Chilling Effect

The Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act Threatens Activism

Jurist, the legal news service, discusses why the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act is unconstitutional. Guest commentary by Will Potter.

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“‘Extremist’ or Journalist?” — TV Interview

The Alyona Show interviews Will Potter about the case of Jordan Halliday, and journalism being labeled “extremist.”

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The FBI and Federal Prosecutors Say My Journalism Is “Extremist”

Labeling journalists and blogs as “extremist” in terrorism investigations is an attack on the First Amendment and a free press.

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New Lawsuit Challenges the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act as Unconstitutional

A new lawsuit challenges the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act as unconstitutional because it has given activists reason to fear that they could be prosecuted as “terrorists” for non-violent civil disobedience, protests, and First Amendment activity. The lawsuit was filed by the Center for Constitutional Rights on behalf of 5 longtime animal rights activists. The activists […]

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Powell’s Guest Blog: Labeling Political Activists as “Terrorists” Puts Everyone at Risk

Everything about how I approached this book project was focused on raising awareness about this issue outside of activist circles, and even progressive circles, and making clear that this terrorist scare-mongering affects all of us. My guest blog post for Powell’s Bookstore today focuses on this: There are plenty of discussions that need to be […]

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Dear Congress: You Lied to Me About the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act

March 4, 2009 Dear Member of Congress: When I testified before the House Judiciary Committee about the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act in 2006, I argued that such sweeping legislation risks criminalizing First Amendment activity as “terrorism” and chilling free speech. Members of the committee, including Rep. Bobby Scott and Rep. James Sensenbrenner, quickly dismissed my […]

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Green Scare Essay Wins in Lantern Books Contest

Just found out an essay I wrote, “McCarthyism 2.o,” won 3rd place in the Lantern Books 2006 essay contest. Here’s the full text… McCarthyism 2.0 by Will Potter Minutes after receiving an invitation to testify before Congress about legislation labeling activists as “terrorists,” I barged into a colleague’s office with a hotshot grin on my […]

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New Article in Satya on the Chilling Effect of “Eco-terror” Rhetoric and Legislation

I have a guest editorial in the latest issue of Satya Magazine on the chilling effect of all this “eco-terrorism” rhetoric and legislation. You can read it here on GreenIsTheNewRed.com. Also be sure to check out the rest of Satya’s “Green Scare” issue. Let me know what you think. Best, Will

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Struggling Fur Salon Owner Says “Eco-terrorism” Legislation Should Be Used Against Protests

A 111-year-old Portland fur store closed last week after ongoing protests by local activists, and the owner of the store says he has been “terrorized.” Greg Schumacher of Schumacher Furs & Outerwear says the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act should be used to silence the protestors. The New McCarthyists are rushing to his defense, trying to […]

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Gingrich Says “Different Set of Rules” Needed for Free Speech in War on Terrorism

Most of the scare-mongering rhetoric from the New McCarthyists thus far has been about national security and looming terrorism threats. At an event in Manchester, New Hampshire, honoring those who have stood up for free speech, Newt Gingrich made a few comments that indicate a much broader, more overt attack on First Amendment activity in […]

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