Animal Terrorism

The Washington Times ^ | August 22, 2005 | Doug Bandow

[Radigan]

International terrorism, exemplified by the September 11 attacks and most recently in London, may pose the greatest security threat facing America. But domestic terrorists also lurk among us, mostly in the guise of animal-rights and environmental activists. They "see themselves in a war against the entire government and industrial democracy itself," explains Mark Potok, director of the Southern Poverty Law Center's Intelligence Project. Frankie Trull, president of the Foundation for Biomedical Research, notes: "These are unbelievably mean-spirited people" who "operate in a classic terrorist organization mode."

[Radigan]

I believe these groups pose an enourmous threat. Environmentalists were behind a 'critical areas ordinance' in King County Washington that effectively took rural land owners rights to use their property away. There is little difference in philosophy between these terrorists organizations like ELF and ALF and many environmental groups. ELF and ALF use bombs and fire while the mainstream groups use USF&W, Forest Service and lawyers.

[fatnotlazy]

We've had a few car dealerships damaged and other acts of vandalism and property destruction. In my view, these groups are not making a statement, they are not doing things to draw attention to their causes. They are criminals and they should be prosecuted as such.