On the next Your Call, we'll have a conversation with Will Potter, author of Green Is the New Red. The FBI says the Earth Liberation Front is the country's "number one domestic terrorism threat." A new movie If a Tree Falls explores the controversy surrounding ELF members who set fire to timber companies and SUV dealerships. Is that terrorism? Join us at 10 or email feedback@yourcallradio.org. When does violence turn into terrorism? It's Your Call with me, Rose Aguilar and, you.
Guests:
Will Potter is an award-winning independent journalist who focuses on "eco-terrorism," the animal rights and environmental movements, and civil liberties post-9/11.
James Brady, Action Recruitment Coordinator for Greenpeace USA
Scott Parkin, a senior organizer with Rainforest Action Network
Click to Listen: What is eco-terrorism?
Terrorism is not about "othering." Terrorism is any act performed specifically to instill terror. This was true of the Red Brigades in 1970s Italy who shot at bankers and kidnapped politicians; it was true of the hijackers of the World Trade Center; and it is true of frustrated environmental activists who bomb car dealerships in order to make their point. The failure of letter campaigns and marches to achieve a desired effect is never, ever a legitimate justification for terrorizing, however pure hearted the purposes behind such actions, and bombs that don't kill people are still violent. The guest's line of argumentation is disingenuous and would become less attractive immediately if he were compelled to extend its legitimacy also to parties with whom he deeply disagrees.
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