Ohio lawmakers once again ambush the citizen ballot initiative process
This article first appeared on Ohio Capitol Journal
In August 2023, Ohio voters sent a clear message when they overwhelmingly rejected the legislature’s blatant attempt to undermine our citizen-initiative process. But instead of listening, politicians in Columbus doubled down. Their new targets? Everyday Ohioans who dare to collect signatures, knock on doors, and exercise their constitutional right to direct democracy.
Ohio Senate Bill 153 and Ohio House Bill 233 are the latest attempts to dismantle the people’s power. While headlines may focus on disingenuous provisions about voter registration and drop boxes, buried deep in these 204-page monstrosities are provisions specifically designed to intimidate, harass, and shut down grassroots campaigns before they ever reach the ballot.
Let’s be clear: these bills are an attack on the People’s Process — on your voice, your rights, your power.
The American Empire risks nuclear war
The American Empire is solidly behind both military conflicts on this planet, either of which could end in nuclear war. On June 12, 2025, World War Three began when Trump allowed Israel to attack Iran. Iran retaliated the following day. There is no end in site for this conflict, it is escalating as I write. The arrogant American government, while clearly supporting both Ukraine and Israel, is asking Iran not to strike American assets in the region, as if the Empire is neutral. When Iran does strike American assets, there is a very real possibility that Israel will view that as a permission slip allowing it to attack Iran with nuclear weapons.
All aboard! Everybody Knows celebrates the Railroad
Dr. Bob Fitrakis and Dan-o Dougan celebrate trains, especially older songs about trains when they really meant something! Listen to Trains Kept-a Rollin, Love Train, Downtown Train, Hobo Lullaby, Freight Train, Choo Choo Ch-Boogie and more!
Listen live at 11pm Friday, June 13 and 20 streaming at wgrn.org or on the radio at 91.9FM
and
Monday at 2pm streaming June 16 and 23 at wcrsfm.org or on the radio at 92.7 or 98.3FM
New book release: Navigation - in these uncertain times
Navigation – in these uncertain times, A Book of Poetry by Michael Eckhardt Sr., just released by the Free Press/CICJ Books, is a compilation of free verse and haiku that will move and inspire the Free Press reader. Many of Michael’s poems frankly express Michael’s avowed radical political views on war and society’s numerous flaws including police brutality, injustice, apathy and much more.
The sentiments in this poem detail horrors that could describe any war, but are particularly relevant to the Gaza conflict today, titled “odds are.”
odd, the bombs which fall
are ordered, built and dropped
by those, once children
they have lived lives to date
with complete absence of contrition
the same odds and laws of probabilities
apply to those children about to hit
but their choices cut short
no chance to decide
how to live or which course to take
who can figure such odds.
Tik Tok videos of Immigration Customs Enforcement actions
In the event the reader would like to see Immigration and Customs Enforement (ICE) in action, the most egregious videos are suppressed but can be viewed on Tik Tok. These were posted prior to 6/12/2025.
https://www.tiktok.com/@jeanvargasss/video/7510389059454356766?q=ice%20…
https://www.tiktok.com/@fox9mn/video/7502515312378531102?q=ice%20kidnappings&t=1749736516980
https://www.tiktok.com/@cbseveningnews/video/7514905978916064554?q=ice%20kidnappings&t=1749736516980
STANDING UP TO FASCIST ASSAULTS in Los Angeles & Oregon AS THE AMERICAN REICHSTAG BURNS
Our great Poet Laureate MIMI GERMAN opens with some of her treasured verse.
Then elected-removed-reinstated MAYOR HEIDE LAMPERT updates us on the latest grassroots stand for democracy in the face of fascism.
Safe energy legend KARL GROSSMAN skewers the latest shish kabob of “hot” pro-nuclear executive orders from the radioactive White House.
New York activist HEIDI VERKAMPT reminds us of emergency efforts surrounding the devastation of Hurricane Sandy.
Long-time No Nuker ANNA GYORGY explains the grassroots victory in Massachusetts over a highly toxic battery storage facility.
Safe energy crusader MYLA RESON reports from Los Angeles while warning us of all the pro-nuke Democrats now pushing radioactive disaster.
Page 153 of Trump’s big bad bill will gut the court system, warns DANIELLA G., who adds that we must “Keep Hope Alive!!!”
Election Protection pioneer LULU FRIESDAT explains in depth her landmark vote counting victory in New York.
With her, electoral champion JULIE WEINER pleads for help in stopping the spread of hackable voting machines throughout NY.