Terrorism 101: Today’s subject is eco-terrorism
OK class, in the United States, there’s several different definitions of the word “terrorism”, but all are fairly similar. Here’s some examples:
- FBI - the unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives.”
- U.S. Code of Federal Regulations - …the unlawful use of force and violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives” (28 C.F.R. Section 0.85).”
- U.S. National Counter Terrorism Center - Any act that is “premeditated; perpetrated by a subnational or clandestine agent; politically motivated, potentially including religious, philosophical, or culturally symbolic motivations; violent; and perpetrated against a noncombatant target.”
Looking at those three definitions we see several things in common. First, terrorism is a use of force or violence against persons or property. Second, it’s conducted to coerce some group or government. Third, it’s politically, religiously, or philosophically motivated. Finally, it’s conducted against innocents.
Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s talk about the recent conviction of Stanislas Gregory Meyerhof for fire-bombing a police station, a SUV dealership, and a tree farm - all in the name of protecting the Earth.
Meyerhof was with a group of ten which conspired to attack those three locations. Important to this discussion is that he was convicted of “terrorist” acts, rather than just arson. Here’s what he and his fellow conspirators did:
In the September 2000 arson attempt at a Eugene police substation near campus, the attackers issued a notice that the act was in retaliation for police actions against anarchist demonstrators. Aiken (the judge in the case) said the crime clearly fit the definition of terrorism.
In the March 2001 arson of 35 SUVs at the former Romania Truck Center in Eugene, the attackers’ notice said they were punishing the state’s arrest and prosecution of Jeffrey Luers, who earlier committed arson at the site and claimed it was for an environmental cause, Aiken noted.
In the May 2001 arson at Jefferson Poplar Farm near Clatskanie, the attackers’ notice taunted Washington and Oregon lawmakers for stricter new laws against their actions. Aiken ruled that the message proved intent to influence government action, making it a crime of terrorism.
Pretty cut and dry, right? According to the definitions above, these guys pulled terrorist acts. True, they didn’t kill anyone - but that was just dumb luck more than any effort on their part. And, their acts clearly meet the criteria of attempting to influence government actions.
Now, let’s check in on the Democratic Underground, and see what their commenters have to say about this story (emphasis is mine, although spelling errors are theirs):
More evidence of American Facism. it’s going to be a very interesting decade. My prediction is that by 2020, people like this will be looked at as heros
- depakidLets call him what he is, an arsonist, nothing more nothing less. This right wing love with terror and terrorists labeling has to stop.
- Parche…the defendants face much longer sentences at much harsher facilities due to this being labeled terrorism under the new Homeland Security rules. There should be no doubt that we are now under fascist rule, act accordingly.
- AwareOne
All of the above shows a basic misunderstanding of what terrorism is. Plus, it shows a really callous and cavalier attitude toward the personal property rights of others. But, since capitalism and wealth are universally evil in most liberals’ minds, I guess that’s to be expected.
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It has been fascinating to watch the headlines shift on this story. Yesterday, it was called terrorism. Today, it is shifting to “activists”, “saboteurs” and “arsonists”.
The damage these people did in the northwest was unbelievable, and they didn’t try them on all of the things they did here. The unintended consequences have also been profound.
As for the Democratic Underground - wonder if they realize that the new world order that they want will not include financing from their trust funds and mommy and daddy?