{"id":239,"date":"2012-01-26T11:09:36","date_gmt":"2012-01-26T19:09:36","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/animalliberationpressoffice.org\/NAALPO\/?p=239"},"modified":"2012-06-30T11:15:10","modified_gmt":"2012-06-30T19:15:10","slug":"interview-with-walter-bond-by-paula-ricciulli-for-the-columbian-magazine-cartel-urbano","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/animalliberationpressoffice.org\/NAALPO\/2012\/01\/26\/interview-with-walter-bond-by-paula-ricciulli-for-the-columbian-magazine-cartel-urbano\/","title":{"rendered":"Interview with Walter Bond by Paula Ricciulli for the Columbian Magazine Cartel Urbano"},"content":{"rendered":"

Do you think there will be a time when mankind stops relying on Animals? <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

I think there will come a time when humanity either stops using Animals’ dead bodies for food, research, clothing and all other reasons or humanity will reap the consequences of environmental destruction due in large part to Animal agriculture and industrialized civilization.\u00a0 In either event, it’s a certainty that Animals and the Earth will once again live free from human tyranny and exploitation.\u00a0 So the only real question is will our species ever wise up and become part of the ecosystem instead of a cancer to it?\u00a0 Currently it does not look like we will.\u00a0 We are nowhere near treating ourselves with respect, let alone Animals.<\/p>\n

You have said a lot of times that you don’t regret the arson you caused. Why don’t you regret it? <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

I don’t regret my arsons first and foremost because they were justified.\u00a0 Animals lives are snuffed out by the billions every year because of human greed, gluttony, bloodlust and psychopathology.\u00a0 All I did was destroy some property.\u00a0 My arsons were in fact a meek and passive action in retaliation for all the innocent Animals that have died cruelly at the hands of human oppressors.\u00a0 It’s unfortunate that people are so easily focused on my response (arsons) to these atrocities, but not the Animals’ plight.\u00a0 This is because human society purposefully sets the context for these issues to be from the perspective of a business owner’s ability to profit from an Animal’s slavery and death and never from the perspective of what the Animals suffer because of human injustices.\u00a0 I think arson was a great way for me to address these problems.<\/p>\n

Is there something you wouldn’t do for Animal rights? <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Of course, there are many things I would not personally do in the name of Animal Rights.\u00a0 But unlike the welfarist and peace freak branches of the Animal Rights community, I am not going to denounce tactics that are extreme.\u00a0 Take murder for example.\u00a0 Let’s be honest, the world would simply be a better place for Animals if people like Animal researchers, slaughterhouse workers and even non-Vegans were disposed of.\u00a0 It’s kind of difficult to harm an Animal if you’re dead.\u00a0 And on a basic and fundamental level I feel that people that go to work every day to harm Animals are sick freaks that must be stopped.\u00a0 That’s not to say that I’m against legal or non-violent activism, but what I am saying is that just because we personally are not willing to commit certain actions on behalf of our Earth Mother and Animal Nations doesn’t mean we should look down on people that are not so timid and lukewarm.\u00a0 It’s an unfortunate fact that most injustices are not going to vanish because we expose them or simply raise awareness.\u00a0 Senseless or hedonistic violence often must be stopped with force.\u00a0 That is the reality of things.\u00a0 Of course it’s always easy to debate about tactics and where we should draw the line when it’s not our own neck on the chopping block.\u00a0 I am a Vegan Hardliner, which has many implications, but the most prevalent of our beliefs is that if you cannot respect the rights of innocent life, then you yourself become a perpetrator, and are no longer innocent.\u00a0 You then forfeit your rights by your own failure or inability to co-exist with your surroundings in a peaceful and compassionate way.\u00a0 If a person, business or corporation has been educated, then protested, then warned, the next logical step is militant intervention.<\/p>\n

What made you become an Animal rights activist? <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

I became a Vegan and then Animal Rights activist after spending a year as a builder of slaughterhouses in the Midwestern United States.\u00a0 After viewing the carnage and gore of \u201cpork production\u201d firsthand, I was left with the decision to either quit my job and become a compassionate person or continue to do my demonic job of slavery and murder.\u00a0 I was fortunate enough to have been raised by both my parents to be respectful and compassionate towards all life and had friends in the punk rock and Straightedge subcultures that were already Vegan, so I knew deep in my heart that my job was evil.\u00a0 For a more in depth understanding of why I became Vegan and an Animal Liberationist, please read my articles, \u201cWhy I Am Vegan\u201d and \u201cSlaughterhouse Blues (Why I Am Vegan II) on www.SupportWalter.org <\/a>.<\/p>\n

