Iowa Progressive Radio: This Week On The Fallon Forum
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. If you miss the show, you can hear it as a podcast and please
help support local progressive talk radio with a donation through Pay
Pal or by check to PO Box 13421, Des Moines, IA 50310. Dear Friends,
The struggle for justice can be slow and painful. I was discussing this today with my friend Joe Henry. Joe recalled a 94-year-old guy he'd met years ago who organized workers during the Great Depression. He reminded Joe that it took decades to accomplish real change.
“We helped our neighbors put food on the table,” the guy told Joe. “We stopped landlords from evicting unemployed men and their families. It was about working in communities, taking the long view, focusing on bread-and-butter issues and gaining the loyalty of people who were struggling and suffering.”
In short, it's all about meeting people where they're at with the challenges they face in their daily lives. It's about baby steps. It's about speaking truth to power, even when it's unpopular or dangerous.
Last week, I received a wonderful nudge assuring me that every little thing we do makes a difference. It was an e-mail letter from a young woman in Ohio, and it reminded me that we must persist in the struggle for justice, knowing that over time more hearts and minds will be influenced and progress achieved.
The young woman's name is Nichole, and here's the bulk of her letter:
“I am a college student and in my English class I have been required to do a research paper on same-gender marriages. At first I was undecided on how I felt about the issue and originally wrote and turned in my thesis statement wherein I opposed same-gender marriages.
“This weekend I have been doing some research on my research issue and came across your speech from 1996 relating to same-gender marriages. I have to say, it touched me. After reading your speech I realized that I was not in opposition for same-gender marriages.
“I just thought I would share with you my thoughts on your speech even though it was several years ago. It touched me and part of your speech actually became a quote in my thesis statement. Thank you again.
“Nichole Thomas — Cleveland, Ohio”
Thank you, Nichole. This week on the Fallon Forum, State Rep Chuck Isenhart joins us on Monday to talk about the corrupting influence of money in politics. We'll also talk with Jen Chapin about her anti-hunger campaign and her upcoming concert in Des Moines.
Tuesday, Dean Lerner is our guest. Did you know that nursing homes are allowed to use tax money to pay association dues, and the association then lobbies for changes favorable to the industry, often to the detriment of our elderly?
Wednesday, Marlene Doby talks about the upcoming celebration to mark the life of Evelyn Davis. Many events are planned to recognize the amazing contributions of this pioneer for children's and human rights. (See the events calendar for full details).
Also on Wednesday, Michael Gerson with the One Campaign discusses how federal budget cuts in foreign aid will affect hunger relief work, and how these cuts would impact Iowans.
Thursday, Walter Jahncke talks about his business, The Square Foot Gardener, and shares advice that's perfect timing for those eager to start a spring garden.
Thanks!
Ed Fallon
And for more non-right wing talk radio, check out The Bradshaw Show from 1:00-4:00 Monday-Friday.
Blog For Iowa 