Environmental Issues: The Earth Liberation Front and Environmental Terrorism:
What They Want and How They Will Get It

While the ELF steps up their “direct action” every year, it does not appear that they are coming any closer to stopping the destruction of the environment. While they certainly have caused economic damage, it may take something bigger and more drastic to really open the eyes of American’s. They must realize that we are the same people that ignored foreign terror until we had no choice but to acknowledge it. It appears they might be headed in that direction. An anonymous communiqué sent to the ELF Press Office in September of 2003 said, “…We will no longer hesitate to pick up the gun to implement justice, and provide the needed protection for our planet….” If the ELF is planning to step up to violence against civilians and law enforcement about environmental issues, they must be ready to bear the repercussions. While Americans may look the other way to arson and tree spiking and other environmental issues, to cross the line into truly violent domestic terror will without doubt bring harsh consequences. While maybe they believe such action will save the environment, hopefully it will lead to the demise of the ELF.

Works Cited

“Brutal Elves in the Woods.” Economist Vol. 359 Issue 8217 (2001): 28-29.
Coronado, Ron. “San Diego Fire.” Earth First! Journal Sept. 2003.
Finlay, Steve. “Grad Student Suspected in 4 Dealership Fires.” Ward’s Dealer Business Apr. 2004: 8
Laing, Rachel. “Home Builders Add Security to San Diego-Area Sites after Arsons.” San Diego Union-Tribune 23 Sept. 2003.
Miller, John. “Against the Grain.” National Review Vol. 52 Issue 4: 22-23
Pacific ELF. ELF Press Office. 3 Sept. 2002.
Pressman, Jeremy. “Leaderless Resistance: The Next Threat?” Current History
Vol. 102 Issue 668 (2003): 422-26.
Rather, Dan and Strassmann, Mark. “Domestic Terrorists Target Environmental Hazards.” “CBS Evening News with Dan Rather.” 23 Sept. 2003.
Service, Robert F. “Arson Strikes Research Labs and Tree Farm in Pacific Northwest.” Science Vol. 292 Issue 5522: 1622-23.
“The Green Threat?” Economist Vol. 361 Issue 8250 (2001): 31-32.

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