A Candid Assessment of Some Presidential Candidates

June 19, 2019 by Ed Fallon
369 comments
Dear Friends, Remember how the Republican field shifted in the 2012 and 2016 Iowa Caucuses? The lead changed so many times that emergency rooms across Iowa saw a drastic increase in whiplash cases. Ok, I made that last part up. But seriously, remember one-time 2012 front runner Herman Cain? I didn’t think so. How about 2016 flash-in-the-pack leader Ben Carson? Or shoe-in-for-the-nomination Scott Walker? And oh, how I miss Michele Bachmann. The horde of Democrats running for president this year may or may not experience Continue reading →

Dakota Access Proposes to Increase Oil Flowing Through Iowa

June 13, 2019 by Ed Fallon
35 comments
“Dakota Access’s proposal raises so many unanswered questions it is not possible for Bold Iowa, the general public, the IUB, nor concerned state and local elected officials to fully grasp the impact of the proposed expansion without adequate time and study. The involvement of landowners along the route, Story County residents, and all Iowans concerned about the broader impacts of the pipeline is essential. Thus, Bold Iowa requests that the IUB hold a public hearing in Story County where DA officials and IUB representatives are available to answer any and all questions from Iowans who have concerns about DA’s proposed expansion.”

Dakota Access Announces Pipeline Expansion

June 13, 2019 by Ed Fallon
No comments
Dear Friends, As predicted, Dakota Access (DA) announced yesterday that it wants to increase the amount of oil flowing through its pipeline across Iowa. DA claims it needs no additional authorization from the Iowa Utilities Board (IUB) to proceed. Bold Iowa disagrees. Today, we filed the following request with the IUB. We need YOU to take action, too. Here’s our five-step action request, which should take you about half an hour. It’s important, and your voice is needed NOW! 1. Read Dakota Access’s filing. 2. Continue reading →

Protesters Arrested Outside Republican Fundraiser Attended by Trump

June 11, 2019 by Shari Hrdina
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We Are Iowa TV Channel 5 Excerpt: Those arrested are from a group called “Bold Iowa” that is protesting the denial of climate change. West Des Moines police say the group marched onto private property at Hy-Vee’s corporate offices. Officers asked them to leave and the five that didn’t were taken into custody. Ed Fallon, the director of Bold Iowa, explained the group’s mission. “None of us want to go to jail,” said Fallon. “But given the severity of what scientists are telling us about Continue reading →

5 protesters arrested outside Trump fundraiser in central Iowa

June 11, 2019 by Shari Hrdina
355 comments
Des Moines Register Excerpt: “None of us want to go to jail,” said Ed Fallon, the group’s director and a longtime liberal activist who was one of those arrested Tuesday. “But given the severity of what scientists are telling us about the climate crisis, we feel it’s important to try to stop this fundraising event from happening.” “We’re justified for being here because of climate change,” Kathy Byrnes, 57, told the captain. “We’re here for the children — your children … and the children of Continue reading →

Protesters, supporters wait for Trump outside WDM fundraiser

June 11, 2019 by Shari Hrdina
421 comments
KCCI Channel 8, Des Moines Excerpt: A contingent from the group Bold Iowa held a sign reading, “Climate denier in the White House scare the s— outta you? It does us.” West Des Moines police later arrested the diaper-clad protesters on trespassing charges after they went on the property. Members of Bold Iowa said getting the message out was worth the possibility of being arrested. Opponents of the president said they want their voices heard. “Climate change is the number one issue,” Clive resident Susan Pohl Continue reading →

Climate activists arrested blocking access to Trump fundraiser

June 11, 2019 by Ed Fallon
40 comments
“With the recent science-based prediction of a million species facing extinction by the end of the century - very likely including human - we have a moral duty to do everything we can to halt and reverse the growing greenhouse gases in our atmosphere. And we now know we have a very short window of a dozen years in which to do it,” said Miriam Kashia of 100Grannies for a Livable Future.

Protesters prepare for President Trump’s visit to Iowa, call out his climate denial

June 10, 2019 by Ed Fallon
78 comments
"Fresh off his trip to Britain, where President Trump found new ways to embarrass us with his profound climate illiteracy, the Denier-in-Chief makes a rare visit to Iowa. We’ll be there— peacefully, nonviolently, yet with determination,” said Ed Fallon, director of Bold Iowa. “We’ll impress upon the attendees the urgency of the climate crisis, and encourage them and the President to accept the reality of climate change and take action.”

With so many candidates here, Cedar Rapids becomes epicenter for causes

June 9, 2019 by Shari Hrdina
One comment
Sioux City Journal Excerpt: Greenpeace was working with Bold Iowa, a group also fighting for climate change. “Climate has already gone from not on the radar to being the No. 1 concern of Iowa caucusgoers,” Director Ed Fallon said. “We just need to keep pushing and pushing and pushing.” Shortly after an interview, Fallon chased after New York Sen. Kristin Gillibrand to ask about her climate stance. Continue reading →