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November 17, 2006

Congress Protects Animal Abusers

Back when we designated those people who blow up logging equipment "eco-terrorists" it didn't really trouble me all that much. Back then, we didn't know what terrorism really was, and the expansion of its definition didn't seem to be much of an expansion. Back then, we didn't have the Patriot Act, allowing the government to, in essence, "disappear" terrorists, even if they were U.S. citizens. Today, it's a different world. And that is why I am very troubled that Congress has just branded animal rights activists as "terrorists."

I have a soft spot for animal rights activists because I happen to agree with them in large part about the inexcusably cruel nature of much of our animal testing, animal farming, and fur industries (fortunately, we treat animals better than many other countries in the world; unfortunately, we allow those countries to import the products of their horrific depravity). I can't help but wonder what is mentally wrong with a person who can go to work every day and basically spend their day torturing animals and feel nothing. So I find myself cheering for those animal rights activists who sneak in during the night and sabotage businesses that profit from animal suffering.

Of course, it is preferable for animal rights activists to stick with non-violent protests, and when property is destroyed I agree that standard criminal charges should follow. But I've got to tell you, if I saw an animal suffering, I think I would break the law to help it, too. And I wonder what is wrong with Congress that it would brand as a "terrorist" someone who is trying to relieve the terror experienced daily by captive animals?

Animal rights activists must be making a real difference, because somehow the industries that profit from animal exploitation convinced Congress to brand them as terrorists even if they are engaged in non-violent civil disobedience – a move that is sure to chill even peaceful protests. If they engage in any activity that appears "threatening" and "interferes" with the profitability of the animal-exploiting company, they can be arrested as a terrorist. That is just wrong.

Posted by Becky at November 17, 2006 09:32 AM