Earth First!

Earth First! is an organization that works to stop the destruction of the environment through direct action. The organization argues in the following viewpoint that the only way to halt environmental degradation is through civil disobedience such as blockades and demonstrations. It contends that such actions can physically halt bulldozers and chainsaws used to destroy the environment as well as call media attention to the destruction. The group stresses that each activist involved in direct action must be committed to nonviolence.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. According to Earth First!, why do demonstrations seldom result in arrests?
2. What are the five types of demonstrations that Earth First! advocates?
3. What is one of the rules of behavior that the organization lists in its guidelines for direct action"

“Sentiment without action is the ruin of the...