Waco, TX - In an alarming move, a Waco climate group, Waco Friends of the Climate, will host a controversial film "How to Blow Up a Pipeline" screening at the South Waco Library on January 23, 2024. The email inviting members endorses the film and suggests that sabotaging fossil fuel infrastructure could be considered self-defense.
The group's leader, Alan D. Northcutt, has given his approval to a film that questions the peaceful nature of the climate movement, drawing parallels with historical movements that included violent strategies. This endorsement is a cause for serious concern and shows a new mindset of urgency and violent action.
The choice of a public library as the venue for an event seemingly advocating violence is particularly troubling. Public spaces like libraries are meant for education and dialogue, not for endorsing actions that could incite harm or promote unlawful activities.
The email promoting the event includes the following quote:
"Film: 'How to Blow Up a Pipeline' is the first fictional movie we have ever screened, to my knowledge. Although this film would be considered in the thriller-action genre, it will raise two important issues. First, the climate movement has been almost totally peaceful, with not even destruction of property sanctioned. But with our livable planet and climate threatened by the fossil fuel industry, should sabotage of that industry's infrastructure be considered self-defense?" - Alan D. Northcutt
This quote suggests a dangerous line of thinking, questioning the peaceful history of the climate movement and justifying destructive actions as a response to perceived threats.
Using a public facility for an event that could potentially incite violence or support unlawful activities goes against the principles of maintaining a safe and inclusive community environment. Advocacy for violence, regardless of the cause, is unacceptable and risks damaging the credibility of the climate movement.
As the Waco community, we must condemn such events and engage in constructive conversations to ensure that public spaces, especially libraries, remain sanctuaries for education, collaboration, and positive change.
What will we allow in our own backyard?
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