Congress Holds Hearings on Eco-Terror

Congress Holds Hearings on Eco-Terror
July 1, 1998, Coronado, CA
After years of violence against farmers, ranchers, loggers, miners, and others who make their living in concert with the Earth, a hearing on animal rights/resource terrorism, or “eco-terror,” was held on June 9 before the U.S. Congress’ House of Representatives Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime.
The organizational push for the hearing came from Congressman Frank Riggs of California, whose staff was subjected to a frightening direct action. Earth First!ers barged into the Congressional office dressed in black and wearing ski masks, terrifying the Congressman’s employees.
On June 9, the Alliance for America, a national umbrella communications network for resource and animal use workers and property rights supporters, was in DC for its eighth annual Fly In For Freedom. The Alliance was able to pack the room with supporters and help with experts and victims to testify. Bruce Vincent, a fourth-generation logger and president of the Alliance, gave moving testimony about his family’s experience with eco-intimidation which was triggered when he spoke out on grizzly bear/timber issues. If you would like to read this and other witnesses’ testimony on the web, head for http://www.house.gov/judiciary/3.htm.
To better understand the history of animal rights/eco terror, please look at the Report to Congress on the Extent and Effects of Domestic and International Terrorism on Animal Enterprises.
What YOU Can Do …
PLEASE LET Congressman Frank Riggs know that you support and appreciate his work on this issue. Tel.: (202) 225-3311; fax: 225-3403. Also deserving of our thanks is Congressman Bill McCollum, the chairman of the committee, who did an excellent job in his opening statement in differentiating between responsible groups and those that commit crimes. Tel.: (202) 225-4035; fax: 225-0999.
Senator Arlen Spector sits on the Judiciary’s subcommittee on terrorism, and should be made aware of a coordinated campaign against fur farmers. Tel.: (202) 224-4254; fax: 228-1229.
We especially need to contact Senator Orrin Hatch’s office since Hatch chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee. Thank him for his support and tell him to hold firm on holding broad, complete hearings before the full Judiciary Committee. Tel.: (202) 224 5251; fax: 224 6331.
Senators Kohl and Feingold of Wisconsin both sit on the Senate Judiciary Committee. They need to hear from their constituents in Wisconsin. Kohl: tel.: (202) 224-5653; fax: 224-9787. Feingold: tel.: (202) 224-5323; fax: 224-2725.
EVERYONE: Contact your Congressional Representative and Senator about your concerns over animal rights and eco-terror. Ask them to support holding hearings before the full House Judiciary Committee and in the Senate Judiciary Committee. Your representatives will be home during the August recess so make an effort to contact them. Pass on the word to others!
Other resources:
The following people have written to Congress regarding the eco-terror hearing:
Tom Mohoric, President, FCUSA
David Bischel, President, California Forestry Association
-
For further information contact Fur Commission USA.
Home
© 1998-2011 Fur Commission USA