Craig Rosebraugh: Spokesman, North American ELF (Earth Liberation Front), 1997 – Sept. 2001
Revolution is necessary in the United States, and that revolution would naturally have to involve the use of violence as well as other tactics. I argue that it has to be used if people are serious about progressing social and political movements in this country.
On his new book The Logic of Political Violence, quoted in “Will readers judge this book by its cover?”, KATU (Portland, OR), Oct. 16, 2003.
Driving a hummer, a $50,000 GM tool for the rich getting 10 miles to the gallon – that is violence. Going in and torching those and getting rid of those is an act of liberation and should be applauded.
CBS Evening News, Los Angeles, Sept. 23, 2003.
People need to at least consider if they are serious about stopping injustice perpetrated by our government, they need to be realistic about what it’s going to take to stop that injustice. A variety of tactics should be considered, but they must include political violence.
Interviewed in “Violence and Protest” by Philip Dawdy, Seattle Weekly, Apr. 9, 2003
The threat to the life of the planet is so severe that political violence must be understood as a viable option.
In a lecture March 2003, quoted in “Violence and Protest” by Philip Dawdy, Seattle Weekly, Apr. 9, 2003
In light of the events on September 11, my country has told me that I should not cooperate with terrorists. I therefore am refusing to cooperate with members of Congress who are some of the most extreme terrorists in history. Currently they are responsible for allowing the slaughter of now over an estimated 1,500 Afghanistan civilians. They are responsible for the Sept. 11 attacks due to horrendous U.S. foreign policies of imperialism and they are responsible for the current ongoing genocide against the innocent people of Afghanistan. This alleged war on terrorism has largely been conducted to allow the U.S. to attempt to oust the Taliban, and put in place a new puppet regime in Afghanistan who would allow the U.S. to build their much sought after pipeline from the Turkmenistan oil reserves through southern Afghanistan, Pakistan, and to the Gulf. These sort of practices, mixed in with domestic policies of racism, classism, and further imperialism at the expense of life demonstrate the truly terrorist reality of the U.S. Congress and Government. I could not live with myself if I cooperated with that injustice.
In a statement distributed by the North American ALF press office following a subpoena for him to testify before a Congressional subcommittee on ecoterrorism, Nov. 1, 2001.
Our country [the USA] exists, you know, with certain traits in mind, apple pie, baseball, and screw anyone or any thing you can just to make a buck.
Interviewed in “Earth Liberation Front, one of the most dangerous terrorist groups in the country”, ABC News, May 3, 2001.
Dating back to the time when we enslaved people and committed mass amounts of genocide, the law then was done for profit and based on capitalism. The possibility of solving grievances or problems caused by capitalism (through) passive means are next to nothing.
Addressing a gathering at Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia, as quoted by the Associated Press. Jan. 30, 2001.
In response to the question “What keeps you going through all of this harassment?”
The realization that what the ELF and ALF are doing is correct. The realization that I support underground direct action aimed at destroying the capitalist ideology, and I want it to increase, dramatically. The realization that in my conscience I know that I am doing what is right.
In an interview, “E.L.F. Spokesperson Targeted by Oregon Grand Jury”, for No Compromise, Issue 16, Fall 2000; on-line at www.nocompromise.org/issues/16craig.html
If we are vandals, so were those who destroyed forever the gas chambers of Buchenwald and Auschwitz.
Quoted in “Sparks fly at forum on activism”, Hoosier Times (Indiana), June 30, 2000.
People are tired of spending an incredible amount of time and energy to try and have campaigns legally that basically get nowhere at all. Individuals in the ELF want to see results. They want to pick up where the law is leaving off.
Quoted in “Disruption is activists’ business”, Los Angeles Times, April 25, 2000.
The US Government realizes that with all its massive weaponry, the power lies in the hands of the people if only we recognize this. The ELF and ALF are representations of the people’s struggle against a murderous government operating in a societal ideology which promotes monetary gain and property over life.
In a statement issued following his appearance before a grand jury in Portland, Oregon; February 29, 2000.
It is clear that the formation of this grand jury is an attempt by the U.S. Department of Justice to silence the successful actions of the ELF and ALF. Throughout history whenever social movements have used successful tactics, the state has responded with an increase in severe repression. The state understands that the power can be truly in the hands of the people if indeed the people realize it. The ELF and the ALF are clear representations of the people’s struggle against the capitalist ideology, and its horrifying effects on the planet and life. This struggle will not be stopped.
Quoted in a Frontline Information Service press release issued by the North American ALF Press Office following a subpoena to testify before a grand jury; February 28, 2000.
Rosebraugh said ELF sources never divulge plans of future action. But he said the group’s message is clear: As long as people ‘profit off the natural environment, there are going to be people in the ELF who are going to try to stop them.
In an interview for the Star Tribune [Minneapolis, MN], February 12, 2000.
We must all act our consciousness and inflict economic harm upon all of those who are responsible for the destruction of the earth and its inhabitants. We encourage others to find a local Earth raper and make them pay for the damages they are inflicting on our communities and humanity’s chance of survival. Furriers,meat packers, bosses, developers, rich industry leaders are all Earth rapers. They all profit off the destruction of life and liberty (whether it be animal, natural world, or worker). A crime against one inhabitant of the Earth is a crime against the Earth. The only language these people understand is money. We must inflict economic sabotage on all Earth rapers if we are ever to stop the madness we live in. To do so is not a crime, it is a necessity.
In an ELF statement published by Humanitarians for Animal Rights Education following an Aug. 7, 1999 attack on the property of a Michigan vet working with fur farmers.
