RESOURCES COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN JAMES HANSEN

Statement for of Mr. Hansen on Eco-Terrorism:

On September 11 we were shocked when we saw first hand the consequences of hate. We cannot forget what happened on that date. Terrorism on that scale was a shock to us all.

The attack of September 11 was directed at our financial institutions and our government. But that hasn't been the only terrorism our country has seen. Last year alone the eco-terrorist groups ELF and ALF claimed responsibility for 137 separate acts of terror.

The rationalization of eco-terrorists is no different from the Al-Qaeda terrorists. Both believe they are sole proprietor of truth and righteousness. Both believe they have the right to impose their concepts of truth and righteousness on society. Both attack people who they think have violated nature's or God's law. Both groups destroy because they can't peacefully get their way. Both reject the concept of individuals' civil liberties. Both hate Americans because we are free to make our own decisions.

As we look back to September 11, we realize that we must always be vigilant. We will not tolerate those that practice hate and intolerance. We will not compromise with those who would take our freedoms. It is our job today to protect those freedoms.

As we have shown in Afghanistan, we will not tolerate terrorism went it comes from abroad. We also will not tolerate terrorism when it comes from within our borders. We must work harder to eradicate all forms of terrorism-from abroad and within.

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