The Fallon Forum

Ed goes solo and talks about the battle to unionize Wal-Mart, and the latest garment factory fire in China, this one killing four people. We also discussed efforts to make contraception more accessible and affordable, in light of the huge number of unplanned pregnancies in Iowa, despite recent declines in that number. Finally, we talk about the 'fiscal cliff', and how the vast majority of Americans polled blame the House GOP, not President Obama. We also pose a question: Is America likely to avert the fiscal cliff on December 31st, and will it matter if the world ends on December 21st, as predicted by the Mayans?

Bradshaw joins Ed to discuss Ron Paul, Susan Rice and the special election for the Iowa Senate.

State Sen. Rob Hogg discusses the dramatic decline in water levels in Lake Michigan, despite higher than normal precipitation in recent years. Rob also encourages folks to contact Congressman Tom Latham to push more aggressively for the renewal of the wind energy tax credits. Also, Adil Khan discusses the bipartisan effort in the US Senate to protect civil liberties from further erosion of habeas corpus; and we discuss why President Obama is threatening to veto the National Defense Authorization Act over this issue. Finally, we talk with author Sean Faircloth, a former state legislator from Maine now with the Richard Dawkins Foundation for Reason and Science, in Iowa to promote his about his new book on religious extremism, 'Attack of the Theocrats!'

David Goodner joins Ed on today's program to discuss more Matt Schultz and Bruce Rastetter shenanigans. Also, ISU prof Chris Anderson offers a scientist's perspective on climate change.

Today Ed discusses garment factory protests, Iowa City goes pro-chicken, two special elections, Republicans step back from the edge of the fiscal cliff, Rep Dan Kelley, and the Nadas' Jason Walsmith.

Today we're discussing Ron Paul's farewell speech on today's Fallon Forum with Adil Khan, and Adam Sullivan. Also, we discuss the Iowa Food Coop with Lisa Bean and Gary Huber.

Adam Mason with Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement talks about the recent report on water quality put together by the Iowa Farm Bureau and Big Ag, or rather, Governor Branstad and Bill Northey. Also, Channing Dutton and Ed discuss new polling numbers regarding public opinion on climate change.

Today, we discuss Gaza with Kathleen McQuillen of American Friends Service Committee. Ron Yarnell joins us for that conversation as well. Also, we will look at the growing number of environmental protests around the world, a trend that is both disturbing and promising.

Ed's son, Benjamin, is going to share what it's like to live sail the seven seas (he's done six), including encounters with pirates and impressive weather. Also, Hector Salamanca joins us to discuss the Dream Act.

George Naylor and Ed talk GMOs, farm bill, farm subsidies on today's show. Also, Irv Hoffbauer joins us to discuss the recent change in Iowa Board of Parole policy.