Message from Ed Fallon
By Ed Fallon<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = “urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office” />
As many of you know, prior to my election to the Iowa Legislature in 1993, I worked full-time for seven years with several Des Moines-area peace groups. While local and state issues continue to be the primary focus of my work, I am deeply concerned about global conflict and international affairs. The need for peace, both at home and abroad, remains very near and dear to my heart.
With this in mind, I was saddened to read Chuck Grassley’s recent comments on the <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = “urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags” />Iraq war. He says Americans should stop criticizing the war because it has a “demoralizing impact on our troops.” This line of thinking is part and parcel of a persistent national effort to stifle criticism of the President’s policies in the Mideast, branding those who disagree with him as “unpatriotic.”
While there remains disagreement on the best course of action in Iraq, I don’t know a single person who doesn’t support our troops. A growing majority of us feel the best way to show that support is to bring the troops home safely and as soon as possible, and to provide adequate support services for them upon their return.
With just over 50 days before the November 7 election, I want to encourage you to let every Iowa congressional candidate – Republican and Democrat – know how you feel about the war in Iraq. And I want to thank all the individual citizens and organizations in Iowa who have already exercised their patriotic duty to weigh in on U.S. foreign policy, whether through questioning candidates, writing letters, initiating discussion groups or attending protests.
One candidate doing an excellent job on engaging the public with Mideast affairs is Selden Spencer, the Democratic candidate for Congress in the Fourth Congressional District. Dr. Spencer recently returned from two weeks in Afghanistan, and if you haven’t yet, you should check out his blog at:
http://www.spencerforcongress.com/press/blog.php
Let’s work together to elect candidates who will give peace a chance, even as we work for peace through justice at the state and local level.
Ed
UPCOMING EVENTS WHERE I’LL SPEAK OR PERFORM MUSIC
September 15 Meet the Candidate Fundraiser with Elesha Gayman 5:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Steeple Gate Inn, 100 W. 76th St., Davenport
5:30 – 8:00 p.m.
Contact elesha@eleshagayman.com
September 16 Quad Cities NAACP Freedom Fund Banquet
Isle of CapriConvention Center, Bettendorf
6:00 p.m. – midnight
Contact (563) 324-6347 or 940-7370
September 20 Fundraiser for Denise O’Brien
3531 GW Carver Ave, Ames
10:00 a.m.
Contact (515) 953-5049
September 21 Fundraiser for Russ Wiesley and Donovan Olson
Highland Elk Bistro and Café, Perry
5:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Contact (515) 432-8163
September 22 Fundraiser for Dave Loebsack
The Mill, Iowa City
6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Contact info@loebsackforcongress.org
September 23 Medical Marijuana Forum
IowaState Historical Building, Des Moines
1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Contact (515) 288-5798
September 23 Fundraiser for local statehouse candidate
515 Oliver Circle, Ames
2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Contact (515) 292-0117
September 23 Fundraiser for Alek Wipperman
Waverly City Hall
7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Contact info@wippermanforiowa.com
September 24 AudubonCounty Democratic Party Fall Festival
NathanielHamlinPark, Audubon
4:00 – 6:30 p.m.
Contact (712) 268-5357
Blog For Iowa 
Criticism of the war DOES demoralize the troops. It DOES hurt our war effort. Pointing these things out is not suppressing debate, but rather part of the debate.
A good friend of mine recently joined the Army. She was hesitant to tell people in Iowa City about it because she knew they would not support her decision. When she did, they didn't. You can pretend you support the troops and oppose the war, but most of the time such statements are merely hollow platitudes.
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By James E-J's logic, it largely not possible (“most of the time”) to oppose a war and still support the troops. How then does one oppose an unjust war? Or is every war the U.S. enters just because we entered it?
We should support the troops with equipment and statements recognizing their bravery and commitment. And we should support a decision by political leaders to bring the troops home, the best result for them and for our country, and a result which polls show is supported by three-quarters of Americans.
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