Why do you think is so difficult for our society to stop animal cruelty? <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

It’s difficult because subsisting off of Animals has been an integral part of human societies for a long, long time.\u00a0 To the point where modern society and especially the richer nations of the Earth were literally built on the blood and bones of Animals and various forms of slavery.\u00a0 Because of this, a world devoid of Animal use \u2014 in other words, a truly Vegan world \u2013 undermines not just the status quo in perception, but the entire foundation of technologically advanced civilization.\u00a0 It is why many people instinctively have animosity towards the concept of Animal Liberation and definitely against militant or radical Animal Liberation.\u00a0 Because they intuitively understand that we are not only attacking their dietary habits, but the foundation of hierarchical slavery and supremacy.\u00a0 Putting the Earth and Animals right to be left alone first means no new roads, construction, technology, industry, cities or transportation.\u00a0 Even most Vegans and activists cannot truly comprehend what a world without interspecies slavery would look like.\u00a0 But honestly the destruction of modern day civilization is of paramount importance if Animals are ever to live free and natural lives.\u00a0 This also means that we should participate in society to the least degree possible and if we are so inclined do everything within our power to disrupt, destroy or deconstruct business, industry and economy to the greatest degree possible.<\/p>\n

Who is your hero and why? <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Barry Horne is my hero.\u00a0 Barry was an Animal Liberation Front operative that also had ties to the Animal Rights Militia and a group called the Justice Department that used threats and intimidation to stop vivisection.\u00a0 Barry was arrested in England and sentenced to over ten years in prison.\u00a0 He continued to fight against Animal testing after his imprisonment with a series of hunger strikes that eventually killed him.\u00a0 Barry Horne is my hero because he never gave up, never equivocated and never failed to inspire others to take direct action!<\/p>\n

Why did you choose the name Lone Wolf and how would you describe this warrior alter ego? <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

I chose the name \u201cLone Wolf\u201d to convey to people that I was one person acting alone.\u00a0 I wanted to show that one empowered person can accomplish a lot, or wreak plenty of havoc as the case may be.\u00a0 I think the Lone Wolf nickname became more of an alter ego after my arrest than before it.\u00a0 Especially as pertains to my writings.\u00a0 When people that only know me from my articles or ALF actions first meet me or talk to me over the phone they are usually surprised at how social, jovial and easygoing I am.\u00a0 I guess the \u201cLone Wolf alter ego\u201d as you say, takes over whenever Animal Liberation, Straightedge or Veganism enters the picture.\u00a0 I am extremely serious when it comes to matters of life and death, but as anyone that actually knows me can attest to, I’m perrty much a goofball and comic about everything else.<\/p>\n

How effective you think ALF is to create awareness for Animals? <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The ALF has been incredibly effective at creating awareness about what Animals suffer.\u00a0 Many ALF raids in the 80s uncovered behind the scenes footage of the reality and futility of Animal experimentation.\u00a0 As a legal activist it can be impossible to see what’s actually happening behind laboratory walls and also impossible to stop it and save the Animals lives.\u00a0 The Animal Liberation Front, since its inception, has always been about taking the most direct path to effectively save actual Animals and stop their exploiters while also passing along communiqu\u00e9s to the media to shed light on these issues and raise public awareness.<\/p>\n

Animal tested medications have been very successful in a lot of diseases. What do you think about this? <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

I disagree.\u00a0 There is a wealth of information that proves Animal experimentation to be futile and a detriment to public health. Extrapolating results between species in Animal experimentation seldom works.\u00a0 But all this to me is secondary to the real issue \u2013 that being, it is wrong to test on Animals no matter what results may be had.\u00a0 Animals have every right to autonomy and freedom from pain, suffering, confinement and torture that you or I have.\u00a0 The medical or scientific results are of zero concern.\u00a0 We would not entertain the idea of testing oven cleaner on handicapped or mentally challenged people.\u00a0 We would not allow lethal dosage tests to be run on large groups of humans, even if they freely consented!\u00a0 It’s just another twisted sickness of human supremacy to even entertain the validation of Animal experimentation!<\/p>\n

Don’t you think that with arsons and other destructive actions, ALF is creating a negative stereotype for Animal rights activists? <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

