Alleged terrorist's mail redirected to FBI (Eco-terrosts take responsibily for arson attempt)

Letters sent to Gold Country Media newspapers claiming to be from the eco-terrorist Earth Liberation Front and declaring responsibility for the recent firebomb plantings in Lincoln and Auburn were reportedly sent by an Emma Goldman from Sacramento.

Letters were received Jan. 18 by the Lincoln News Messenger and Auburn Journal and on Jan. 19 by the Roseville Press-Tribune. Only the letter sent to the Journal was opened and the others were turned over to the Federal Bureau of Investigations.

"We appreciate the newspapers' cooperation," said Karen Ernst, spokeswoman for the Sacramento FBI office. "We are not going to comment on the content and are checking authenticity of the letters."

Three firebombs were found in different houses under construction in the Verdera at Twelve Bridges development Dec. 27. Construction crews found five similar devices at a business under construction in Auburn on Jan. 12

Emma Goldman, the alleged writer of the letter, died in 1940 and was by all accounts a Jewish anarchist.

According to historical accounts Goldman was born in a Jewish ghetto in 1869. In 1892, together with Alexander Berkman, she planned the assassination of Henry Clay Finch, who suppressed strikes in the Homestead Pennsylvania factory with armed guards. Goldman and Beckman believed that by killing a tyrant, a representative of a cruel system, the consciousness of the people would be aroused.

Anarchism is defined by Merriam-Webster's as a "political theory holding all forms of governmental authority to be unnecessary and undesirable and advocating a society based on voluntary cooperation and free association of individuals and groups."

The two-page letter the Journal opened Tuesday warned of more attacks in the future and contained a warning to the editor.

"Note to Editor: print in full, we do not take attempts to misrepresent us lightly, you have been warned," it states.

The Journal has printed the majority of the letter on its Web site, available through the link: www.auburnjournal.com/articles/2005/01/20/news/top_stories/02letter02.txt. The last two paragraphs of the letter have been omitted due to its call to the public for additional terrorist tactics.

The writer states, although the fire attempts failed, "the actions (were) not completely unsuccessful.

"Though we could have caused over $2 million in damages, it was still a fairly symbolic protests and the message should have still registered; that we are exceptionally serious," the letter states.

ELF's claim to destruction is prolific. The group takes responsibility for several firebombings in Washington, Virginia and throughout California.

Judging from the gravity of its terrorist capabilities, Auburn and Lincoln Police Department officials say they are fortunate to be working with the FBI.

"The FBI has a significant number of resources to assist in thoroughly investigating a crime of this nature," said Lincoln police Lt. Brian Vizzusi. "The FBI has worked a number of these crimes which have occurred throughout California, and has a great deal of information about the group we think is responsible."

The letter asks the public to, "Practice random and senseless acts of sabotage," and local law enforcement officials are taking ELF's threats of future attacks as sincere.

"The Lincoln Police Department takes this threat serious and [is] committed to ensure public safety and the protection of personal property," Vizzusi said. "We will do everything that we can to prevent similar acts from occurring in Lincoln."

Nick Willick, Auburn's chief of police, said Auburn officials are also taking the threats seriously.

"We will continue to step up patrols at all area construction sites," Willick said.

"In response to this crime we have made concerted efforts with out patrol, investigations and volunteer staff to patrol potential targets on an on-going and continuous basis," Vizzusi said. "We are also working with private security teams to assist in our efforts."

The Placer County Contractors Association has voiced its concerns for workers on job sites.

"We are concerned about it because every worker is at risk on these jobs and are concerned about loss of life," said Gary Cooney, association president. "We will be sending a flier via our construction weekly to all of our members and invite law enforcement to our next board meeting to discuss further ways we can be prepared."

The Joint Terrorism Task Force - comprised of the FBI; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms; and local state and federal agencies - continues to investigate both incidents.

"We want the public to call if they are aware of anyone who might be involved in this type of activity," Ernst said.

Anyone with information on the incendiary devices found at either location is asked to call the FBI at (916) 481-9110.

Know thy Enemy:

source page

In Their Own Words

The Earth Liberation Front has this to say ...

