A Voice for The Washington Post: Philip Derrow
As The Washington Post seeks to include voices that promote free markets and personal liberties, Philip Derrow would be fitting voice to consider. This change in editorial voice is necessary, but we understand the challenge. Phil's strength is his measured style. He's not a bomb-thrower. He seeks to understand a situation, wrap his head around the facts and figures, and then make his stand through arguments that people might disagree with, but which must be acknowledged as carefully considered and earnest.
Philip Derrow is the regular, conservative voice for central Ohio’s largest newspaper, The Columbus Dispatch. He’s also a businessman with a footprint all across the United States. As an advocate for civil dialogue and free speech, Phil and his wife Barb established the New Albany Center for Discourse and Debate. In his free time, Phil pursues his hobbies of skiing, flying, woodworking, and of course — always learning. You can read an extended bio at this link. Here are some of his pieces:
Religion in schools risks a deal with the devil. It’s not about the Satanic Temple.
Published by The Columbus Dispatch
The debate over the Satanic Temple’s use of Ohio’s religious release time program highlights a larger issue: the role of public schools. Likely a response to the rise of LifeWise Academy, a Christian Bible study group, the Temple’s presence underscores growing concerns over ideological influence in education. Amid House Bill 445 discussions, Phil asserts that the real solution isn’t adding more religious or political division but refocusing schools on academics and leaving moral and religious education to families.
Ramaswamy is right, America's culture puts jocks, prom queens over academics
Published by The Columbus Dispatch and USA Today print edition
Phil echoes Vivek Ramaswamy’s critique, painting a sobering portrait of an America that has strayed from its intellectual roots, favoring the fleeting glamour of sports and social prestige over the enduring strength of academic excellence. He laments an education system that has lost its focus, allowing distractions to overshadow the pursuit of knowledge, leaving the nation trailing in global competitiveness. While celebrating America’s entrepreneurial spirit, he warns that brilliance must be nurtured, not neglected. To reclaim its place at the forefront of innovation, the country must rekindle its reverence for academic rigor and open its doors to the world’s brightest minds.
Debates should be a pickup game not a bloody fight. Censorship, not disagreement the problem
Published by Yahoo News and The Columbus Dispatch
He opines that civil debate is essential for a healthy democracy and warns against the growing culture of censorship and ideological conformity in media, schools, and public discourse. Drawing from his upbringing, where spirited discussions were encouraged but grounded in facts, Phil emphasizes that disagreement should not be mistaken for harm. He calls for a revival of open dialogue, supporting programs that foster civil discourse and debate. While he sees risks in today’s polarized climate, he remains hopeful that embracing honest discussion can help America navigate its challenges, just as it has in the past.
Trump reaches out to the people of America. Harris didn't even go through primaries.
Published by Yahoo News, The Columbus Dispatch, The Newark Advocate, The Daily Jeffersonian, and Fremont News Messenger
Phil critiques the Democratic Party’s swift nomination of Vice President Kamala Harris following President Biden’s withdrawal, arguing it bypassed voters and echoed undemocratic, backroom political dealings of the past. He notes Harris’s failure in the 2020 primaries and criticizes the party’s hypocrisy in claiming to defend democracy while rejecting its processes. While acknowledging the nomination likely won’t be legally overturned, he welcomes the resulting competitive election and urges both candidates—Harris and Trump—to connect with everyday Ohioans, especially in conservative-leaning areas. He advises Trump to focus on policy contrasts rather than insults and warns against underestimating Harris or the Democratic fundraising machine.
The Supreme Court is restoring our democracy. Trump's immunity verdict is the right move.
Published by The Columbus Dispatch
He argues that recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions—overturning Chevron Deference and affirming limited presidential immunity—represent a restoration of constitutional balance and a hopeful step for American democracy. These rulings return power from unelected bureaucrats to Congress and protect presidents from partisan legal attacks, reinforcing the separation of powers outlined in the Constitution. Drawing parallels to the Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade, Phil makes the case that true democracy thrives when laws are made by elected representatives, not judges or agencies. Despite political polarization, he sees these rulings as a reaffirmation of the republic’s foundational principles.
'Females shouldn’t sacrifice their hard-won gains.' Ohio House Bill 68 justice.
Published by Yahoo News, The Daily Record, and The Columbus Dispatch
Phil uses this piece to reinforce the importance of biological reality in law and policy, defending Ohio’s enforcement of House Bill 68 as a necessary step to protect children and preserve fairness in women’s sports. He challenges the mainstream narrative on gender-affirming care, citing weak scientific support and European countries that have tightened restrictions. By highlighting the biological differences that give male athletes an advantage, he makes the case for keeping women’s sports exclusively female. Throughout, he balances a call for respect with a firm stance on the need for policies grounded in science and fairness, ensuring that ideology does not override reality.