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Statement Regarding Comments of Paul Watson, Director, Publicized by the Center for Consumer Freedom Presented by Larry Fahn, President; Chuck McGrady, Former President and Current Vice President; and Jennifer Ferenstein, Former President and Current Director "The Sierra Club has always been unambiguous in denouncing all acts of violence in the name of the environment. While nonviolent civil disobedience has a distinguished place in American history, the Sierra Club uses only lawful means to protect the environment. We can respect the decision of those who, by undertaking acts of nonviolent civil disobedience, put themselves at risk, but peaceful disobedience and violence are vastly different acts. Moreover, Sierra Club bylaws clearly state that no chapter, group or other entity of the Club shall encourage, direct or request any one to violate the law. "The Sierra Club prides itself by operating as a democracy, and its Board of Directors are elected by an open vote of the Club's members. While as a result, the Club's Board of Directors may reflect a broad range of individual opinions and perspectives, we operate as one organization. Whatever the individual opinions of any Club leader, the policies of the Sierra Club reflect the values and participation of millions of members over its 112 year history. No leader at any level of the organization has the authority or credibility to deviate from those policies while representing the organization publicly. " ## |
