Dear Friends,
LISTEN TO THIS WEEK’S PROGRAM. Here’s an outline of content and podcast time stamps:
NEW WORD #1: “TO FALLON.” I learned a new verb last week: “fallon.” Apparently, to fallon something means you’re the only “no” vote on legislation. I learned this when I ran into a woman who, introducing herself as a multi-client lobbyist, informed me I had “falloned” her bill years ago. (Yes, lobbyists — the true apex of political power — rightfully claim that legislation is “theirs.”) The bill in question dealt with large-scale chicken confinements. I have no recollection of why I voted “no,” but like most of my solitary “no” votes, I had good reason. (Podcast: 1:45)
My granddaughter Aurora assisting with a monarch caterpillar rescue.
FINLAND JOINS NATO. Who else thinks this is a really bad idea? An 800-mile weaponized border between Finland and nuclear-armed Russia — what could possibly go wrong? (Podcast: 3:00)
THROW OUT THE BLACKS. Three Tennessee lawmakers protesting the legislature’s inaction on gun violence were expelled from the House by the Republican majority. Oops, correction: Once the votes were tallied, only the two Black lawmakers were expelled. The white lawmaker managed to hold onto her seat. Anyone see anything wrong with this picture? (Podcast: 7:15)
NEW WORD #2: “BANNAGE.” Using Governor Ron DeSantis’ book-ban law, Florida Democrats are trying to get the Gov’s own book banned. Brilliant! Under DeSantis’ “leadership,” “bannage,” as I’m calling it, has really taken off. In Duval County, more than 50 “certified media specialists” (whatever that is) have reviewed 7,000 books to determine whether they’re appropriate for students — and they still have 1,493,000 to go! Ah, Republicans – the party of big government. (Podcast: 10:15)
MSM MUM ON CLIMATE. A troubling new study revealed that the Antarctic Bottom Water current is slowing dramatically and heading toward collapse. The ramifications of this for all life on Earth are, well, potentially apocalyptic. Such news should have been the top story for most of a week. Instead, the Mainstream Media barely mentioned it, as they were focused on footage of Donald Trump’s idling airplane. (Podcast 13:45)
FARMERS IN JAIL. Iowa lawmakers may be wishy-washy on whether big corporations should be allowed to condemn private land to build CO2 pipelines, but farmers and landowners are standing strong. In a story from Iowa Capital Dispatch, landowner Steve Pisarik says, “I grew up in a neighborhood of multigenerational farmers who all feel the same way. It would be betraying our families. … I’ll go to jail before I let them put it on my ground.” (Podcast: 15:00)
INTERVIEW WITH REP. CHUCK ISENHART. Chuck and I discuss the lack of climate action at the Iowa Statehouse, which we agree is unconscionable. We also discuss legislation relevant to CO2 pipelines, which we disagree on (Chuck was one of 11 Democrats to vote against a bill to restrict the use of eminent domain). We also discuss the relevance, or lack thereof, of the Democratic Party in Iowa. I’m pretty sure we don’t agree on that either. But, agree or disagree, I respect lawmakers like Chuck who aren’t afraid to come on my program. (Podcast: 18:30)
FOOD INSECURITY GROWING. Sadly, more and more people need help putting food on the table. I talk with the Salvation Army’s Tamyra Harrison about the extent of the problem and what’s being done to address it. (Podcast: 39:00)
CAN MONARCHS MAKE A COMEBACK? All you’ve gotta do to know that monarch butterflies are struggling is look around. My wife, Kathy Byrnes, who directs Birds & Bees Urban Farm, joins me to discuss solutions to the harrowing numbers indicating the decline of monarch populations. (See cute pic of my granddaughter, above, for motivation.) (Podcast: 54:00)
Thanks for reading, listening, and taking action. Like what you hear and read? Send a donation our way to help keep things rolling. Our work isn’t funded by big corporations or foundation grants. We rely on you!
*******
In addition to THIS WEEK’S 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)
– KKFI 90.1 FM (Kansas City, Missouri)
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 to Des Moines Irish Session for providing our bumper music, and thank you for supporting the civil alternative to the shock jocks!
Ed Fallon