peacemakers of the world. I kick it off with a piano rendition of Recuerdos de la Alhambra, and throw in a couple improvisations. Continue Reading →