Activist said he was no terrorist

MOAB, Utah — A generation ago, Edward Abbey's uncompromising defense of nature and open spaces inspired some in the environmental movement to threats — and acts — of vandalism against billboards, bulldozers and other symbols of development. His most famous novel gave this a name, "monkey wrenching." Correspondingly, his enemies have sought to marginalize him as a "terrorist."

Abbey long ago prepared his defense.

Jack Loeffler, a cultural historian, radio producer and perhaps Abbey's closest friend over the years, tape-recorded the writer's thoughts on the subject during a desert camping trip on New Year's Day, 1983. Loeffler played a portion at a recent gathering celebrating Abbey's life, and once again, Abbey's basso drawl could be heard in these hills.

Just as he would defend his family, Abbey said he felt obliged "as a last resort" to defend the land he loved against pillage. "If all political means to save it have failed," he said, "I personally feel that sabotage is morally justifiable. At least if it does any good. If it will help. If it will only help you to feel good."

On the tape, Loeffler asked if there was a difference between sabotage and terrorism. Abbey replied, "The distinction seems quite clear and simple to me. Sabotage is an act of force against property or machinery in which life is not endangered, or should not be. Terrorism, on the other hand, is violence against living things, human beings and other living things."