Somewhere among the mild humor of people scurrying about after thousands of recently "freed" mink, and an examination of our individual views on killing animals strictly for their fur, lies the issue of eco-terrorism.
A Sultan mink farm has received plenty of attention since animal rights activists decided to cut about 50 feet of metal fence, setting loose 10,000 minks being raised for their fur. Most of the animals were found; some were hit by cars or killed by dogs.
Whichever side people choose in this contentious issue, there should be no tolerance for this kind of terrorism. Sabotaging people’s businesses and — as some past acts of eco-terrorism have done — injuring people in the name of saving animals and the environment is unacceptable. The Animal Liberation Front has claimed responsibility for the act and the group deserves the public’s scorn for promoting violence.
The behavior is comparable to environmentalists who spike trees, subjecting unsuspecting loggers to possible maiming and death. Or to those who bomb abortion clinics and shoot abortion doctors. Many believe abortion is murder, but they employ enough common sense and decency to not engage in acts of violence to prove it.
There’s making a point and then there’s making a fool of yourself. Those who cause harm to others and try to justify it with nobility and a "greater purpose" fall into the latter category. They also undermine their cause, and the worst part is they don’t care. They are so convinced of their moral superiority and its precedence over all else that they refuse to see their actions as anything but righteous. Their cause is so right they believe their actions can’t be wrong.
This county has been victimized by eco-terrorists in the past and it hasn’t been tolerated. It won’t be tolerated now. Monday’s break-in is being investigated by the FBI. Those who broke the law must be held accountable. If you’re so convinced your cause justifies your illegal actions, have the courage to come forward.
The rest of us should remember the best way to get our messages across is through political action and peaceful protest. Much has been accomplished by people boycotting companies that test their products on animals. Money talks and companies listen. Violence achieves nothing but distrust and anger.
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