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Just who are these ecoterrorists? Date published: 12/9/2004
DESPITE THE HEADLINES that leapt reason's firebreak to announce that ecoterrorism was "suspected" in Monday's fire in Charles County, Md., it is far too soon to pin the blame for the blaze on radical greens. Although evidence indicates the fire, which destroyed a dozen partly built homes and damaged 14 others, was intentionally set, no group has claimed responsibility, and a run-of-the-mill arsonist could well be the culprit. Still, the mention of ecoterrorism is a reminder of two things: Not all of the threats to America originate in the Middle East; and every broad movement, even when its goals are legitimate, has its kook fringe. Environmentalists who raise their voices against the wholesale destruction of our natural resources well serve society. By speaking up for the snail darter, for magnolia bogs, for clean air and fresh water, activists help focus the public's attention and, through political action, prevent overdevelopment. For some, alas, the way of the public square is too tedious. These individuals turn to terror, which the FBI defines as "acts of violence[which] appear to be intended to intimidate or coerce a civilian population, or influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion." Ecoterrorists, many of whom belong to the Earth Liberation Front, fall into the category of "special-interest extremists" for the investigative agency. They are at the very top of the FBI's domestic-terror list. Special-interest terrorist groups, says the bureau, have committed over 1,100 criminal acts costing at least $110 million since 1976. These outfits' escalation in violent rhetoric since 2002 is alarming, as is a change in their tactics. These include an increased frequency of attacks in populated areas, the targeting of SUVs, and arsons against homes being built in once-pristine areas.
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