EDITORIAL: Firebombing shows the danger of domestic terror

San Francisco Chronicle ^ | 8/5/8 | Editor

[SmithL]

For all of the national chatter that persists about international terrorists striking the United States, this weekend's firebombings in Santa Cruz offered us a frightening reminder that our greatest dangers may be right here at home.

Thankfully, no one was hurt in Saturday morning's firebombs. David Feldheim, a UC Santa Cruz biologist, and his young family escaped an ignition at their own home by climbing down a fire ladder. And there was no one in the Volvo station wagon that was destroyed by a firebomb around the same time. But the perennial nature of these attacks on scientists who conduct animal experiments, and the increasing sophistication of the devices being used to attack them, speak to catastrophes in the making. But where is the outrage, and where are the wars to protect scientists like Feldheim?

We're not talking about real, actual wars - we've got enough of those already. But Feldheim was right to say that the citizens of Santa Cruz and the city's elected officials need to "step up" and condemn this sort of violence. We would expand the scope to say that all citizens and elected officials need to be emphatic in saying that this is unacceptable and step up their willingness to defend scientists struggling to do their research.

For example, why didn't the Santa Cruz coffee shop remove the threatening animal-rights pamphlet that listed the names and addresses of 13 researchers - and call the police?

[Abathar]

"this weekend's firebombings in Santa Cruz offered us a frightening reminder that our greatest dangers may be right here at home."

If the greatest thing we have to fear is some idiot with a wine bottle and kerosene then I will be a very happy individual.

[PeteB570]

Why?

Because Libs are like Muslims.

“It’s OK and I’ll keep my mouth shut as long as they are doing it to the bad people.”

[xcamel]

What if the firebombs had been pitched at AGW scientists?

There would be a line around the block to get on camera, along with the FBI, CIA, NSA, and national guard...

[Psycho_Bunny]

"But where is the outrage, and where are the wars to protect scientists like Feldheim?.. We're not talking about real, actual wars - we've got enough of those already."

The REAL problem with Microsoft and Apple, is that they've made it too easy for the truly stupid to find an on-ramp to the information superhighway.

[Dr.Deth]

What if the firebombs had been pitched at AGW scientists?

Or abortion doctors... this is the first I've heard of this incident.

[JimSEA]

And where are the moderate voices in the animal-rights community, when they're needed to straighten out someone like Dr. Jerry Vlasak of the Animal Liberation Front, who didn't claim responsibility for the attacks but called them "necessary?"

As PeteB570 indicates, they are in a very small room hiding along with the handful of moderate Muslims.

[sauropod]

For example, why didn't the Santa Cruz coffee shop remove the threatening animal-rights pamphlet that listed the names and addresses of 13 researchers - and call the police?

b/c Santa Cruz is populated by far-left whackjobs!

[Carry_Okie]

Like me. ;-)

[jazusamo]

Congrats for them calling out Jerry Vlasak, an animal rights nutjob and sorry excuse for an MD.

[sauropod]

I don’t know if it’s the hemp sandals or all the granola wrappers that clued me in ;-)

[happinesswithoutpeace]

Quote from that genius on the incidents:

“It’s regrettable that certain scientists are willing to put their families at risk by choosing to do wasteful animal experiments,”

[jazusamo]

I find it incredible that a person of his mental capacity could make it through medical school.