We had a growth initiative fail in the recent election. Apparently some who
were for the initiative and claim to be ELF have been burning or threatening
to burn houses in Boulder county. As I recall my reading of direct action
writers the idea of direct action (which really means "violence") is that it
should be directed at the source of oppression and you should be willing to
place yourself in danger of either harm or capture when you do it; hence the
old idea of the bomb throwing anarchist, that is literally what you are
suppose to do. What ELF seems to be doing is not much more than vandalism,
and to disguise it as environmental direct action really pisses me off.
I was involved in the Vietnam protest and direct action associated with the
first Earth Day. I was threatened with arrest and placed on a list of
potential "terrorists" by the sheriff's office. I am not a pacifist nor do I
shrink from civil disobedience of the more violent nature. From what I've
seen so far, ELF is giving direct action a bad name.
Steven
-----Original Message-----
From: This list has been established to provide a discussion forum, and
information, for [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Jim
Tantillo
Sent: Friday, December 08, 2000 6:27 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: fwd: ECOTERRORISTS STRIKE LONG ISLAND CONSTRUCTION SITE
Once again, I get the sense that the primary motivating factor here is not
so much love of nature as it is hatred of rich people. I don't think
ecoterrorists (Earth Liberators) (Nature Warriors) (whatever) do anyone any
good with activities and statements like these. just imho.
Jim T.
http://ens-news.com/ens/dec2000/2000L-12-07-09.html
ECOTERRORISTS STRIKE LONG ISLAND CONSTRUCTION SITE
LONG ISLAND, New York, December 7, 2000 (ENS) - Last Friday, members of the
Earth Liberation Front (ELF) attacked a development site in Middle Island,
Long Island, leaving a trail of property destruction in their wake. The ELF
smashed more than 200 windows of houses already erected, pulled up survey
stakes to delay clear cutting, spraypainted structures with slogans
denoucing urban sprawl, and sabotaged 12 construction vehicles. The attack
aimed to protect some of Long Island's last untouched ecosystems from urban
sprawl. Urban sprawl is responsible for the alteration of more than 90
percent of all ecosystems on Long Island, either though paving,
introduction of toxic man made materials, or from human intrusion into
wildlife habitats, the activists charged. The ELF activists said their
action sets a precedent that Long Island's unique Pine Barren ecosystem
will not vanish without a fight.
"Urban sprawl not only destroys the forest and green spaces of our planet,
but also leads directly to added runoff of pollutants into waterways,
increased traffic that causes congestion and air pollution, and a less
pleasing landscape," the activists said in an anonymous communique. "These
luxury homes are being built precariously close to the 320 acre Cathedral
Pines County Park. Long Island has the 2nd largest pine barren ecosystem in
the world. Our greedy and corrupt politicians are more than willing to
provide subsidies and allow construction in any area not under current
protection by the Long Island Pine Barren Protection Plan. Our forests
also lay ontop of our aquifer which provides a large expanse of drinking
water that is easily contaminated by pollutants and runoff. We will not
stand by idly while our Earth is butchered for the monetary gain and the
luxury of the wealthy elite."
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