Editor,

In a recent article of the Naval War College Review, two authors discuss the growing problem of “lawfare” whereby non-governmental organizations, or NGOs, such as the Natural Resources Defense Council, or NRDC, and Greenpeace, have waged “legal war” on traditional military training.

The NRDC has been a prominent group in suing the United States over Navy sonar training.

These powerful NGOs, whose principals “earn” over $300,000 in annual salary, have been reported to receive massive funding from foreign sources. However, these foreign sources are not reportable per U.S. law.

Recently, India denied Greenpeace from receiving foreign funding due to motives that impacted their national interests — and that NGO blew a gasket.

“Science” is no longer their motivation, per departed Greenpeace founder Patrick Moore: “[Greenpeace] abandoned science and logic in favor of emotion and sensationalism” (Wikipedia).

Simply put, “Big Green” has become big business, probable foreign funding, marginal science, and a large ‘anti-military’ focus has become a toxic mix fueling this “Lawfare,” and their six figure salaries.

Most concerning is the links between these “Big Green” and local groups. For example, STOP – which is singularly focused on stopping Growler training – routinely reposts NRDC and other “Big Green” content.

Additionally, a STOP “spokesperson,” in an online video, “Truthout” in Nov 2014, proudly claimed that many lawsuits are in motion regarding Navy electronic training – which “Big Green” NGOs are in play and where is their funding coming from?

Federal and state leaders need to follow the foreign money for both “Big Green” NGOs and their local affiliates like STOP, particularly DNR Commissioner Goldmark who has maintained an anti-Navy training position after STOP’s mammoth lobbying campaign. Americans need to “stop” funding both these “Big Green” and local groups – our military team, who goes into harm’s way for us, should continue to conduct their traditional training.

Scott Smith

Oak Harbor