The March 2025 Free Press Salon was held over Zoom on March 8. This is what happened.
Free Press Board member Mark Stansbery started out the March 2025 salon by wishing everyone a happy International Women’s Day and relating a message from our friend Yurii Sheliazhenko in Ukraine, highlighting the day’s Ukrainian roots and connection to anti-war efforts.
The first speaker was Darrin Broering of Veterans for Peace, speaking about a potential defense contractor, Anduril, planning to build a massive facility in Pickaway County, Ohio. The company, founded by Palmer Lucky, a tech billionaire, aims to produce cheap, ineffective drones for warfare. The facility, costing $900 million, will be used solely for weapon manufacturing. There were concerns raised about the software used for these drones, Lattice OS, which will map and surveil areas 24/7. The meeting also discussed the potential ties of the company with Peter Thiel. A protest was organized by Darrin outside the main gate of the facility and the team discussed the need for further protests and addressing concerns at Pickaway County Commission meetings.
Darrin mentioned that the city of Columbus is providing infrastructure such as sewer lines, water, and electricity, and that they receive a percentage of the income tax from the jobs created. Mark expressed concerns about the promises made by the company, including the creation of 4,000 jobs at $80,000 each. Rick added that tax abatement job promises rarely produce the jobs or monetary value they claim. The team also discussed the potential location of the facility near Rickenbacker, and the possibility of test flights at nearby airfields.
Darrin reported that the protest at Rickenbacker Air National Guard Base had a good turnout and made valuable connections. He suggests starting a Code Pink presence in Columbus as the next step for the anti-war movement. Tim, who attended the event, notes that various groups were present, including ANSWER, Veterans for Peace, and Move to Amend. The participants express concern about the lack of public input and media scrutiny regarding the planned military facility at Rickenbacker.
Jason Salley, originally our planned speaker, could not make it to the salon but you can read some of his work here:
Anduril Industries: Cashing in on contracts, tax breaks, and political ties
Anduril secures millions in Pentagon contracts as Ohio taxpayers foot the bill for development incentives
The next two speakers were Pat Marida of the Ohio Nuclear Free Network and Rick Wilhelm of Veterans for Peace. Pat mentioned a separate event by the Buckeye Environmental Network that addressed radioactive waste from fracking in Ohio. Pat discussed the Ohio Nuclear Free Network and the Anduril announcement, highlighting the pressure on local residents and the threat to democracy. Mark emphasized the importance of transparency in public light situations and the need to continue organizing campaigns. Pat also spoke about the potential impacts of the Anduril project on water supply, energy, and culture, as well as the hidden costs of military investments. Rick shared his perspective on infrastructure improvements, economic development, and the impact of defense contractors, while also mentioning the role of organizations like ACORN in exposing corporate state issues.
Anduril Factsheet attached below
Announcements and upcoming events
Cynthia Brown updated the group on the progress of the Qualified Immunity ballot initiative and the ongoing legal battle with Dave Yost. She also mentioned the need for signatures for the wrongful conviction petition. Wrongful conviction petition signatures must be submitted by March 13th.
The Wrongful Conviction and Justice Reform Act is more than a bill—it’s a movement to fix a broken system, hold law enforcement accountable, and protect innocent lives. Meanwhile, the death penalty remains a dangerous gamble—one that has already cost wrongfully convicted people their lives.
WHY THIS ACT MATTERS:
- Ends Qualified Immunity – No more shielding law enforcement from consequences. Accountability starts NOW.
- Stops Wrongful Convictions – Creates pathways for justice for those who’ve been failed by the system.
- Raises the Bar for Evidence – Encourages thorough investigations & best practices to prevent future injustices.
- Pushes Systemic Reform – Calls for better training, legal representation, and fairness in the justice system.
HOW IT STACKS UP AGAINST THE DEATH PENALTY
- Risk of Executing the Innocent – The death penalty is irreversible. This Act prevents wrongful conviction
Mary Jane Borden discussed the potential dangers of Senate Bill 2 and the need to protect patients using cannabis from incarceration. mailto:maryjaneborden@gmail.com
Mary Jane’s recent Free Press article
Pat highlighted the importance of understanding the definition of renewable energy and the dangers of coal. We should prepare testimony against Senate Bill 2's mischaracterization of nuclear power as renewable energy.
Mark encouraged the group to stay informed about various bills and issues, including the Tesla protests every Saturday at 4:30pm at the Easton location and the situation in Syria. He also emphasized the need for good journalism and activism.
Travis Irvine gave a heads up that if anyone wants to submit written or in-person testimony against the GOP’s anti-higher education bill (SB 1) next week, it’s due by 9 AM on Monday and the committee hearing will be at 9 AM Tuesday at the Statehouse
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mexr5Ij61BlA-WGiIUyqnxXcStGUM9Um/mobilebasic
Lynn Stan announced that Simply Living is hosting a bowling gathering at Sequoia Lanes on March 16 and film at Studio 35 on March 23.
Bryan Curtiss announced that WCRS is part of the Music Columbus Earn as You Learn Internship. 11 Internship Opportunities - June 2nd - July 28th, $15/hour, Up to 20 hours per week, Deadline to apply: March 17th. Don’t miss out on this amazing opportunity to learn and grow in Columbus’s vibrant music scene! Learn more about eligibility and how to apply at the link here.
Write for the Free Press, send to: colsfreepress@gmail.com (put SUBMISSION in subject line)
Send your activist events for the Free Press calendar to Bob Roehm at this email address: bobroehm@gmail.com.
The next salon will be April 12 in person (location TBA) and will celebrate WGRN radio's Earth Day birthday!
