Dear Friends,
On this week’s Fallon Forum, Jeffrey Weiss joins Ed to discuss:
(00:50) Silencing Israel’s critics;
(18:03) Recent elections fuel authoritarianism;
(36:32) Real change at climate summit?;
(53:24) USDA programs for urban farming.
Jeffrey Weiss as himself and as the Fossil-Fuel Reaper at a 2020 climate march and rally. (Photo within the photo by Isaac Holt.)
First, a really, really important reminder to Des Moines residents:
The long-awaited Climate Action and Adaptation Plan is ready! The Des Moines City Council will vote on whether to move forward with the plan on Monday, December 4 at 5:00 p.m. at City Hall, 400 Robert Ray Drive.
Here are three things you can do:
1. Read the plan and familiarize yourself with the details.
2. Call your city council member and ask them to vote “yes.”
3. Attend the meeting and encourage others to join you.
Check out this week’s podcast/radio program and give me your take on my conversation with Jeffrey Weiss. Jeffrey will blush when I say this: He’s a central Iowa treasure when it comes to analyzing foreign policy. He’s also not afraid to join a march, rally, or protest and have fun while making an important statement. (See photo for proof.)
ISRAEL-PALESTINE. Jeffrey and I discuss the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and why there is so much push back against pro-Palestinian perspectives. For example, the bizarre decision by the Iowa Democratic Party to call for the resignation of three leaders with the University of Iowa’s University Democrats for writing a statement that included this: “Not only do we preach tolerance, but as an organization we emphasize education. The actions of the Israeli government are not the actions of Jews, and the actions of Hamas are not the actions of Palestinians or Muslims.”
Jeffrey and I also discuss the expression “from the river to the sea.”
We disagree about the political influence of AIPAC. Jeffrey feels the group’s impact is waning. I’m not at all convinced.
AUTHORITARIANISM. During the second segment of the program, we discuss recent elections in the Netherlands and Argentina, and the rise of authoritarian figures in Europe and elsewhere. What does this rise in authoritarianism mean about possible outcomes in the 2024 US presidential election?
CLIMATE. Jeffrey and I also discuss the COP28 climate summit, and what can be expected given that an oil baron has been put in charge of this year’s event.
FARM AND FOOD. For the final segment of the program, Kathy and I discuss how USDA grants are having a positive influence on urban farming, with a focus on an urban garden in Kansas City, KS.
Thanks for reading, listening, and taking action!
Ed Fallon
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Ed Fallon