Rosebraugh, Craig
Spokesman, North American ELF, 1997 - Sept. 2001. See also Liberation Collective.

"Revolution is necessary in the United States, and that revolution would naturally have to involve the use of violence as well as other tactics. I argue that it has to be used if people are serious about progressing social and political movements in this country." (On his new book The Logic of Political Violence, quoted in "Will readers judge this book by its cover?", KATU (Portland, OR), Oct. 16, 2003.)

"Driving a hummer, a $50,000 GM tool for the rich getting 10 miles to the gallon - that is violence. Going in and torching those and getting rid of those is an act of liberation and should be applauded." (CBS Evening News, Los Angeles, Sept. 23, 2003.)

"People need to at least consider if they are serious about stopping injustice perpetrated by our government, they need to be realistic about what it's going to take to stop that injustice. A variety of tactics should be considered, but they must include political violence." (Interviewed in "Violence and Protest" by Philip Dawdy, Seattle Weekly, Apr. 9, 2003; www.seattleweekly.com/features/0315/news-dawdy.php)

"The threat to the life of the planet is so severe that political violence must be understood as a viable option." (In a lecture March 2003, quoted in "Violence and Protest" by Philip Dawdy, Seattle Weekly, Apr. 9, 2003; www.seattleweekly.com/features/0315/news-dawdy.php)

"In light of the events on September 11, my country has told me that I should not cooperate with terrorists. I therefore am refusing to cooperate with members of Congress who are some of the most extreme terrorists in history. Currently they are responsible for allowing the slaughter of now over an estimated 1,500 Afghanistan civilians. They are responsible for the Sept. 11 attacks due to horrendous U.S. foreign policies of imperialism and they are responsible for the current ongoing genocide against the innocent people of Afghanistan. This alleged war on terrorism has largely been conducted to allow the U.S. to attempt to oust the Taliban, and put in place a new puppet regime in Afghanistan who would allow the U.S. to build their much sought after pipeline from the Turkmenistan oil reserves through southern Afghanistan, Pakistan, and to the Gulf. These sort of practices, mixed in with domestic policies of racism, classism, and further imperialism at the expense of life demonstrate the truly terrorist reality of the U.S. Congress and Government. I could not live with myself if I cooperated with that injustice." (In a statement distributed by the North American ALF press office following a subpoena for him to testify before a Congressional subcommittee on ecoterrorism, Nov. 1, 2001.)

"Our country [the USA] exists, you know, with certain traits in mind, apple pie, baseball, and screw anyone or any thing you can just to make a buck."
(Interviewed in "Earth Liberation Front, one of the most dangerous terrorist groups in the country", ABC News, May 3, 2001.)

"Dating back to the time when we enslaved people and committed mass amounts of genocide, the law then was done for profit and based on capitalism. The possibility of solving grievances or problems caused by capitalism (through) passive means are next to nothing."
(Addressing a gathering at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, as quoted by the Associated Press. Jan. 30, 2001.)

In response to the question "What keeps you going through all of this harassment?" : "The realization that what the ELF and ALF are doing is correct. The realization that I support underground direct action aimed at destroying the capitalist ideology, and I want it to increase, dramatically. The realization that in my conscience I know that I am doing what is right."
(In an interview, "E.L.F. Spokesperson Targeted by Oregon Grand Jury", for No Compromise, Issue 16, Fall 2000; on-line at www.nocompromise.org/issues/16craig.html)

"If we are vandals, so were those who destroyed forever the gas chambers of Buchenwald and Auschwitz."
(Quoted in "Sparks fly at forum on activism", Hoosier Times (Indiana), June 30, 2000.)

"People are tired of spending an incredible amount of time and energy to try and have campaigns legally that basically get nowhere at all. Individuals in the ELF want to see results. They want to pick up where the law is leaving off."
(Quoted in "Disruption is activists' business", Los Angeles Times, April 25, 2000.)

"The US Government realizes that with all its massive weaponry, the power lies in the hands of the people if only we recognize this. The ELF and ALF are representations of the people's struggle against a murderous government operating in a societal ideology which promotes monetary gain and property over life."
(In a statement issued following his appearance before a grand jury in Portland, Oregon; February 29, 2000.)