I honestly don’t care about stereotypes or public images and I actually think it’s very important for Animal abusers and users to know that there is a certain percentage of us that will not tolerate what they are doing.\u00a0 Part of the effectiveness that legal protests have is that there is an underlying fear on the part of Animal exploiters that the legal protest and media attention will catch the eye of the Animal Liberation Front.\u00a0 Without that fear, Animal Rights activism becomes a paper tiger, since all the laws are on the side of industries that profit from the demise of the Earth, Animals and humans.\u00a0 For my entire activist career, I have heard the public image argument.\u00a0 It really is quite na\u00efve to think that the system’s media, which has vested interests in the continuation of societal norms, is going to shower us with favorable media so we can convince people to boycott industries that keep the rich on top and masses downtrodden.\u00a0 Plus \u201cnegative stereotypes\u201d are all a matter of personal opinion.\u00a0 My idea of a negative image in Animal Rights is that of a frail hippie that’s an oversensitive pothead and supplicant to the powers that be.\u00a0 Or some welfarist negotiator that’s more concerned with everyone getting along with non-Vegans and Animal abusers than confronting those bastards and saving the Animals.<\/p>\n

What is your advice for young people interested in fighting for Animal rights? <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

My advice would be to go Vegan and Straightedge.\u00a0 Do not fall into the misdirection of drugs and alcohol.\u00a0 To help Animals directly and consistently in a world where many humans will stand against you, you must remain focused, ferocious, positive and resilient.\u00a0 Always try to find the most direct path to Animal Liberation, such as working with or rescuing actual Animals.\u00a0 Far too may activists these days (especially those in cities) get wrapped up in The Human Movement for Animal Liberation.\u00a0 And above all, believe in yourself and your abilities.\u00a0 You and your friends can help Animals and stand against their exploiters without the help of large organizations.\u00a0 Self-sufficiency will serve you and the Animals well.\u00a0 Of course help is good, but learn how to increase your own skill set.\u00a0 Remember the Animals are relying on you, so you must become reliable.\u00a0 And lastly, don’t ever back down when it comes to fighting for the cause.\u00a0 Educate yourself and others about Animal issues, warn abusers to change their ways.\u00a0 Then if that doesn’t work, force them to stop harming Animals by any means necessary.<\/p>\n

Being in jail has changed in any way your convictions about Animal liberation? <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

No not at all.\u00a0 I’ve been in jail since July 2010.\u00a0 Since that time I have written a book, given addresses to fundraisers and Animal Lib forums, I have told two federal courts of law that I have no remorse for my \u201ccrimes.\u201d\u00a0 I’m now a prisoner of war until the year 2021 and I still feel the same about Animal Liberation, Veganism and illegal direct action.\u00a0 That won’t change.\u00a0 Other beliefs and worldviews may \u2013 that’s the nature of things \u2013 but some things are personal, some things are forever.<\/p>\n

How difficult has it been for you to continue your vegan lifestyle being in jail? <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

It depends on the individual facility.\u00a0 When I was going to court and dealing with my Colorado case, that jail served me a specifically Vegan diet.\u00a0 In Salt Lake City, it was very difficult.\u00a0 The food there was terrible, but I was able to supplement by buying Vegan items like instant soups, peanut butter and chick-o-sticks for my sweet tooth.\u00a0 Currently I’m in a federal detention center in transit to a federal penitentiary and it’s easy to be Vegan here as well.\u00a0 Usually within a couple days of arrival at a new facility the other convicts will help me out with extra portions of veggies, potatoes, etc.\u00a0 There is community amongst prisoners, so I never go hungry.<\/p>\n

What are your plans after you leave jail? <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Well, after my release from prison I will have about 3 years of probation to complete.\u00a0 After that I want to travel around the world and truly spread my wings after a decade in a cage.\u00a0 As far as employment and Animal Liberation, I plan on writing books and working with Animals on sanctuaries as long as I am able, which I hope will be a very long time.\u00a0 I may do a speaking engagement from time to time, but I’m sure it will be infrequently.\u00a0 After several years in prison in such close quarters with so many people, I will relish my time with Animals and open spaces over city life and the daily grind.\u00a0 I also see myself remaining a bit eccentric.\u00a0 I have always lived simply and am not technologically adept, and I plan on continuing that trend.<\/p>\n

Thank you Paula for the great interview and Cartel Urbano for publishing it \u2026\u00a0 Take care and I’ll do the same\u2026 Animal Liberation, whatever it may take!<\/p>\n

SupportWalter.org <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Do you think there will be a time when mankind stops relying on Animals? I think there will come a time when humanity either stops using Animals’ dead bodies for food, research, clothing and all other reasons or humanity will reap the consequences of environmental destruction due in large part to Animal agriculture and industrialized … <\/p>\n

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