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Terrorists or Freedom Fighters?: Reflections on the Liberation of Animals

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In this day and age, and especially in this country, where the words "freedom" and "terrorism" have become inextricably linked, "Terrorist or Freedom Fighters, Reflections on the Liberation of Animals" is a sobering reminder of who it is that has never been free and never will be free as long as human ignorance and greed exists.

I probably like many thousands or even millions of people are aware of the atrocities committed on animals, but who always kept those thoughts buried because our culture believes that humans have dominion over the animals. Dominion maybe, but with that power comes an incredible responsibility to care for them and see that they are treated with respect and compassion.

Certainly the mere fact of being a meat eater or wearing any sort of leather clothing would have to invoke some sort of thought regarding the processes whereby animals are turned into a meal or clothing. It doesn't take much of an imagination to envision this action even for some of us with the least creative of imaginations.

The arrogance of the human race is on full view in "Terrorist or Freedom Fighters and editors Steven Best, PhD and Anthony J. Nocella, II assemble a who's who in the animal and environmental rights movements to provide a collection of essays that call attention to the need to liberate animals from the hands of those who would torture, maim, kill and pervert them for sake of human proliferation and superiority.

The reader is given a glimpse into the origins of the radicalized animal liberation movements in both the UK and the US. A group calling itself "Bands of Mercy" began in Britain in 1972. Formed by Ronnie Lee and Cliff Goodman the group took its name from a 19th century youth wing of the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA). Their mission was simple, to take direct action against the deadly practice of fox hunts calling it "active compassion." After being arrested and imprisoned in 1974, Lee and Goodman split up in 1976. Goodman decided to take the legal route to animal liberation but Lee knew better. It was time for a revolution. Together with the remnants of the "Bands of Mercy" and two dozen new recruits, Lee formed the "Animal Liberation Front"(ALF). It wasn't until six years later that America got its own "Animal Liberation Front," its first direct action being the liberation of over thirty cats from the labs of Howard University.

None of the essays are gratuitous in their depiction of the horrors committed on animals - but the few words that do describe how we as humans treat animals provide compelling evidence of why direct action by groups such as the ALF is necessary.

Other essays cover everything from why direct action is necessary or unnecessary, the use "consequent anger" from a review of methods employed by St. Thomas Aquinas, to the comparison of ALF to the Jewish resistance movement of World War II and Abolitionist movement during the 1800's.

Some essays are anonymous such as one from the Western Wildlife Unit of the ALF talking about "what a handful of warriors can do" and what they must do. Others are personal such as the essay by Rod Coronado an ALF member. Written with passion and emotion, Coronado gives an account of his direct actions and his subsequent encounters with the FBI.

Perhaps the most disturbing and for me, most depressing, is the last essay by Best himself entitled, "It's War! The Escalating Battle Between Activists and the Corporate-State Complex." It details for us what only few know or even want to know - how our liberties have been eroded for the sake of security, empiricism, jingoism and corporate interest. And I can see how we as Americans have bought into it. Best says, "a new civil war is unfolding-one between forces hell-bent on exploiting animals and the earth for profit whatever the toll, and the activists steeled to resist this omnicide tooth and nail." It was at this point in the book that I began wondering if the guys who took action in the Boston Tea Party were rolling in their graves.

Best describes the steps the government has taken in clamping down on anyone who even utters "a discouraging word" against it. Indeed it seems as though the skies in America are "cloudy all day." He defines the government's definition of terrorism and gives ample example as to why anyone with the slightest intention of standing up for the animals, or the planet or anything for that matter, needs to think twice and then think again. I for one was extremely appreciative of this chapter.

This book, no, this handbook, is a must read for anyone who has even the slightest intention of standing up and speaking out for the liberation of all animals. It is a primer for the cause of animal liberation and the direct action that is needed to meet that end.

When George W. Bush uttered those famous words, "you're either with us or against us" little did he realize that he was speaking on behalf of the ALF and other groups whose mission is one of compassion for all animals, to take direct action in liberating a species who knows all too well what it's like to be on the short end of the stick.

This is an anthology of essays by leading members of the animal rights movement about the tactics and goals of the Animal Liberation Front (ALF) and about the animal liberation movement generally.

The ALF, whom the editors describe as "human activists who risk their own liberty to rescue and aid animals imprisoned in the worst forms of hell warped human minds can devise," is an anonymous, decentralized, underground network of people willing to take immediate and decisive action to save animals and confront those who exploit and kill them.

Convinced that the time for moderation, delay, and compromise is over, these activists are unwilling to "fiddle while the earth burns and animal bodies pile up by the billions."

The wide range of authors represented here include university professors, members of the aboveground part of the animal rights movement like PETA's Ingrid Newkirk, and former ALF members such as Ron Coronado, Gary Yourofsky, and Freeman Wicklund.

This book will open your eyes, and it may even change your life. I recommend it highly.

