Frack Free Denton has received two death threats.
Watching our community come together and work for a safer and healthier Denton has been an inspiration to us, and we believe Denton is a stronger city for it. The people we have met are passionate about banning fracking in Denton but we have met no one so passionate they would threaten to inflict harm to another.
This is not the case for the ban opposition. The oil and gas industry is known for bullying and threatening people. We were criticized because Earthworks accepted donations on behalf of Frack Free Denton, but this is exactly why some people who want to donate feel they must remain anonymous.
We feel the best way to handle these cowardly acts is turning the threats over to authorities and exposing the threats publicly. Names will be given to the police but withheld here.
Threat one:
From:XXXXX
Sent: Thursday, October 09, 2014 8:41 PM
To:info@frackfreedenton.com
Subject: frackingYou people are socialist jerks. DEATH TO YOU ALL.
Threat two:
I’M FOR SAVING THE PLANET BIT WITHIN REASON…AND NOT AT THE EXPENSE OF HUMANITY…MAKE AN IMPACT WHERE YOU CAN BE EFFECTIVE… 80% OF SOCIETY IS LAUGHING AT YOU AND IF YOU DID MANAGE TO STOP FRACING…WELL THAT 80% WOULD BURN YOU AT THE STAKE…AND I WOULD LIGHT THE FIREhttps://www.facebook.com/XXXXX
Here is some excellent advice on how to deal with intimidation from Western Organization or Resource Councils WORC:
If you are being intimidated, never forget why it is happening. It means you are doing good work, and that your opponents are desperate. It is a sign that you are taking actions which challenge the existing power relationships in your community, and that those with power want you to back off.
Ed says:
I wonder if these folks are members of the Chamber of Commerce.
Tim Ruggiero says:
And they were stupid enough to send it through email? Gee, no one could trace the IP address, right? This is genius.
Bill Owens says:
So I’m guessing you did file a police report ? Death threats are serious.
Frack Free Denton says:
Bill, thanks for your concern.
We’ve been in touch with the authorities.
Phyllis Wolper says:
It is an old political tactic to stir up the fringe in a way that leads some to threaten harm when there is no valid argument in opposition to a cause or issue. (Remember “lock and load” and other “call to action” rhetoric used in recent elections?) Such threats usually come from an easily excitable fringe, not the direct opposition, so that the organization can disclaim any responsibility. During every election cycle, even in non partisan races, one or two people make threatening calls or visits to Democratic Party headquarters in an attempt to scare volunteers. Obviously, such irrational actions are by persons who lack reasoning or critical thinking skills. Even so, it is unlawful to make threats and leadership should be held responsible for their words and/or deeds that inspire lawlessness of any kind.
Iris Marie Bloom says:
Right Tim, and making death threats in response to folks speaking up for human rights, environmental health, climate, and basic justice is not exactly a genius move to begin with.
It’s interesting — the implied comparison with witches (who often were just older women who had knowledge of healing herbs and were “burned at the stake” for irrational reasons which had only to do with power and control — puts the people making the threat in bad company, historically speaking: The Inquisition. Is that how they see themselves?
Our hearts go out to you, Frack Free Denton. You are handling this very intelligently and you have all our solidarity, from the Marcellus region and beyond. Keep us all posted!