The evolution of ELF after "Operation Backfire"

ELF informants rat out their comrades leading to multiple arrests. . .

   They could have learned by another's example:  Thirty two years ago, in 1977 (around the time when Chelsea Gerlach was being born), an arrest occurred which showed that arson and the use of explosives is counterproductive to the environmental movement.  An early ELF "ecommando", John Hanna of Santa Cruz, California, ended up facing a federal judge in 1978; he was convicted of placing fire bombs on seven crop dusters, sent to prison and spent years rebuilding his life.

  Hanna founded the original ELF (Environmental Life Force) in 1977.  It was the first eco-guerrilla unit to use the acronym ELF.  Today's ELF, Earth Liberation Front, came into being around 1992 and rejoined the battle to protect Earth by using tactics employed some fifteen years earlier.  Unfortunately, these modern-day actions have resulted in mass arrests with predictable consequences. 

   Reportedly, some ELF co-conspirators "refused to cooperate" with the government.  One of them was Daniel Gerard McGowan.  He received a sentence of seven years in prison.  On June 11, 2007, reporter Amy Goodman interviewed McGowan on Democracy Now! (an independent NPR and Pacifica Radio program).  In part, McGowan had this to say:  "...I definitely have regrets...that I employed arson as a tactic.  I wish I had people in my life at the time to kinda guide me back to a different path".

   Regardless of the frustration we all feel about the enormous perils facing our Mother Earth, engaging the perceived wrong-doers with threats, intimidation and destructive tactics will always fail.  Fighting fire with fire will get you burned.

   One of the reasons this web page exists, is to counterbalance inflammatory and specious rhetoric puked out by self-appointed, unofficial ELF "spokesmen".  Their truculent, rehashed political tirades offer nothing to an independent, intelligent eco-activist.  Their real agenda is to foment insurrection by duping the gullible into believing the Earth can be saved through violence.  Look at the original ELF, Weather Underground, New World Liberation Front and the SLA to see where this path leads.  These self-aggrandizing, ego-tripping spokesmen urge the would-be ELF combatants to wage war in defense of the Earth "by any means necessary" while the poseurs sit safely on the sidelines, taking no risks, basking in the media limelight that they shamefully seek.

   It is hard to choose which is the most contemptible: the snitches from within or the parasitic and opportunistic provocateurs from without.  Both have served to discredit the Earth Liberation Front.  But in spite of the self-induced evisceration of the Earth Liberation Front, the concept or philosophy of ELF can continue to evolve . . .

   The other reason for the creation of this web page is to suggest a new direction for ELF.  In order to win the hearts and minds of the people we hope to influence and gain support from, a thoughtful, even-handed approach is needed.  Continuing the underground approach will perpetuate past mistakes.  It is a lonely and paranoid existence and offers no long-term achievements.  It merely feeds the system with new prisoners.

   There are a multitude of problems facing our Earth.  To wage a successful campaign, FOCUS on a single issue that means the most to YOU.  Then put your plan into action.  STUDY the problem and formulate viable alternatives leading to a solution.  It does not help to rage against a problem without offering solutions.

   A critical evaluation of past ELF actions exposes the obvious: arson is a dangerous and irrational strategy.  There are no winners.  Torching sport utility vehicles, ski resorts, research labs and McMansions, releases huge amounts of toxic gasses into the atmosphere - creating far more greenhouse gasses than if they were left alone.  The end result: everything is rebuilt or replaced by doubling the burden on the environment and taxpayers.  An exercise in futility and self-defeat.

   Those who are now serving prison sentences are effectively removed from the battle to save our planet.  We are all losers in that regard, even the Feds.  If anything can be learned from Operation Backfire, it is the necessity to channel our frustrations and concern for earth's welfare into positive direct action.  Build - don't destroy.  Build consensus and public support.  Get an education and build a better world and future.

   In a recent point/counterpoint-style interview in the Epoch Journal, the self-proclaimed ELF "spokesman", Leslie James Pickering and Original ELF founder, John Hanna, laid out their divergent viewpoints:  Pickering mused that by bringing together mainstream and ELF activists, it would make the most effective environmental movement in U.S. history.

   In essence, Hanna responded: For that to ever take place, ELF needs to abandon arson as a tactic and stop filling up the prisons.  Working within the system gets the best results.  Winning one for Mother Earth without lowering yourself to your adversary's level will be your reward and the ranks of ELF will expand (John Hanna Q&A: http://old-elf.tripod.com/questions.html ).

Click on the graphic below to link to the Original ELF website

"ELF Resistance Forever . . . LIVE ON ~ NO EVIL"

DISCLAIMER:  This web page does not purport to be an "official" organ of the Earth Liberation Front.  Only those individuals, such as Daniel McGowan, that serve their prison sentences honorably, without snitching and publicly acknowledge their Earth Liberation Front ties, can make official comments or act as a spokesperson.  The latest version of the North American ELF Press Office (NAELFPO), which is headquartered in Washington D.C., should be suspect.  BEWARE of this or any other website claiming to be an "Official"  ELF site and asks you to submit  your communiques for publication!  Ah, ha, ha... that's a good one!  Don't allow yourself to be duped - think for yourself.  The Earth Liberation Front has no leaders and any self-appointed "spokespersons" are, most likely, agent provocateurs.

 WARNING:   If, as stated, the ELF's mission is to defend and protect the Earth for future generations by means of direct action, then the high moral road must be taken in order to succeed.  Historically, elves have a reputation for being mischievous.  The practice of non-violent civil disobedience can be considered a mischievous act (in the time-honored tradition of Mahatma Gandhi, who ran the British out of India).  But,  even non-violent direct action should only be considered as a last resort.  Anyone choosing this path must be prepared to face potential life-changing consequences.  Remember Hippocrates' most famous dictum: primum non nocere, which means, first do no harm .

WEBMASTER:  This ELF communique has been printed on 100% recycled cyber fiber.  Save the internet for future generations - plant a pixel today.  Content, graphics and technical support has been provided by a retired fellow worker with the IWW (Industrial Workers of the World), Industrial Unit No. 330.  Relevant content, graphics and constructive commentary are welcomed.  Contact Webmaster:  railrant(at)yahoo.com.

 "Don't follow leaders, watch your parking meters"

Bob Dylan - Subterranean Homesick Blues