Environmental Protest Framing as "Eco-terrorism" BY - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Environmental Protest Framing as "Eco-terrorism" BY BRIEANNE YOUNG

“Eco-Terrorism”: What is the Green Scare ? “The disproportionate, heavy- handed government crackdown on environmental movements, misrepresentation of media outlets and the reckless use of the word terrorism … to push a political agenda, instill fear, and chill dissent” (William Potter, Green is the New Red) ENVI RONMENT AL PROT EST F RAMI NG AS "ECOT ERRORI SM"

“ The number one domestic terrorism threat in this nation is ecoterrorism” Those who break the law in the John Lewis, FBI name of the environment are labeled: • Monkey wrencher • Saboteur • Criminals • Radical Extremists • Now most powerful marker of terrorists ENVI RONMENT AL PROT EST F RAMI NG AS "ECOT ERRORI SM"

Terrorism or Economic sabotage? Economic sabotage : threat against property Terrorism : possessing a threat against human lives In the top three “eco-terrorism” acts from 1996-2010, there were no injuries involved * ENVI RONMENT AL PROT EST F RAMI NG AS "ECOT ERRORI SM" *Top 20 List of Illegal Actions by Animal and Eco Terrorists 1996-2010

Earth First! 1979 Mission: “Use all the tools in the tool box, ranging from grassroots organizing and involvement in the legal process to civil disobedience to put Earth in the front runner of priorities [biocentrism]” ENVI RONMENT AL PROT EST F RAMI NG AS "ECOT ERRORI SM"

Eco-al-Qaeda Means of Achievement: “Remain non-violent towards other human beings, do not engage in sabotage, respect all forms of life and educated the public” ( Earth First Initiation Pact ) Media eco-terrorism frame caused by: Mimicking government rhetoric • • “Leaderless resistance” • Past affiliation with more radical ELF • “Us” Versus “Them” Rhetoric • Environmentalist protesters= villains ENVI RONMENT AL PROT EST F RAMI NG AS "ECOT ERRORI SM"

ENVI RONMENT AL PROT EST F RAMI NG AS "ECOT ERRORI SM"

Tree Spiking and the George Alexander Case ENVI RONMENT AL PROT EST F RAMI NG AS "ECOT ERRORI SM"

Oregon New Laws April 29 th 2013 1. House Bill 2595 • 1 st offence : a minimum sentence of thirteen months • 2 nd offence : $25,000 fine, five years in prison for non-violent civil disobedience 2. House Bill 2596 • Loggers can sue protesters • Max. $10,000 in lost income November 13 th 2013 Department of State Lands proposed to sell three tracts of the Elliott State Forest

ENVI RONMENT AL PROT EST F RAMI NG AS "ECOT ERRORI SM"