We wrote a glowing review of Dara’s Muzzling a Movement a while back and when news broke this week of a U.S. District Court throwing out the indictment of the AETA 4 I immediately thought why not get Dara to break this down for us. She was happy to oblige and even shared her thoughts on her favorite alternative milks and Alec Balwin leaving 30 Rock. If you still haven’t grabbed a copy of Dara’s book, I suggest you do that now! If you are lucky enough (*cough* we hate you *cough*) to be at the AR Conference this weekend in Washington, D.C. say hi and grab a copy from Dara herself! If you bring her a seitan sammy she may give you a deal!

Dara, your book Muzzling a Movement does an amazing job of chronicling the history and evolution of U.S. legislation aimed at disrupting and silencing the efforts of animal rights activists and environmental activists. Earlier this week we saw a U.S. District Court throw out the indictment of the AETA 4. What did this mean for this case and for the American Enterprise Terrorism Act? Can we break out the sidewalk chalk again?

Unfortunately, I don’t think it means that the AETA has been deflated in any significant way. The AETA 4 indictments were dismissed because they weren’t specific enough. But because the dismissal was “without prejudice,” it means that the government can just re-indict, with more specific charges. This is the court telling the government to do more (and better) homework. So if the government is able to accumulate more specific information to support its AETA charges against these 4 activists, there could be a very real case under the AETA and we may see these animal activists being sent to federal prison. That being said, I think we should definitely break that sidewalk chalk out and scribble away — just keep the slogans informational and not threatening.

The ruling that came down this week stated “These police reports apparently reveal the names of the victims and the details of each incident, but they also contain significant amounts of information unrelated to the acts of the present defendants.” Previous activists who have garnered sentences over recommendations have noted the illegal allowance of information that is unrelated to the case i.e. Bj Viehl and the prosecution repeatedly showing images of other A.L.F actions which used arson at his sentencing. How does this keep happening and why are some judges realizing it while others are letting it slide?

I have no idea. It’s inappropriate for the government to try to introduce such evidence – - the evidence is irrelevant and prejudicial and should be excluded on those grounds. I don’t know how the government convinces the court that the probative value of this evidence outweighs the threat of prejudice.

How much of the Government’s response is predicated on hoping that members will turn on each other?

With all defendants (not just animal activists), the government likes to encourage them to “cooperate” (snitch) in exchange for lesser sentences. The government wouldn’t do it if it didn’t yield favorable results so, unfortunately, it’s an apparently very effective method of obtaining information.

I am wondering if you have a pulse on the legal community outside of the activist community. What do those in the legal system, who don’t feel this effects them, generally think of this legislation? Is it seen in a negative light? Will rulings like this help that?

I have spoken to many non-AR communities about my book and the general response seems to be one of shock. But it doesn’t seem to hit them until I personalize it for them. I learn what their “cause” is and then verbally rewrite the statute for them using their cause. When they see how one statute can effectively zap away their free speech rights merely because the people on the other side of their cause might have more money/influence, it becomes very real and upsetting to them.

I know you are pretty active in your community. Tell us all about the animal activist community in Philadelphia! Were Horse Drawn Carriages banned?

Peace Advocacy Network is very active in Philly promoting veganism, social justice, and respect for the Earth and its inhabitants. We host weekly protests of the horse-carriage industry, which infects our streets with cruelty in the name of tourism. We also do a lot of vegan outreach at various events throughout the city. We also host a Vegan Pledge, during which non-vegans pledge to go vegan for (at least) 30 days and we provide them with cooking classes, nutrition classes, social events, food, and one-on-one mentoring – all free. I’m proud to say that, as a Chanukah gift to me, my sister Lori took the Vegan Pledge last January and she remains vegan. We’re from a very non-vegan family so it’s been simply thrilling for me to have another vegan at the family table during holidays!

For young activists who want to pursue law as a career, what advice can you give? What should be there focus?

Young activists should, first and foremost, stay young – in body and optimism. Secondly, I would advise that they take law classes that focus on constitutional law, including classes on political and civil rights. Administrative and legislative focus are also helpful.

Tofu. vs. Tempeh vs. Seitan

Seitan – not just because it’s delicious in taste and texture- but also because it finds a way into vegans’ hearts despite its ridiculous name, which sounds like you’re just finding a different way to say “satan.” And if you use its other name (“wheat gluten”), it sounds even less appealing! That, and quinoa, need to go back to their places of birth and demand new names.

Almond Milk vs. Rice Milk vs. Soy Milk vs. Hemp Milk (or whatever else you can make milk out of that doesn’t come from an animal)

From favorite to least favorite (with an intended omission of human breast milk, which is probably the most delicious and nutritious, but which I have no lucid memory of consuming):
1. Almond milk (homemade, by me, using blanched almonds);
2. Almond Milk (store-bought, unsweetened)
3. Rice Milk
4. Soy Milk
5. Hemp Milk (not because it’s not good, but who the hell can afford it??)

30 Rock vs. Mad Men

Which season? Earlier seasons, 30 Rock. I love Tina Fey, but I think this last season suffered a bit. And I heard that Alec Baldwin is leaving the show – can it survive without him?? I think Mad Men has been consistently awesome so I would tip the Emmy in that direction if I had to…

Have you found wearing a clown afro to be an effective tool when leafletting?

So you saw photos from the Ringling protest… Here’s what the afro does for me: it provides warmth on a cold Philadelphia day and it itches — terribly — like, rip-your-hair-out itching. I think I was scratching my head for a good 3 hours after removing the afro. Of course (and I have to add this lest your readers think I’m self-absorbed), 3 hours of an itchy head does not compare to the lifetime of suffering that most circus animals endure. There, I said it.