Dear Friends,
A gaggle of Republican presidential wannabes was in town this weekend, and it seems the crazy talk has already begun. A few samples:

* US Senator Ted Cruz told members of the Family Leader audience that they would be audited by the IRS simply for being present at the event. Hm. I’d like to see the IRS memo on that.
* Proving that he is a major risk taker, Donald Trump went out on a limb to predict Hillary Clinton would win the Democratic nomination for President in 2016. That’s the kind of bold, out-of-the-box thinking America needs!
* Rick Santorum had the audacity to criticize the Republican Party for marginalizing working-class voters even as he has supported most of the policy changes that have led to the vast wealth shift in this country.
* And one of the best gem’s of the nine-hour event was delivered by US Senator Chuck Grassley, who said followers of Christ need to take on the progressive movement. Presumably by “followers of Christ” he means the GOP, and by “the progressive movement” he means the Democratic Party. Grassley is getting more and more bizarre every year. If he keeps heading this direction, the Family Leader may want to draft him to run for President.

Joining me today, Monday, to discuss all things politics, is . . . Bradshaw! Also, Matt Sinovic with Progress Iowa weighs in on the American Legislative Exchange Council’s recent corporate defections.

Most of this week’s programs are still a work in progress, but Thursday, we’re joined by Ron Yarnell, Wally Taylor of the Sierra Club, and State Rep. Dan Kelley covering a range of issues including agriculture, water quality, and Ron’s take on capitalism.

Join us live, Monday-Friday, from 12:00-1:00 pm on the Fallon Forum website. Call-in at (855) 244-0077 and add your voice to the dialogue. Video and audio-only podcasts are available after the program. Also, a rebroadcast of Tuesday’s Fallon Forum can be heard on KHOI 89.1 (Ames) Wednesdays at 5:00 pm, and KPVL 89.1 (Postville) Wednesdays at 7:00 pm. Thanks!

Ed

Fallon Forum by the numbers:

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EVENTS

August 13 – Organizing for Action (OFA) (Nationwide)
A climate action day with the OFA nonprofit advocacy group to promote President Obama’s national climate plan. To volunteer for this effort, please visit here.

August 29 – Iowa Interfaith Power & Light Annual Conference (Granger)
This conference will be held at Jester Park Lodge, 11407 NW Jester Park Drive. There is a $35 registration fee. For more details and to register please visit here, go to news, then upcoming events.

August 29 – Green Drinks (Des Moines) Join excellent conversation about energy and the environment over food and drink at Gateway Market and Cafe, 2002 Woodland Ave from 5:30-7:30 pm. For more details, see www.greendrinks.org.

October 11 – Iowa Environmental Council Annual Conference (Des Moines)
This conference will be held at Drake University. There is a fee of $50 for members and other amounts for different categories. For more details and to register please visit here.

October 19 – Contra Dance at Odd Fellows Hall (Des Moines)
Contra-Indications is hosting a contra dance at Odd Fellows Hall, 2904 Kingman Blvd, 8:00-11:00 pm, with lesson at 7:30 pm. Live music by Marc & Brandi Janssen duo from Iowa City; Reid Miller from Madison, WI as caller. $10 adults; free under 12; $25 family maximum. Visit info@contra-indications.org.

October 19 – Radical Democracy & Agriculture (Des Moines)
The Women’s International League for Peace & Freedom (WILPF) will host the Jane Bibber Memorial Symposium and Strong Feisty Woman Award Luncheon, 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., First Unitarian Church, 1800 Bell Avenue. For more information visit here.

November 9 – Immigrant Entrepreneurs Summit (IES) – Des Moines
The IES mission is to bring businesses of diverse backgrounds together to share, learn, and celebrate the immigrant entrepreneurship experience and contribution to the overall community. The Summit will be held at the Olmstead Center, Drake University, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. Click here to register and for more information.

March 1–November 1, 2014 – Great March for Climate Action (America)
One thousand climate patriots are organizing to march 3000 miles across the country next year, from Los Angeles, CA to Washington, DC to demand action on climate change. To get involved, call (855) 35-MARCH or info@climatemarch.org.

April, 2014 – Climate Convergence Rally – Raleigh, NC
The mission of the Climate Convergence on Raleigh project is to educate, inspire, and empower North Carolinians regarding the climate crisis. People will converge on Raleigh from across the state to attend an annual rally and participate in educational panels and workshops focused on climate change and ways to stop it. Click here for more information.