"It is clear that the formation of this grand jury is an attempt by the U.S. Department of Justice to silence the successful actions of the ELF and ALF. Throughout history whenever social movements have used successful tactics, the state has responded with an increase in severe repression. The state understands that the power can be truly in the hands of the people if indeed the people realize it. The ELF and the ALF are clear representations of the people's struggle against the capitalist ideology, and its horrifying effects on the planet and life. This struggle will not be stopped."
(Quoted in a Frontline Information Service press release issued by the North American ALF Press Office following a subpoena to testify before a grand jury; February 28, 2000.)

"Rosebraugh said ELF sources never divulge plans of future action. But he said the group's message is clear: As long as people 'profit off the natural environment, there are going to be people in the ELF who are going to try to stop them.'
(In an interview for the Star Tribune [Minneapolis, MN], February 12, 2000. For more quotes from Rosebraugh, see Liberation Collective.)

"We must all act our consciousness and inflict economic harm upon all of those who are responsible for the destruction of the earth and its inhabitants. We encourage others to find a local Earth raper and make them pay for the damages they are inflicting on our communities and humanity's chance of survival. Furriers,meat packers, bosses, developers, rich industry leaders are all Earth rapers. They all profit off the destruction of life and liberty (whether it be animal, natural world, or worker). A crime against one inhabitant of the Earth is a crime against the Earth. The only language these people understand is money. We must inflict economic sabotage on all Earth rapers if we are ever to stop the madness we live in. To do so is not a crime, it is a necessity."
(In an ELF statement published by Humanitarians for Animal Rights Education following an Aug. 7, 1999 attack on the property of a Michigan vet working with fur farmers.)

Know thy Enemy part 2:

This is something Rosebraugh or one of his groupies posted on the various IMC's (for those who don't know, they're a worldwide network of Leftist forums, which makes the DU look like a nursery)

Craig Rosebraugh on the Anti-War struggle
by Craig Rosebraugh Monday March 17, 2003 at 03:16 PM

As the U.S. led military campaign gets fully under way in the very near future, the question remains… how far is the anti-war movement in the United States willing to go to stop the U.S. government and its unceasing atrocities? How far are you willing to go, what are you willing to do to stop the massive bloodshed once again caused by the U.S. government?

As the Commander in Chief of the United States gears up at 8:00 pm (EST) to tell the nation and the world that war is inevitable, that the window of opportunity for Saddam to disarm and destroy his “weapons of mass destruction” has expired, serious questions need to be posed to the privileged anti-war movement in the United States. With massive U.S. led bombing of Iraq perhaps just hours away, the question remains, how far is the anti-war movement in the United States willing to go to stop the U.S. government and its unceasing atrocities?

So far the peace or anti-war movement in this country has mirrored the same strategies and tactics of past historical anti-war causes. By far the most important example to reference is that of the Vietnam anti-war movement in the United States during the 1960s and 1970s. Well over a million people participated in this effort, engaging in a variety of tactics and strategies in an attempt to stop the war, or even to prevent its further escalation. From public education to picketing, boycotts to lobbying, marches to massive civil disobedience, to even outright suicide in the numerous cases of individuals lighting themselves on fire in protest, the Movement was extremely diverse. There was even a decent contingency of property destruction that occurred, no doubt condemned by the mainstream corporate peace organizations.

With all this activity, with the incredible amount of participation, one would assume this would have been more than enough to stop the war, to pressure the federal government to pull out of Southeast Asia. Furthermore, when soldiers such as Ron Kovic, returned from the war angry and disillusioned and formed organizations such as the Vietnam Veterans Against the War, even more intense pressure was placed on the U.S. government. But it was not enough. None of the strategies and tactics applied during the Vietnam anti-war movement in the United States were enough, either individually or combined, to stop the U.S. government’s military horrors. At the height of the Movement, Nixon’s response was not to stop the war but to initiate his policy of Vietnamization. This ingenious plan allowed the U.S. government to weaken the anti-war movement while continuing on with the war for another five years. When the peace accords were finally signed in Paris in 1973, they were more a result of the incredible success of the Viet Cong than any realistic effectiveness of the anti-war cause.

