Green kite flying

The Observer reports today that:
"Police have warned of the growing threat of eco-terrorism after revealing they are investigating a group which has supporters who believe that reducing the Earth's population by four-fifths will help to protect the planet."
Apparently the police's National Extremism Tactical Co-ordination Unit is monitoring the environmental group Earth First!
This is the kind of story I expect to see in The Sunday Times, not The Observer.
It's based on one source, with a bit of background from the States and a rebutal quote from an EF member in the UK. It's pretty weak stuff but what it does show is that the state is ramping up its agenda on environmental campaigners.
This kind of kite flying suggests the ground is being prepared for a wider crackdown on eco-groups - no surprise since they have had some success in their anti-coal and anti-airport protests.
Once you start messing with the economic drivers you can expect a backlash.
Such groups in the US have already been on the receiving end of dirty tricks and some private sector spooks have been uncovered over here.
The joke bit in the article is that Earth First! are dangerous because they apparently believe in reducing the population of the planet to a more sustainable level. Well, so does the Optimum Population Trust - can we expect them to be monitored too?
Since one of their patrons is Sir Crispin Tickell GCMG KCVO, former UK Permanent Representative on the United Nations Security Council, one assumes not.

Comments

[Calvin]

The article has now been retracted...

http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2008/nov/23/readers-editor-climate-change