U.S. prosecutors compare "eco-terrorists" to KKK

Or Are You Just Happy to Sue Me?

In its unyielding quest to root out terror at its terror-y roots, the U.S. government is battling to have 10 eco-activists sentenced as terrorists. At a hearing in Eugene, Ore., yesterday, attorneys argued that 10 members of the loosely coalesced Earth Liberation Front and Animal Liberation Front deserve the label, which could not only net them longer sentences in scarier prisons, but also redefine how other forms of activism are prosecuted. U.S. attorneys compared the 10 -- who have pleaded guilty to arson and conspiracy in connection with 20 fires from 1996 to 2001, including a mega-blaze at a Vail ski resort -- to the Ku Klux Klan. The defense objected, pointing out that the KKK killed people. On purpose. The U.S. attorney's response? The fires are "a classic case of terrorism" because the groups were trying to coerce the feds into changing their policies, and it was "pure luck" that no one was killed or injured. Did we mention no one was killed or injured? A ruling is expected next week.

straight to the source: The Guardian, Associated Press, Jeff Barnard, 16 May 2007

straight to the source: San Francisco Chronicle, Associated Press, Jeff Barnard, 15 May 2007

straight to the source: The Register-Guard, Bill Bishop, 13 May 2007

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Comments: (5 comments)

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Eco Terrorism

How significant is the difference between one idiot burning a building full of rare plant tissues, research, writing, curricula, slides and books all regarding in the worthy goal of a better understanding of the natural world and how to save our dwindling resources and the idiot who burns a church because it is occupied by a group of people they don't like?

The terrorists who burned Center for Urban Horticulture didn't know the difference between genetically modified organisms (GMO) and hybridizing poplars in order to rely less on the few stands of old growth forests in for paper products.

No one killed??? Well, it really was just luck. The likely hood of a graduate student or an organic garden instructor - - like me, working into the night on a grant or an experiment was not low.

No one injured? Bullshit. All of us were injured. All of us lost something. All of us had dedicated our professional career to making a lighter foot print on this miraculous planet and a better understanding of its systems. Well, dear friends, when someone under the name of - - well- - what? In the name of making a statement against science?

by sasadler at 10:29 AM on 16 May 2007

Activism, my ass

If you're destroying property or putting others in danger because you think your cause (be it segregation or saving the planet) is so terribly important, then you have crossed the line from activist to criminal.

The only difference distinguishing firebombing a minority church, abortion clinic, or Hummer dealership is the political motive. Otherwise, they're all the same stupid, unthinking acts of violence carried out in the name of The Cause.

These so-called "eco terrorists" are criminals who deserve prision time. They only make the job of real activists far more difficult.

by dpr at 11:01 AM on 16 May 2007

slippery slope to sedition?

I agree that activism should not involve acts of violence or fear-mongering. I have read some really awful stories about these groups activities. However I think that these kind of terrorism labels are very dangerous, once we start branding legitimate acts of dissent as terrorist acts, or acts of sedition, then we are entering dangerous territory. This is potentially a really big problem in my country Australia, where 44 new anti- terrorism laws were introduced since sept.11. I am an environmental and human rights activist and sometimes I worry about what I say or research in my own country and at my university...scary stuff!

by hrdeane at 7:30 PM on 16 May 2007

ETA

Just a reminder that the terrorist group ETA tries not to kill people as well. Doesn't make them not terrorists. ELF and ALF need to accept the responsibility for taking violent actions. Not saying that I do not agree with them at times, just saying that I am proud they pleaded guilty.

Tommaso

p.s. still shouldn't be compared to the KKK, that is just a messed up, bigot insinuation

www.campusprogress.org

by tboggia at 11:48 PM on 16 May 2007

Okay as long as you don't hurt anyone???

"Did we mention no one was killed or injured?"

So, let's see whether I understand this...

If I decide that "environmentalists" just don't understand the value of GMOs and continue to spread misinformation to the public, threatening important projects that might save not only lives, but also endangered species, you folks won't mind if I set fire to one of their offices?

As long as I make a decent effort to ensure no one is in the building? What about the fire fighters who respond? Do you care about them? What if someone on the road is hit by a speeding emergency vehicle? Is that okay? Oh... you hate cars, so don't mind if a driver is killed when his car is hit by a fire truck. What about someone on a bicycle? Do you care about the toxic chemicals released by a burning building? If someone is injured while clearing the debris following the fire, does that matter? What if a construction worker is killed while putting up a new building?

Destroying property to make a point is terrorism and a threat to innocent people, even if one does not intend to kill anyone, and should be treated accordingly. Anyone engaging in such behavior should be removed from society. I would sentence the ELF and ALF members to life in prison.

by wiscidea at 8:02 AM on 06 Jul 2007

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