Steve Fryburg, a retired police officer and Army veteran, visited Ohio University to give a lecture on the “kNOw Drones” project Monday night.
Fryburg, a member of Veterans for Peace, spoke to a group of about 15 in Clippinger Laboratories about the dangers of drone technology within the United States military.
“I’m not anti-drones. They’re not inherently bad; it’s how drones are used that are bad,” Fryburg explained.
Fryburg became involved with the “kNOw Drones” project shortly after Sept. 11, 2001. Once his son was deployed to Afghanistan, he became actively involved in speak out groups for military parents.
“I learned a lot (in those groups) and the more I learned, the angrier I got. I learned we’ve become as bad as the people we’re fighting,” Fryburg said.
With the U.S. becoming one of the largest manufacturers of drones, Fryburg said he believes the government has opened “Pandora’s Box” by going full-steam ahead with drone technology without pausing to really think about the consequences.
During his presentation, Fryburg made it clear that his complaints with drone technology stem from the fact that drone attacks kill more civilians than the terrorists they’re meant for.
Since 2004, there have been approximately 884 civilians killed during drone attacks, according to the video Living Under Drones shown during the lecture. These drone attacks can cause a multitude of symptoms to survivors, including psychological disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder.
Fryburg also went on to inform the group on his thoughts regarding the United States’ deteriorating relationship with Pakistan. Fryburg, who has traveled to Pakistan several times, has made several friends with whom he still keeps in touch.
During his visits to Pakistan, Fryburg said he never felt unsafe. However, because of the drone policy the United States has with Pakistan, many Pakistanis have come to feel animosity towards Americans.
“I never felt threatened when I visited Pakistan. But now, the friends I made while traveling, warn me not to come back,” Fryburg told the crowd.
jb351009@ohiou.edu