Each of the anti-war movements that have surfaced in the United States since then have attempted to mirror, to an absolutist extent, the strategies and tactics that failed during the Vietnam anti-war struggle. In fact these same strategies and tactics have been used in nearly all U.S. anti-war movements throughout history and the fact remains, never in U.S. history has any anti-war or peace movement actually prevented or ceased a U.S. military operation or war. And yet continuously, anti-war movements in the United States fall into the same mold of ineffective activism that stands absolutely no chance of threatening or challenging the power structure of the U.S. government.

In the current day, protests in select locations such as Washington, DC, New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Portland, and more are considered successful due only to the numbers of people in attendance. The common argument is stated in defense of these activities that the message is getting out into the media and thus people in this country and around the world are learning that not everyone supports Bush’s war. Yet, from a strategical standpoint there is absolutely no realistic foundation to the belief that this form of public education can and will have any effect on the government’s decision to use military force in Iraq. Again, glancing back to the Vietnam period when the protests were even larger, when more people gathered and the tactics were even broader than those utilized today, Nixon refused to listen to the public and continued on with the war.

During the past few weeks cries have emerged from the “progressive” sectors of U.S. society concerning Bush’s statement that the anti-war movement is a mere focus group and would not effect his ultimate decision. This should provide at least some indication that the large parties – which some might call protests or rallies – are not capable of generating the needed pressure which could actually force the government to stop. If it hasn’t ever occurred throughout U.S. history and, arguably, the U.S. government is more powerful now than ever, there is no precedent on which to base this faulty behavior and activity. Yet, the large mainstream peace groups continue to give caring U.S. people false hope, that if they get involved in the movement there is actually a chance they can help stop the war.

If we are going to become serious about stopping this war, and even the U.S. led atrocities of tomorrow, we must be realistic about our strategies and tactics and actually begin to utilize those methodologies which can and will challenge the power structure of the country. Yes, I am speaking of direct action, but not the generalized version spouted freely today and used to describe primarily conscience serving endeavors. An action is direct if it actually gets in the way, prevents, or stops an injustice from occurring. Unfortunately, the government sanctioned peace parades do not fit into this description. Even though public education is an inherent necessity of any movement, the time for public education by relying upon corporate media’s interpretation of your events has long since passed – if it was ever valuable.

The only possibility of stopping this current military action is to engage in strategies and tactics which severely disrupt the war machine, the U.S. economy, and the overall functioning of U.S. society particularly how it relates to consumerism and the economy. Marches, picketing, rallies, parties, benefits, civil disobedience and even property destruction are pointless, and perhaps even counterproductive, unless they serve to severely disrupt the functioning of the political system and its economy. An atmosphere of severe unrest, if manufactured properly, will force the U.S. government to place military resources in the streets of the United States, will threaten the economy (the chief motive behind this military excursion) of the United States, and ultimately create a political atmosphere unfavorable for Bush to continue on with the war.

So how is an atmosphere of severe unrest and disruption generated? First and foremost, it must begin with our ability to look beyond the business as usual strategies and tactics that have failed miserably in the past. It must begin with our allegiance to come to terms with the realization that any and all tactics and strategies must be considered at least available for use. Next we must be willing to decipher exactly how the power of the political structure can be effectively challenged. Once this matter has been examined there is only one question remaining, will each of us become involved and use whatever tactics and strategies are necessary, or will we refuse and continue to engage solely in conduct which serves little other purpose than making people feel better about themselves.

Here are some suggestions for the necessary creation of an atmosphere of unrest and disruption in the United States.

1) Attack the financial centers of the country. Using covert or black block techniques, depending on the situation, physically shut down financial centers which regulate and assist the functioning of U.S. economy. This can be done in a variety of ways from massive property destruction, to online sabotage, to physical occupation of buildings. However the latter I would shy away from, especially the open civil disobedience type of activities which purposely involve arrests. This movement needs all the assistance it can get and absolutely NO good will come from going to jail. Allowing yourself to be purposely arrested demonstrates that an individual has at least some faith in the U.S. legal system. This is completely foolish. One primary objective is to engage in serious unrest and disruption and NOT to get caught. Not getting caught means you are able to continue the struggle the next day.

