The Columbus Free Press held a Second Saturday Salon over Zoom on Saturday, January 10. Here is a summary:

U.S. Defeat in Venezuela Strategy

Free Press Board member Mark Standbery introduced Stansfield Smith, reporter from Venezuela Weekly News for the Alliance for Global Justice, Nicaragua Solidarity Coalition, and ChicagoALBASolidarity.org. He has been involved in activism in defense of Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua, and a leader of the Chicago Committee to Free the Cuban 5 from 2001-2014. Recent article.

Stansfield discussed the U.S.'s failed attempts to overthrow the Venezuelan government over the past 25 years, highlighting the economic blockade's devastating impact on civilians and the lack of significant opposition to the Maduro administration. Smith argued that recent U.S. operations in Venezuela were a defeat for Washington, as the government remained united and no major protests emerged following Maduro's removal. He also noted that the U.S. had achieved little by replacing Maduro with his vice president and predicted that the case against Maduro in U.S. courts would likely fail, similar to previous cases against Cuban leaders that backfired on Washington.

U.S. Aggression Against Latin America

Stansfield discussed the U.S. government's actions against Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua, highlighting how these countries provide free education, healthcare, and housing to their citizens, which U.S. officials like Marco Rubio label as "enemies of humanity." Stan criticized Trump's invasion of Venezuela as a violation of international law and the U.S. Constitution, noting that it achieved nothing and actually dealt a defeat to U.S. interests. He also exposed the U.S. government's PSYOPS campaign to mislead the public about the invasion's objectives and the false narrative that Delcy Rodriguez betrayed Maduro. Stansfield emphasized that Venezuela's economic growth despite the U.S. blockade demonstrates its resilience and its rising status as a leader in the global struggle against U.S. domination.

Global Capitalism and Resistance Movements

The group discussed the implications of gangster capitalism, particularly in Venezuela, and its connection to a declining U.S. empire. They explored how this capitalism is manifesting in various regions, including Latin America, and the need for a nimble response in the U.S. The conversation also touched on recent protests in Columbus and the broader challenges facing left-leaning governments in Latin America. They concluded by discussing the potential for mass movements in the U.S. and the ongoing impeachment efforts against Trump.

They explored the dynamics of recent protests and movements in the U.S., noting the potential for large-scale organizing similar to past movements like Occupy and Black Lives Matter. The conversation also touched on the demographic diversity of Columbus, Ohio, and the importance of solidarity with immigrants and people in resistance to the current administration's policies.

ICE Protests and Guard Deployment

The group discussed ongoing protests and concerns about ICE actions. The conversation shifted to Governor Walz's decision to deploy the National Guard in Minnesota, with Mark and others expressing concerns about the lack of involvement from state Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) in investigating police shootings. T

Ohio Cannabis Policy

Mary Jane Borden discussed Ohio's cannabis laws, noting that while voters approved adult use in 2023, the Republican-controlled state government has since restricted many aspects of the policy. She explained that a referendum is being organized to challenge these changes, requiring about 200,000 signatures to halt implementation and allow a public vote in the fall. Mary Jane also highlighted national trends, including efforts by the group SMART to reduce cannabis access through ballot initiatives in several states, potentially setting a precedent for complete repeal in Ohio.

Veterans for Peace

Sandy Bolzenius reported on recent protests and marches, noting that Veterans for Peace (VFP) plans to join future demonstrations, particularly the World Beyond Wars event on January 17th. She emphasized the importance of collaboration between veteran groups and encouraged other veterans to join VFP, whether as members or associate members. Mark expressed concern about the temporary nature of current protest movements, warning that without significant progress before 2026, much of the current activism may dissipate. Weekly VFP protest.

Film Screening and Nuclear Concerns

The group discussed several topics, including an upcoming film screening by Abby Martin at WOSU Ross Studio Auditorium on January 24, which will be limited to 300 people. They also addressed concerns about Facebook/Meta's plans to build nuclear data centers in Ohio, with Steve Caruso highlighting the environmental risks and Mark noting the irony of building nuclear facilities in a state with a history of nuclear weapons production. The conversation ended with Sandy inviting veterans to attend peace rallies on Saturdays and Mark mentioning ongoing legal challenges regarding contaminated schools in the Piketon area.

MLK Day

They had a discussion about Martin Luther King Day and the importance of peaceful protest, with Jamie expressing his belief in non-violent resistance. The conversation ended with a discussion about upcoming events in honor of Martin Luther King Day, including a breakfast, MLK march and a planned walkout on the 20th organized by the Women's March.

Columbus Free Press Archiving

The group discussed the archiving of Columbus Free Press articles, noting that they are collected in various institutions including the Columbus Metropolitan Library, Ohio History Center, University of Michigan, and University of Wisconsin. Bob Roehm shared that he had donated physical copies to the Ohio History Center.

Second half of salon recording
(First part missing, sorry!)