My friend and frequent co-host, Dr. Charles Goldman asks, “Is there a method to the Tea Party madness? Perhaps they are truly looking to start this country’s second Civil War.”

My response: (1) Yes, the Tea Party is exhibiting more than a little madness; (2) No, there is no method or even strategy to the madness; and (3) Careful, Charles. Let’s not imply any overt connection between the Tea Party and the South.  Some of the maddest tea partiers are northerners, with our own Steve King a contender for Head Mad Hatter. And while I haven’t seen any polls on the question, I suspect only a small fraction of Southerners are interested in another war, civil or otherwise.

But why let Charles and I have all the fun?

Join us Monday (today) at 6:00 p.m. as we talk Tea Party, the resolved (for now) shutdown and debt ceiling battles, and the prospects of a second Civil War. Call-in at (855) 244-0077.

Tuesday, we talk with Drake law professor Jerry Foxhoven, who chaired the Governor’s task force to investigate problems at the Iowa Juvenile Home in Toledo. We also talk with conservative activist Shane Vander Hart about the right’s opposition to core curriculum standards in public education.

Wednesday, we talk with Souvanna Southammavong about the upcoming Immigrant Entrepreneurs Summit. And former Polk County Supervisor E.J. Giovannetti serves on a committee asking voters in Polk County to approve an $81 million bond referendum to address county courthouse concerns. If organized opposition has surfaced on this vote, I’m not aware of it. Personally, I’m not convinced its needed, but maybe E.J. can change my mind.

Thursday, we talk with Galen Baughman, Communications Director for International CURE (Citizens United for the Rehabilitation of Errants) on the problems associated with states’ punitive laws on civil commitment relevant to offenders. In addition to his appearance on today’s program, Galen will speak at Grace Methodist Church, 3800 Cottage Grove in Des Moines this coming Sunday, October 27th, from 1:30-3:30.

Join us live, Monday-Thursday, from 6:00-6:30 pm on the Fallon Forum website. Call-in at (855) 244-0077 and add your voice to the dialogue. Video and audio-only podcasts available after the program. The Fallon Forum also 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

October 22 to October 29 – Remember the Victims of Hurricane Sandy (Statewide)
And other climate disasters. Renew your commitment to help survivors and unite for climate action to prevent future disasters. Here are the events planned so far: October 23, 12:30 pm – Public lecture at 105 Goldthorp Science Building, University of Dubuque; October 23, 6:30 pm – Commemoration with Green Dubuque at Catfish Charlie’s, 1630 East 16th Street; October 24, 5:45 pm – Potluck dinner and presentation, Green Building Supply, 118 W. Burlington, Fairfield; October 24, 7:45 pm – Public lecture in Dalby Hall at Maharishi University, Fairfield; October 25, 5:30 pm – Ceremony at Episcopal Cathedral Church of St. Paul, 815 High Street, downtown Des Moines, followed by a reception; October 28, 8:00 pm. – Public lecture at Kesler Auditorium at Coe College in Cedar Rapids; October 29, 7:00 pm – Ceremony at the replica of the Statue of Liberty, First Avenue Bridge over the Cedar River, in downtown Cedar Rapids. Email robhogg@earthlink.net for further information.

October 22 – The Battle Over the Future of Food and Farming in America (Ames)
Wenonah Hauter, the Executive Director of the Food and Water Watch and author of the book Foodopoly will speak at ISU in the Sun Room at 8:00 pm. Co-sponsored by the ISU Sustainable Agriculture Student Association, Women and Gender Studies Program, Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement, Women, Food and Agriculture Network, Iowa Farmers Union, others.

October 23 – Let’s Talk Water with Bill Stowe, CEO & Director of Des Moines Water Works (Knoxville)
Join the Marion County Democrats Legislation Education Committee, 6:30 pm at the Grand Theater in Knoxville. This is the second in a two-part series focusing on water quality and sustainable agriculture. Bill Stowe will address the record nitrate levels in Des Moines and what happens downstream at Lake Red Rock.

October 23 – Support Iowa’s Matthew Shepard Scholarship Program (Des Moines)
Attend Matt Shepard is a Friend of Mine, sponsored by The Eychaner Foundation. Beginning at 7:00 pm, at the Fleur Cinema, the film follows director Michele Josue, a close friend of Matt’s, as she travels to pivotal locations in Shepard’s life, interviewing other friends and family members, and gaining insight into the beautiful life and devastating loss of Matthew Shepard. Minimum suggested contribution starts at $25 for adults and $5 for students, with higher recognition levels available.

October 24 – National Food Day
Order Cool Harvest for your World Food Day (October 16, 2013) and Food Day (October 24, 2013) activities. Cool Harvest is a food, faith, and climate program for congregations brought to you by Interfaith Power & Light. The program comes with fall “harvest” guide for a hosting a cool potluck and a movie. Did you know that almost one-fifth of climate change pollution comes from the food industry? And as you will learn in this program, the foods that are healthier for the planet are also healthier for our bodies.

October 24 – Chasing Ice Movie Night (Des Moines)
The local chapter of the US Green Building Council (USGBC) will be hosting their first movie night 7:00 pm at the Fleur Cinema. Chasing Ice is James Balog’s story of one man’s mission to change the tide of history by gathering undeniable evidence of our changing planet. This documentary film is  rated PG13. David Courard-Hauri, Director of the  Environmental Science & Policy Program at Drake University, will be hosting the event including an introduction to the film as well as a discussion following. The event is open to the public. Ticket costs are $9.00 for adults and $7.00 for seniors and kids. For more information about the USBGC visit here.

October 24 – Catholic Worker Celebration (Waterloo)
The Waterloo Catholic Worker House community will celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving for long-time volunteer Don Hires. Don and his wife Monica both turn 90 today. The community meal will begin at 6:00 pm; Mass will begin at 7:00 pm at 321 E. 8th.

October 25 – Remember Hurricane Sandy (Des Moines)
Mark your calendars and plan to attend this event beginning at 5:30 pm at the Episcopal Cathedral Church of St. Paul, 815 High Street downtown. This event is an opportunity for the community to come together to remember those who died in Hurricane Sandy and other disasters over the last year and pledge our support for the survivors. It is free and open to the public.

October 25 – Witness for Peace Speaker (Waterloo)
Francisco Cerezo, a founding member of Comité Cerezo, will discuss the tangled relationship between U.S. policy, drugs, guns and violence in Mexico in this presentation sponsored by the Upper Midwest section of Witness for Peace. Comité Cerezo is an organization committed to defending the human rights of victims of political repression in Mexico. 6:30 pm, Scallon Hall, Queen of Peace Parish. Light supper, followed by the presentation. Contact Dave Cushing at 319-234-9912(email: dbq208s3@arch.pvt.k12.ia.us).

October 26 – Latino Unidos of Iowa – Latino Resource Fair (Des Moines)
To be held from 1:00 – 3:00 pm. at Merle Hay Mall – Target’s entrance inside Merle Hay Mall. Contact: Lena Robison, 515-279-6840 for more information.

October 27 – Meeting with National CURE Staff (Des Moines)
From 1:30-3:30 at Grace Methodist Church, 3800 Cottage Grove, Galen Baughman, Communications Director for International CURE (Citizens United for the Rehabilitation of Errants) discusses civil commitment of offenders. The event is free and open to the  public. Contact Jean Basinger at (515) 277-6292 or jabwab@msn.com.