Japan Officially Labels Paul Watson a "Terrorist" for Saving Whales
posted by: Drew Wilson 220 days ago
When will this silly "terrorism" rhetoric end? I thought that once Bush left office he would take the with-us-or-with-the-terrorists mentality with him. Maybe that was naive. Apparently the Japanese government has taken yet another step towards labeling the conservationist Paul Watson a terrorist.
Watson is the founder of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and captain of the anti-whaling vessel, the Steve Irwin. During a recent trip between Canada and the United States, Watson discovered that he is now officially on some kind of Japanese suspected-terrorist watch-list. While going through the regular paperwork of international air travel, he was told that there was some issue with his documents and was pulled aside by a member of the American homeland security office. There he was held long enough to miss his original flight, but Watson was lucky enough to catch the next flight out.
While being held, Watson discovered from the US agents that the Japanese government has sent an official communication to the American government that they suspect the anti-whaling activist of being a terrorist. The homeland security officer eventually let him go, but only after asking for an autograph for his son. Apparently the boy is a big fan of Whale Wars. Awesome.
From Paul's online editorial column:
Watson is the founder of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society and captain of the anti-whaling vessel, the Steve Irwin. During a recent trip between Canada and the United States, Watson discovered that he is now officially on some kind of Japanese suspected-terrorist watch-list. While going through the regular paperwork of international air travel, he was told that there was some issue with his documents and was pulled aside by a member of the American homeland security office. There he was held long enough to miss his original flight, but Watson was lucky enough to catch the next flight out.
While being held, Watson discovered from the US agents that the Japanese government has sent an official communication to the American government that they suspect the anti-whaling activist of being a terrorist. The homeland security officer eventually let him go, but only after asking for an autograph for his son. Apparently the boy is a big fan of Whale Wars. Awesome.
From Paul's online editorial column:
"But the truth had just been revealed and with a shudder down my spine I realized that I was now a member of a new species of terrorist, a gentler, kinder sort of terrorist.
I was not upset. In fact I was overjoyed to find out that I was not alone. Another international terrorist whose name strikes fear into the hearts of every Chinese communist bureaucrat was his Holiness the Dalai Lama.
This gentle, non-violent, wise and honorable man is now, according to the Chinese government, an international terrorist. And if the Dalai Lama can be defined as a terrorist then I’m proud to be a terrorist also."
Seems like the power dynamic is always the same: if an activist points out the wrong-doing of some dominant power structure like a government or a major corporation, then they get labeled an antisocial terrorist. What garbage. The whole world is rooting for Sea Shepherd.Read more: civil rights
comments
i see all animalist are terrorist for this low level sistem of things.
government is the terrorist for the animals.
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why is this inappropriate?
By using using the word "terrorist" in connection with Paul Watson and his efforts to protect the whales both minimizes the definition of the word and demeans the real victims of terrorism.
Japan's blatant disregard of the oceans' most precious resources sickens me. We could all have a major impact by supporting the Sea Shepherd and by boycotting all things Japanese. Yes a boycott would be difficult but not impossible. I boycott all things Chinese!
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Only terrorist around is the Japanese whalers along w/ Bush & Cheney
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They Clearly don't know the meaning of terrorist now do they!
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paul watson is a geniune environmental hero and the japanese whalers are cowards!!! if the japanese are so proud of their 'research' i challenge them to go on animal planet's amazing show 'whale wars' and defend their slaying of endangered species...
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If such a person can be called a terrorist, what can you call Bush for all his efforts to destroy our planet?
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The whalers are the terrorists and mirror it upon Sea Shepherd Society. To them the proud and thankgoodness hutzpa of Paul Watson is interference with their egregious massacres.
Why or why won't governments stop whaling and leave no loop-holes open for whaling. We Love Paul Watson, his organization and all who step up to the plate and take action to stop killing beloved, gentle whales. Keep up the good work Sea Shepherd Society!!
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Bush and Cheney Are Terrorist but no way is paul watson is.
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this is crazy!!! Paul Watson a terrorist???? Then Who are those people the soldiers are going war for???? If Paul label as "Terrorist" for saving the most gentle, graceful and loving animal, i don't know what to call those who kill people in the name of God and Power ????
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Japan's silly tactics to stop the sea shepherd crew are laughable. What a bunch of woosie bullies!! Captain Watson is proud to be in the company of the Dalai Lama and I applaud his attitude. The bravery and commitment of the crew and all their support staff is commendable and honourable. GO SEA SHEPHERD !!!!
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