Message from Ed Fallon

By Ed Fallon

 

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 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 CafĂ©, 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