eugene weekly note

http://eugeneweekly.com/2006/07/13/news.html#4
ECOTAGE TOP EPD PRIORITY
The Eugene Police Department regularly complains that it doesn't have
enough officers to adequately respond to domestic violence, car
thefts and stolen bikes and burglaries. But the EPD apparently made
the investigation of environmentally motivated arson and sabotage,
the top domestic "terrorism" priority of the Bush administration, a
top priority of the city of Eugene as well.
The EPD dedicated six officers — three detectives, a sergeant, a
lieutenant and a captain — plus a civilian assistant to work on the
"Operation Backfire" investigation in conjunction with six personnel
from the federal FBI, ATF and U.S. attorney's office, according to a
department newsletter.
The operation investigated environmentally motivated arsons and
vandalism in Eugene and throughout the West from 1996 to 2001 and
resulted in the indictment of 11 suspects in January. Bush
administration officials have trumpeted the arrests of the
"ecoterrorists" while environmental activists have condemned the
round-up as an overblown "green scare."
The EPD gave all of its officers and the local federal agents
involved awards and commendations at a May ceremony. — Alan Pittman


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Family and Friends of Daniel McGowan
Daniel McGowan is an environmental and social justice activist,
unjustly arrested and charged in federal court. To donate to Daniel's
legal defense, send a check or postal money order made out to "Lisa
McGowan" to Lisa McGowan, PO Box 106, NY, NY 10156-106.
http://www.supportdaniel.org
http://www.myspace.com/danielmcgowan
http://www.friendster.com/profiles/danielmcg