http://www.cnn.com/2005/US/05/19/domestic.terrorism/index.htmlWASHINGTON (CNN) -- Violent animal rights extremists and eco-terrorists now pose one of the most serious terrorism threats to the nation, top federal law enforcement officials say.
Senior officials from the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms (ATF) and Explosives told a Senate panel Wednesday of their growing concern over these groups.
Of particular concern are the Animal Liberation Front (ALF) and the Earth Liberation Front (ELF).
John Lewis, the FBI's deputy assistant director for counterterrorism, said animal and environmental rights extremists have claimed credit for more than 1,200 criminal incidents since 1990. The FBI has 150 pending investigations associated with animal rights or eco-terrorist activities, and ATF officials say they have opened 58 investigations in the past six years related to violence attributed to the ELF and ALF.
I had posted the following comments in another thread regarding this article and someone suggested I post them in their own separate thread, so here goes:
...and so begins the full scale application of the Patriot Act and terrorism laws against American Citizens. ELF and ALF now, Sierra Club and Greenpeace will be sure to follow. Then what? Then who? Where does it stop? Pagans, democrats, muslims, anyone that opposed anything this administration wants to do? Anyone that fights fascism and fights for truth and opennesss in government? How about virtually everyone on this board. Am I a terrorist for reading "The Monkey Wrench Gang"? Or for being a dues paying member of the Sierra Club?
Less than $200 million in damages in the last 15 years. Hell the U.S. military does that every day in Iraq, killing thousands of innocents in the last few years. Are our uniformed men and women terrorists? While I would argue no, you could also easily debate the other side of the issue. Torturing and murdering in some cases, desecrating holy symbols, destroying public institutions, in what could very easily be argued as an illegal war. Now I do not say that this is the majority of our military members. The overwhelming majority are just trying to do their job so they can get home, if they have a home to return to that is. While the vast majority of members in groups such as ELF and ALF support the ideals of the groups, I would also argue that most of them have never actually participated in any of these activities. Ohhh...but they funded them. Well as a taxpayer, I have funded the illegal war in Iraq, better come take me away to the dock of the bay...Guantanamo that is.
How many people have died from their activities? That would be a big fat fucking ZERO. Now I do not condone the actions by these groups, nor am I a member, but I certainly sympathise with their beliefs in many ways. While they may be arsonists and vandals, are they really terrorists?
Burning SUV's is now apparently equivalent to assassinations done by al Qaeda or other "religous extremists". Where are our own religous extremists on this list? Any mention of abortion clinic bombings where people HAVE died? KKK? Murderers, yup, didn't hear about them other than to say that there attacks have been declining. Could that be bacause they have gained a little traction with the ideologues in government? Hmmm....
Please explain how a minority group makes its cause known when the government turns a total blind eye and when environmental laws are rolled back; when misleading names such as "Clear Skies" are fluffed out to the public? When our pristine forests will be opened up for logging? When forests are logged under the guise of bettering the health of the forest? When habitat is destroyed for inconsequential supplies of oil that will make no impact, well except to perhaps supply the military a bit more as it smacks down the iron fist on the unsuspecting American Citizen. This country fights to expand freedom? Are you fucking kidding me.
Olaf
...and my further elaboration...
It is a transition that most are unaware of, but clear for anyone looking at the indicators. Why pray tell, is it necessary to suddenly implement all these radical changes in such a short period of time? Is there some huge event approaching that the majority of the public is unaware of? Could it be energy issues? Oil? Personally, I think perhaps. This Nation is slowly being primed for total control. Social program deconstruction, weakening of bankruptcy protections, abolishment of civil liberties, control and consolidation of the media, intimidation on the public, pre-emptive attacks on sovereign nations, strengthening of corporate rights and privileges, weakening of environemental protections, ignoring and changing rules in Senate, secrecy in government, rigging of elections, weakening of the spending power of the majority middle class, outsourcing jobs, limiting medical coverage and affordability, and much much more.
You might ask how they can expect to get away with this? Do they not know the public will not allow this? That we will vote them out of office? You see, the thing is, they ARE aware of this, which is why they are changing all the rules and laws. Let me be clear...THEY HAVE NO INTENTION OF RELINQUISHING POWER. They have put in all their chips on one bet and they think they have a winning hand, just ask Rove. They intend to maintain control, one way or another. If you disagree, prepare for your reprogramming and Ministry of Love smackdown Texas style.
Peace be with you all. Watch your asses.
Olaf
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