Posted on 08/07/2003 1:53:45 PM PDT by Tailgunner Joe
As the frightening images of a massive August 2nd arson are seared into the minds of San Diego residents, many are left to wonder just who the Earth Liberation Front (ELF) is and who pays its bills. As law enforcement begins to look for answers, members of the public should know that the shadowy ELF enjoys financial backing from at least one tax-exempt, above-ground group -- the activists at People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). A recent federal income tax return filed by PETA shows a $1,500 cash payment to the "North American Earth Liberation Front." And Rodney Coronado, a convicted arsonist who previously received $70,400 from PETA, was in San Diego on the day of the University City arson. Coronado spent 57 months in federal prison for firebombing a Michigan State University research lab. When ABC News's John Stossel confronted PETA President Ingrid Newkirk earlier this year about her organization's financial support of Coronado, she said that he is "a fine young man."
"Federal law enforcement has already shut down several American nonprofits because of their financial ties with overseas terrorists," said David Martosko, Director of Research at the Center for Consumer Freedom. "Terrorism is terrorism, whether it's international or domestic. PETA is funneling money to terrorists, and they shouldn't be treated any differently."
Rodney Coronado was quoted in several news stories about Saturday's $30 million arson, but reporters failed to note that he himself was in San Diego only hours before the fire was set. At 6:30 PM on Friday, Coronado delivered a lecture on "Militant Animal and Earth Liberation" at the San Diego-based "Animal Liberation Weekend" event. Earlier this year, Coronado was videotaped in front of a student audience at American University, demonstrating how to create a crude firebomb for only two dollars.
Crimes such as those committed by ELF vandals and legitimized by Rodney Coronado have become so rampant that the FBI has labeled the groups a "serious domestic terror threat," and has been forced to devote precious counter- terrorism resources to their investigation.
"Senseless acts like this weekend's arson are taking away law-enforcement resources that should be used to fight the war on international terrorism," Martosko said. "And innocent lives are endangered every time one of these eco- arsonists lights a match. Californians should be appalled that PETA is helping to bankroll them."
"Craig Rosebraugh Craig was a former spokesperson for the Earth Liberation Front, a group categorized by the FBI as the number one domestic terrorism threat in the United States. He survived seven grand jury investigations, two raids by federal agents on his home and business, and a Congressional subpoena. A political activist since 1990, Craig left the ELF press office in 2001 to advocate the need for more strategic and directed action against the US political system. He co-founded Arissa in 2003, an effort to build a revolutionary movement in the USA. "
Many leftists are pissed and irritated at ELF/ALF. They piggyback on other actions involving protest and dissent and compete for the people who are interested in forest defense and animal rights work.
They alienate the public at large, and shut down open and honest debate on related issues.
I agree that many lefties don't howl loud, angry or long enough about the ELF threat. Some are somewhat intimidated as you note in your post about their seeming silence on these terrorists.
I predict that this will change. The question is - of course - will their words be too little too late to keep many from being associated by the blurring of public impressions of the goals and the means used to reach them used by both camps?
We shall see, won't we?
The following is the report that has been released by the Security Threat Group (STG) Manager at Oregon State Prison (OSP), explaining why political prisoner Jeff “Free” Luers (ELF SUV arsonist)has been sent to the Hole. Solidarity with “Free” is needed now more than ever. For more info on “Free” visit www.freefreenow.org or www.breakthechains.netCharges: 4-A Disobedience of an Order
4-M Unauthorized Organization 1
“I am a Security Threat Group manager for the Oregon State Penitentiary per OAR 291-069-0040 [1][2][3] On 06-13-03 I concluded an investigation into the action of inmate Luers, Jeff, SID #13797671, documented moniker of Free. Inmate Luers is identified as a member of the “Earth Liberation Front” [ELF] Security Threat Group. On 05-28-03 I was reviewing outgoing mail that inmate Luers sent to a publication known as “Earth First Journal”/PO Box 3023/Tuscon, AZ 85702. This publication is well-known by radical ecology/animal environmental groups. In his letter inmate Luers exposes his belief system in writing, and explains what an individual must consider before he/she acts out in a violent manner. The following are excerpts from his letter to the Earth First Journal.
‘Greetings from the Oregon State Pen. I have a few things I’d like to add speaking from both good and bad experiences. Before anyone gets involved in extreme direct action they must first come to terms with the possible consequences. This is a must if someone wants to be 100% effective in their actions and remain true in prison should they have the misfortune of being caught. The reality of the situation is once that match is lit you will forever be wanted by the cops.’ Inmate Luers writes, ‘I don’t say this to dissuade anyone - on the contrary, accepting these things will lend you more courage. If you build that strength inside you, you will be more effective in action. And should you be caught you will stand as a courageous warrior [sic] in front of the court as you did in the dark hours of the night.”
Inmate Luers has a history of involvement and is an influential member of the radical ecology/animal environmental groups; he is recognized worldwide for his beliefs, actions and sacrifices. Inmate Luers is writing statements that is [sic] recruiting and advising others how to be effective while involved in what is called direct action, which means one acts to cause major damage to property and the possibly injury to others. Inmate Luers was convicted for his radical anarchist activities and his conviction was condemned worldwide. Many will review inmate Luers written advice and some may act out from his advice. This type of activity is a direct threat to the safety of the public and causes serious concerns for the security, safety and orderly operations of all ODOC facilities and employees.”
Don't for a moment think I support these perps.
I heard they use gasoline and diesel in their firebombs. Isn't that bad for the environment? Buncha hypocrites...
Let me know if you wish to be added or removed from this list.
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