Author Archives: Ed Fallon

Me + Trump Rally = Trouble

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Here’s some news most Democrats and all Republican presidential wannabes won’t like: Donald Trump is planning an Iowa rally. I imagine most of you haven’t been to a Trump rally. Can’t blame you, really. I’ve been to three. All ended in what the late John Lewis would’ve called “good trouble.”

My first experience at a Trump rally was in Waterloo on October 7, 2015. It was a “Rosie the Riveter” action, organized in partnership with The Climate Mobilization. On cue, we raised signs and chanted “mobilize now.” We were promptly and forcibly escorted out by Trump’s supporters. Miriam was pushed hard and nearly knocked over. Continue Reading →

Walking to Glasgow for climate

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Rachel Mander is with the Young Christian Climate Network (YCCN). They are walking to Glasgow because the importance of the COP26 summit cannot be overstated. As the world’s most prominent climate scientists laid out recently, we have come to the do-or-die moment. A full-fledged transformation of how we live on planet Earth must happen NOW!

What these young people are doing is important and inspiring. Hopefully, world leaders preparing to gather at Glasgow are paying attention. Nations need to agree to a climate strategy that far outpaces the limited outcomes of the COP21 climate summit in Paris in 2015. Continue Reading →

Census data a mixed bag

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GOOD CENSUS NEWS FOR DEMOCRATS: “Rural areas and white people’s share of the population shrank, while traditionally Democratic cities and increasingly Democratic suburbs grew.” — The New York Times

GOOD CENSUS NEWS FOR REPUBLICANS: “Republican-controlled legislatures will still get to redraw 187 maps, compared to Democrats’ 84.” — The New York Times Continue Reading →

Are you ready?

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I make no apologies about focusing most of my attention on the climate emergency. That said, I try to approach the conversation with cautious optimism and a sense of humor, and I make sure to leave time for other important conversations. In my personal life, I make sure there is time for activities essential to maintaining and nurturing a healthy mind and body. Walking. Music. Friends. Bocce ball. Sleep. That sort of thing.

I hope all of you are able to find the same balance, even as you commit to doing your part in the greatest challenge humanity has ever faced — a challenge, alas, brought on by our own greed and ignorance, or at least the greed and ignorance of a few powerful men and nations. Continue Reading →

Here come the migrants

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How soon will the exodus from the West begin? Next year. Yup, 2022. That’s my prediction. The situation is that bad.

Is the Midwest ready to receive a vast wave of parched climate refugees? Not even close. All of us should be talking with local, state, and federal officials about how we’ll manage an influx of millions of displaced fellow Americans. Food, water, energy, housing, health care, transportation, employment. All these and more need to be considered as the population of Midwestern communities braces for an increase like never before. Continue Reading →

Bizarre Buck Moon story starts, ends with a rose

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Des Moines, Iowa, has its weirdness (read “cool factor”) as well, as evidenced by Kathy Byrnes’s experience last Friday. Check out Kathy’s account (at the 2:26-minute mark) of her bizarre stroll through downtown Des Moines on the eve of the Buck Moon. It’s a journey that starts and ends with a red rose — with a whole bunch of weirdness transpiring in between. Continue Reading →

Exploring the COVID lab-leak theory

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With the twin threats of climate change and nuclear war posing an unparalleled threat to life on Earth, I profess to having minimal interest in continued discussions about COVID-19. That said, I was fascinated to hear Dr. Charles Goldman’s take on the “lab-leak theory” of the virus’ origin. I hope you’ll check out our discussion, starting at the 38:46-minute mark. Continue Reading →

Billionaires head to space as Earth burns

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Meanwhile back on Earth, life goes on for those of us working to clean up the mess created by crony capitalism (to borrow a phrase from Mitt Romney) and rampant industrialization. One important thing you can do to make a difference is talk with your local elected officials about the climate emergency.

While it’s never a bad time to talk with politicians, you’re most likely to have their full attention leading up to an election. Continue Reading →