Officials Pull Water Supply as Dakota Access Protest Swells in Number and Spirit

[geardaddy]

http://www.commondreams.org/news/2016/08/23/officials-pull-water-supply-dakota-access-protest-swells-number-and-spirit?utm_campaign=shareaholic&utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=socialnetwork

Growing in number and spirit, the Standing Rock Sioux protest against the Dakota Access Pipeline is swiftly gaining strength ahead of a federal hearing on the controversial project. Support has spread across the country, and thousands have descended on the peaceful "prayer camps" in recent days, prompting state officials on Monday to remove the demonstrators' drinking water supply.

North Dakota homeland security director Greg Wilz ordered the removal of state-owned trailers and water tanks from the protest encampment, despite the sweltering heat, because of alleged disorderly conduct, according to the Bismarck Tribune, including reports of laser pointers aimed at surveillance aircraft.

"People are getting overheated now already," said Johnelle Leingang, the tribe's emergency response coordinator, as temperatures hovered around 90º F on Monday. "It's very hurtful."

Tribal activists say the state's response, which includes surveillance, road blockades with military checkpoints, and a state of emergency declaration, has been overly aggressive and manipulative.

"It is deeply ironic that the Governor would release emergency funds under the guise of public health and safety, but then remove the infrastructure that helps ensure health and safety in the camp," said Tara Houska, national campaigns director for Honor the Earth.

Rest at link

[TheMastersNemesis]

1. Typical Response Of A Republican Administration.

The GOP is the real enemy of the US and not just the terrorists. In fact the GOP IS a terrorist organization.

[RapSoDee]

2. This is not "protest" It is PROTECTION

And everyone should stand with our native relatives in this act of honor and courage.

Thom Hartman's short broadcast on the "Black Snake" teaching of the Lakota that they feel applies to this corporate screw job.

[geardaddy]

3. Excellent point

philamayaye

[Jeffersons Ghost]

10. With protests closely associated with oil pipelines contaminating a sacred river, it seems symbolic

While seemingly symbolic, removing drinking water facilities for Natives, who are probably worshiping, instead of protesting, is an irresponsible, criminal act. Typical of the US Federal response to peaceful, Native protests, like Wounded Knee, Spirit Dancing, etc, this action will cause many deaths to worshipers and peaceful protestors, who are probably being falsely accused of these minor infractions. ANYONE could have infiltrated the camp and aimed the LASER, at an aircraft, if the event actually occurred. It's a transparent excuse to protect a large corporation, which is obviously bribing public officials.

[geardaddy]

12. + 1 million

[RapSoDee]

20. Worship is kind of a European hierarchical concept...

...not really the natural Spirit groove or ceremonial mindset of the Circle here in Americas for the last 20,000 years or so.

[RapSoDee]

22. Democracy Now: Amy Goodman interview Winona LaDuke about the pipelines

http://www.democracynow.org/2016/8/23/standing_rock_sioux_chairman_dakota_access

[NaturalHigh]

4. Why would the state provide water for the protesters?

That seems a little odd in the first place.

[LanternWaste]

11. As per the story, the tribe made a request last week.

"The supplies were provided last week by the North Dakota Department of Health at the tribe's request to support the roughly 2,500 people now gathered along the Standing Rock reservation's border on the Cannonball River, near where the pipeline is slated to cross...."

Neither the request nor the grant seems odd in any way, as it's often done by communities and states during rallies, protests, parades and marches. The later refusal though, does seem odd.

[Jeffersons Ghost]

15. People have a right to protest. States have a responsibility to furnish water at approved functions

[NaturalHigh]

16. Right on both points...

but I was under the impression that this wasn't an approved function. Do they have a permit for a gathering of that size?

[NightWatcher]

5. But they didn't cut the power on the nuts who invaded the bird sanctuary...

...that would've been too cruel.


Native Americans: The original shat upon minority.

At least the story is getting out. Hopefully soon some celebrities will get on board and get people involved.

[geardaddy]

6. Yep.

[Iggo]

19. Not enough melanin. (n/t)

[awoke_in_2003]

21. Bingo. nt

[geardaddy]

7. Kick

[RapSoDee]

8. This oil invasion is uniting Natives in a way not seen for 140 years or more...

...and it's generating support from all over the Americas, from all kinds of people, according to The New York Times. I understand there is an allied Protection Action today in Washington, DC.

http://www.nytimes.com/video/us/100000004607887/american-indians-vs-dakota-pipeline.html?emc=edit_th_20160824&nl=todaysheadlines&nlid=47943027

[geardaddy]

9. Thank you for sharing the article.

[snooper2]

13. I guess they should lay railroad tracks there then and have more bomb trains

[Jeffersons Ghost]

14. Or simply slaughter the main Native food source to near extinction from trains.

Oh wait! They already starved millions of Native Americans by killing most of the buffalo:

[Jeffersons Ghost]

17. I am planning an Opening Post, based on a news report by National Public Radio.

Many tribes are assembling at this protest, which has become a religious festival. Here is some Native flute music, dedicated to Sacred Water:

[RapSoDee]

18. I guess America should honor the approx. 400 legally binding treaties it signed...

..but every single one of them has been broken or violated by the USA.

So you can see where guessing will get you...

[RapSoDee]

23. NYT op-ed: Taking a stand at Standing Rock

"It is a spectacular sight: thousands of Indians camped on the banks of the Cannonball River, on the edge of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation in North Dakota.

"Our elders of the Seven Council Fires, as the Oceti Sakowin, or Great Sioux Nation, is known, sit in deliberation and prayer, awaiting a federal court decision on whether construction of a $3.7 billion oil pipeline from the Bakken region to Southern Illinois will be halted..."

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/25/opinion/taking-a-stand-at-standing-rock.html?emc=edit_th_20160825&nl=todaysheadlines&nlid=47943027&_r=0