Please consider not using the term “eco-terrorist” or
“eco-terrorism” (HCN, 2/6/06: The Latest Bounce). Individuals
taking direct action often break the law. Sometimes they trespass
and disobey lawful orders, and sometimes they destroy private and
public property. These are crimes and the perpetrators should be
charged, tried, and appropriately punished. In general, the worst
crimes these folks commit are serious property crimes —
arson, vandalism, etc. It is a rare eco-anything who commits a
violent crime against persons for the purpose of generating fear.
Today in America, we are whipped up into a frenzy of hate
against terrorists. Some may see it as their patriotic duty to do
all they can to end terrorism, including killing terrorists. Please
do not use this word for crimes like vandalism, hooliganism, arson,
etc. If you must keep it in your vernacular, use it for
eco-murderers or eco-assaulters.
Rich
Domingue
Oak Grove, Oregon
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline Activists are not terrorists.
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