We all want responsible growth and stewardship of our Earth’s resources, even if we sometimes disagree on the definition. It’s why we have so many recycling programs. It’s why we have growth management laws. It’s why we have legislation at the local, state and national level to protect the environment.
But as we acknowledge and celebrate Earth Day today, we must realize that nowhere on the environmental responsibility spectrum is there room for eco-terrorism.
News that two brand-new homes destroyed by fire in Snohomish were the work of arsonists, and possibly eco-terrorists, is hardly the manner in which most of us want to celebrate this day and make others aware of the need to take care of the Earth. If that’s what the perpetrators of these arsons intended, it backfired. Terrorizing human beings is an affront to the very idea and practice of environmental stewardship.
Instead of focusing on reducing pollution and recycling, many folks will be thinking today about the impacts of terror on their own neighborhood. Those who just moved in to the neighborhood where the arsons occurred must wonder if they’re next. Anyone who dares to have a home built will have that thought in the back — or even front — of their mind.
This case also carries an interesting irony: If this is the work of eco-terrorists, we have to wonder if they bothered to consider that more lumber will be needed to rebuild these homes. So much for environmentalism and conservation. And it probably leads some to ask where these alleged terrorists live. In a home built of wood? No, impossible. In a cement compound? How dare they support rock mining. In a twig and mud shanty? Doubtful.
Some people tend to forget their neighborhoods had to be cleared of trees once, too. Or that their desire to live in a neighborhood in a more rural area means habitat was disturbed to accommodate them.
Acts of eco-terrorism not only violate our laws, they are designed to demoralize, frighten and intimidate people in order to achieve a political goal. Those who commit such crimes should be subjected to the stiffest penalties our law allows.
The strongest possible message must be sent to anyone who thinks of terrorizing our community — this will not be tolerated.
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