Hero #002: Edward Abbey … (06/01/16)
Hero #22: Edward Abbey … Born in 1927, Abbey was a controversial American author and essayist noted for his advocacy of the environment, his criticism of public land policies, and his radical political views. His best-known works include the novel The Monkey Wrench Gang, which has been cited as an inspiration behind the founding of several proactive environmental groups (including Earth First, the Earth Liberation Front & Greenpeace), and well as the creation of the word “monkeywrenching” – a term referring to any act of sabotage, activism, or law-breaking done to preserve wilderness areas and/or natural ecosystems.
An amusing anecdote has Abbey serving two years in the military (into which he was drafted at a young age), during which time he received two promotions due to his excellent labors, and also two demotions due to his knack for opposing the asininities of authority. Upon receiving his honorable discharge papers, Abbey sent them back to the department with the words “Return to Sender” written thereupon. The FBI took note of this stunt, and opened a file on Abbey; a file they added to regularly for the rest of his days. Towards the latter parts of his life, after learning of the FBI’s interest in his activities, Abbey was heard to say, “I’d be insulted if they weren’t watching me.”
While often accused of being an “eco-terrorist”, Abbey staunchly refuted such claims, noting that he was merely advocating tactics designed to defend against the acts of terrorism he felt were being committed by United States government and other major corporations against the environment and all the sentient beings living therein.
“Society is like a stew. If you don’t stir it up every once in a while then a layer of scum floats to the top … I write in a deliberately provocative and outrageous manner because I like to startle people. I hope to wake people up. I have no desire to simply soothe or please. I would rather risk making people angry than putting them to sleep … Freedom begins between the ears.” ~ Edward Abbey
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