The Fallon Forum

Ed talks a bit about the aftermath of Huricane Sandy, and the tens of thousands of people who are still homeless. Then we launch into a discussion about the restoration of voting rights for felons. Stephen Toothman calls in to share concerns about voter suppression across the country. And we also discuss last night's huge Obama rally.

We discuss the fallout from my conversation with Republican Sheriff candidate Dan Charleston over abortion, rape, and Richard Mourdock's comments. We also discuss prospects for Iowa House and Senate Democrats, and why both chambers could be in the "R" column after tomorrow. And we review the crazy talk that has become Steve King's standard fair.

Register reporter Perry Beeman recently wrote an extensive analysis on the impact of nitrogen runoff from Iowa farm fields on Louisiana's environment and economy. We talk with him about the issue, and also with Robert Sanda of Tally's Restaurant about the upcoming Art Market.

In a recent story by Register reporter Lee Rood, it was revealed that the Iowa Department of Corrections frequently moves prisoners without disclosing their whereabouts. This has Iowa CURE activist, Jean Basinger, and others digging for details as to why . . . and the Iowa DOC going mum and refusing to discuss the matter on this program.

Matt Sinovic with Progress Iowa is organizing the Nuns on The Bus tour to Iowa this week, discussing the Romney-Ryan budget and it's impact on the poor. Also, we review a new video put together by Matt, Frank Meeink, and Kristian Day about the judicial retention vote of Judge David Wiggins and Bob Vander Plaats' role in that campaign. Also, J. Michael 'Mac' McKoy and Ed talk politics and avoid coming to blows. Finally, we talk with Tim Reynolds of Reynolds Energy Solutions about energy efficiency and the looming utility shut-off moratorium.

Ed talks about the impact of Hurricane Sandy on Wall Street, closing the place down for two days (something Occupy Wall Street hasn't been able to do . . . at least not yet). And Republican candidate for Polk County Sheriff, Dan Charleston, joins Ed to discuss his campaign challenging current Sheriff Bill McCarthy (who didn't respond to invitations to come on this program). Also, Siobhan Spain with Center on Sustainable Communities talks about the upcoming Sustaina-ball.

We discuss the bizarre endorsement of Romney by The Des Moines Register. Also, Donna Red Wing with One Iowa discusses the judicial retention vote and the role of the GLBT community in this election. We also talk with author Paul Street about the weakness of the political Left in this election.

Hurricane Sandy bears down on New York City. We talk about one of the biggest storms ever, and ask why Obama and Romney hardly mentioned climate change during the three debates. We also talk with Dr. Alan Koslow about his relief work in Haiti, Sudan, and El Salvador.

Connie Ryan Terrell of the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa joins Ed to discuss the controversy over an eastern Iowa pastor's decision to chastise a parishioner who questioned the pastor's misuse of church resources to weigh-in on the election. Connie and Ed also discuss the judicial retention vote. Ed also pontificates on the rising cost of higher education, and poor corporate citizenship (they are people after all) on the part of Wells Fargo, McDonalds, and Hy-Vee. Finally, the angelic singers of Roslyn Stone treat us to a selection from Friday's concert.

Attorney Wally Taylor of the Sierra Club discusses the threat of pollution from an Egyptian fertilizer factory slated for southeast Iowa - and subsidized by taxpayers to the tune of $251 million! We also talk about how Big Oil is now writing for the Des Moines Register (aka, Gannett), as evidenced by the lack of even a drop of critical thinking in the story in today's news about the US overtaking Saudi Arabia as the world's leading oil producer. Also, we talk with Jen Wilson about her new book, "Running Away to Home." And local musician Big Joe Kinser stops by for a visit.