We used to think Congressman Steve King was an embarrassment to Iowa. Well, the U.S. House member from western Iowa has convinced us we’ve underestimated his sphere of influence. Let’s face it: Steve King is an embarrassment to America.

Despite Iowa’s historically progressive reputation on many fronts, King continues to win re-election in the heavily-Republican 5th district, despite an acidic tongue whose venom only deepens the incivility and partisan divide poisoning American politics.

One hopes that King’s litany of racist, anti-gay, anti-minority, anti-immigrant, anti-poor, anti-Muslim, and essentially anti-American remarks has reached the tipping point. One hopes that his constituents are finally ready to say “enough is enough” and elect a more reasonable, balanced person to represent them.

While we wish we didn’t have to, Congressman King is one of the topics we’ll cover this week on The Fallon Forum.

Today, Monday, we talk with Iowa Farmers Union board member Cornelia Flora about the wisdom of promoting biotech seeds in Africa, Pioneer Hi-Bred’s recent $7.3 million state tax credit handout, and related issues affecting small and mid-sized family farms.

Tuesday, we try to get a better handle on the recently-passed health care reform legislation. This will be an ongoing conversation, and Dr. Charles Goldman joins us on April 5th for a physician’s perspective on the bill.

Wednesday, we talk with long-time gay-rights and community activist John Schmacker about the need to repeal Don’t Ask Don’t Tell.

Thursday, we discuss the Steve King “phenomenon,” reviewing some of the more recent outbursts that have landed King (and, alas, Iowa) national attention. 

So, Monday – Thursday from 7:00-800 pm, join us for the fusion of politics and civility at 98.3 WOW-FM and on-line at 983wowfm.com. Call (515) 312-0983 or (866) 908-TALK to participate in the conversation, and if you miss the show, you can hear it as a podcast.

Thanks!

Ed & Lynn Fallon