Earth First! radicals a necessary evil

I was very amused to read the IDS editorial titled “Earth First! Common sense last!” (July 16). My first smile appeared when I read “... radical environmentalists/anarchists ...” It would behoove the writer of this article to actually look up the definition of the word anarchist rather than just use it because it sounds dramatic or clever. The smile erupted to a quite audible chuckle when I read the IDS opinion on the attire of the Earth First! attendees. Aw, they were wearing clothing that offended the writer? So sad. Damn activists, why can’t they wear suits and ties? The chuckles continued as I read on. Oh my, the group is now made up of “hippies, anarchists or radical counterculturists”! \nThat definitely does sound spooky, and I could easily imagine Andy Griffith, or perhaps more appropriately Don Knotts, shaking and pointing, eyes wide at the sight of these horrible people – excuse me, ecoterrorists. lol. My biggest laugh erupted when I read the phrase “moderate, system-ingratiated groups.” Isn’t that just another way of saying “ass kissers”?\nThe writer obviously is afraid of people who don’t act/dress/talk the way he or she thinks they should. One gets the impression that the writer wants everyone to be polite, wear suits, kiss corporate and political butts and still be focused on change. Unfortunately, that isn’t the real world. In the real world, you have all kinds of people and groups. They all are necessary for change as well. Groups such as CARR (http://www.carri69.org/) are excellent and focused and don’t relent. They are the moderate types mentioned in the article, and they are as effective as they are able to be. Earth First! may not fit into the “mainstream” too well (OMG Andy, l-l-l-o-oo-ok at them there hippies! I hope Aunt Bea doesn’t see ’em!), but they serve a vital purpose. They truly bring attention to issues, whereas more moderate groups are often ignored.\nYou don’t have to agree with them, but be thankful they have the courage that most of us lack to get out there and do something.