--reviewed by Charles Patterson, author of ETERNAL TREBLINKA: Our Treatment of Animals and the Holocaust

This scholarly work thoroughly explains the philosophy behind the Animal Liberation Front and its parallel to direct action activists of other social movements. After reading this book only those with a vested interest in perpetuating the forms of animals abuse that are commonplace in today's society will fail to see that the same issues that emancipated human slaves and paved the way for women's rights are being addressed by animal activists who risk their freedom and liberty to bring justice to those who suffer only because they were born to a mother of another species.

Those with open minds will have a greater understanding of the Animal Liberation activists who act out of a sense of altruism, and of the forces at work to deny both animals and humans their very basic rights.

With more than 20 authors from around the world, this book examines, theorizes, and professes, an outstanding concept, animal liberation in action. From academics to activists finally a book about the Animal Liberation Front - ALF. The ALF is an international nonviolent underground organization that has been around since 1976. This book should be a recommended read for every environmental and philosophy class. It is well edited and organized. If you enjoy stories, theory, philosophy, animal advocacy, or revolutionary struggles, you must read this book.

Incredibly thorough. Covers numerous points of view which should be of great interest to a variety of individuals of any background. Breaks through the many common misconceptions that are attached to the animal liberation movement. Very timely and relevant to a range of issues, including national security, human rights, and personal freedom. Will answer your questions whether you are a veteran activist, new to the movement, or just someone who loves animals. Hope is given through the history of direct action and the key role it has played in the struggles for freedoms of the past.

Throughout history, "acceptable," "traditional," and "customary" practices have allowed the enslavement of humans, the negation of women's rights, the denial of a people's civil rights, and countless other atrocities. The human animal has given of its blood, sacrificed its freedom, and wreaked destruction against members of its own family in the battle against ignorance, prejudice, and inequality. However, not until The Animal Liberation Front took charge did those who suffer needlessly have someone who would pay the ultimate price in their name. Not until the Animal Liberation Front becomes an accepted voice for the voiceless will the "acceptable," "traditional," and "customary" ever change.

Terrorist or Freedom Fighters? provides a comprehensive, intellectual study of the philosophy and tactics guiding the Animal Liberation Front. Steve Best and Anthony Nocella II provide an in-depth analysis of how direct action is not only essential to the animal rights movement, but also relevant to the history of all social justice movements. The book includes fascinating sections on topics such as history, tactics, media, and terrorism and includes voices from within the movement that are both supportive and critical of the ALF. Terrorist or Freedom Fighters? is a compilation of diverse animal rights voices, an unprecedented collection of ideas whose time has come. It is a book of serious scholarship. This book is sure to change the debate surrounding the ALF, within the animal rights movement and society as a whole, for much of the debate is conducted in ignorance of ALF history and philosophy. This is a must read for ALF fans and critics alike.

After anyone reads this book they will look at radicals with logic, reason, and a compassionate heart. This book, more then any other animal rights book from Animal Liberation by Singer or The Case for Animal Rights by Regan, stands far above them all. While at the same time all of those books are outstanding and must be read. The anthology approach of gathering many people together to write on an important topic should be done on all critical topics, bravo Best and Nocella. I now know so much more about different viewpoints and a strong stance to debate the use of direct action.

Terrorists or Freedom Fighters is a unique look into the underground Animal Liberation movement. Until now, there has been no resource as vast, in-depth, and insightful as this book.

Terrorists or Freedom Fighters successfully aims to give a legitimate analysis of the Animal Liberation Front. Regardless of whether or not one agrees with the actions of the ALF, it is hard to argue against the need for comprehensive analysis and intellectual dialogue.

Thanks to Dr. Steven Best and Anthony J. Nocella II, Terrorists or Freedom Fighters has helped advance the study of the strategies, tactics, and goals of the Animal Liberation movement. It is a must-read for anyone who wishes to learn about and understand this complex and important movement.

-Erin Ryan Fitzgerald
Syracuse Animal Rights Organization
www.SyracuseAnimalRights.com

This book was wonderful for my scholarly research on social movements and civil liberties. It was well-edited and diverse in styles of writing. Furthermore, this book captures the most controversial and radical social movement today. Be it if you are in England, Canada, or in Germany, this movement is active around the world. Terrorists or Freedom Fighters? is an outstanding book discussing animal liberation, terrorism, civil liberties, social movements, critical pedagogy, and theology. What else can you ask for in a book. I very much recommend this book to all scholars, activists, and law enforcement.

Terrorists or Freedom Fighters is a revolutionary conglomeration of individual viewpoints regarding the Animal Liberation Front. The book is not only thorough in its historical coverage, it includes the voices of many individuals, female and male, academics and activists, young and old.

Before one can make a value judgement concerning the ALF, she/he should be required to read this book, which explians the mindset and the psychological reasoning that fuels such radical actions as economic sabotage. Wonderfully organized and put together.