2) Large scale urban rioting. With massive unrest and even state of emergencies declared in major cities across the country, the U.S. government will be forced to send U.S. troops into the domestic arena thereby taking resources and political focus away from the war. Unstable conditions in much of the country also serve as a political embarrassment for the Administration and could assist in forcing them to stop the war to deal with domestic concerns. Rioting should be focused on governmental agencies and corporations – especially those that are profiting from the war or destruction of life.

3) Attack the media centers of the country. It is the corporate media who has and continues to influence and control the minds of the mass body of people in the United States. These new media outlets cannot be utilized by the movement as they are owned by the very corporations one should be opposing. Using any means necessary, shut down the national networks of NBC, ABC, CBS, CNN, etc. Not just occupations but actually engage in strategies and tactics which knock the networks off the air.

4) Spread the battle to the individuals responsible for the war and destruction of life – the very heads of government and U.S. corporations. No longer should these people be able to hide behind their occupations, living their lives in peace while they simultaneously slaughter countless people. Hit them in their personal lives, visit their homes, and make them feel personally responsible for committing massive atrocities.

5) Make it known publicly that this movement DOES NOT support U.S. troops as long as they are serving an unjust and horrifying political regime. Create an atmosphere lacking of support to assist U.S. troops at home and abroad in losing their morale and will to fight. If you are supporting the troops you are supporting this war and the very U.S. government that is the primary terrorist regime in the international arena.

6) Actively target U.S. military establishments within the United States. Again, following the above stated goal of NOT getting caught, use any means necessary to slow down the functioning of the murdering body.

7) When engaging in the above six activities, strike hard and fast and retreat in anonymity. Select another location, strike again hard and fast and quickly retreat in anonymity. Engage only in actions where you will be victorious. Do not be concerned with alienating the mainstream sectors of the movement – that mainstream has NEVER stopped a U.S. military activity or war. Do not get caught. DO NOT GET CAUGHT. Do not get sent to jail. Stay alert, keep active, and keep fighting. Remember, an action is only good (especially at this juncture in U.S. society) if it will serve to severely disrupt the political system of the country, its economy, and the corporate interests that drive this society.

These suggestions are not radical. They are merely recommendations for those that desire to actually have a chance at stopping this current military siege. As the peace or anti-war corporate organizations vocally oppose this message and its enclosed suggestions, continue to ask what realistic chance do their strategies and tactics have to actually stop this war? What historical precedent do their business as usual politics and policies have? As no peace or anti-war movement has ever stopped U.S. governmental military policies or activities using the state sanctioned and societal approved methods, what right do they have to give the caring public false hope?

Well over 500,000 Iraqi children have died since the Gulf War as a result of U.S. bombing and sanctions – not to mention thousands of innocent men and women. With the planned massive bombing campaign planned by the U.S. military, the death toll of the innocent will severely increase. And for what? The U.S. rhetorical line of “liberating the Iraqi people from dictator Saddam” is as much bullshit as our historical line of helping to spread freedom and democracy around the world. Surely Saddam is guilty of massive atrocities, but so are many other world leaders. Sure Saddam may have had or continue to have weapons of mass destruction, but so do many evil leaders of nations around the world. Just why is it we have not targeted Israel and Sharon in the same manner as Saddam? Why is it leaders of the United States have not targeted the U.S. government for its weapons of mass destruction and incredible history of terrorist and murderous atrocities? Similar to Bush Senior’s Gulf War, this is another war for U.S. corporations and for the protection and, more importantly, expansion of the U.S. economy. With the incredible oil reserves in the region and the potential for U.S. corporations to have a hand in building and ruling a future Iraq nation, the motives are quite obvious. Of course, it wouldn’t be just if the U.S. did not claim that it was taking action against a horrible dictator for humanitarian purposes.

As the U.S. led military campaign gets fully under way in the very near future, the question remains… how far is the anti-war movement in the United States willing to go to stop the U.S. government and its unceasing atrocities? How far are you willing to go, what are you willing to do to stop the massive bloodshed once again caused by the U.S. government?

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