If you live in American, you’ve likely heard of the ongoing struggle taking place at the Standing Rock Reservation in North Dakota. There, hundreds of protestors are standing their ground against both Dakota Access LLC (Energy Transfer Partners) and the militaristic police presence. The police force in this area has ordered and deployed vicious assaults against the peaceful protestors in the form of attack dogs, rubber bullets, tear gas, and more.
What Is The Dakota Access Pipeline?
The Dakota Access Pipeline is a proposed crude oil pipeline that has been approved by The US Army Corps of Engineers in July 2016. The pipeline would run underground from North Dakota to Illinois by way of South Dakota and Iowa. (x)
Why Is DAPL Bad?
The Dakota Access Pipeline is opposed because of several reasons. The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe stated in their filed complaint in federal court that “the construction and operation of the pipeline…threatens the Tribe’s environment and economic well-being, and would damage and destroy sites of great historic, religious, and cultural significance to the Tribe.” (x) The construction of DAPL would disturb the environment and very possibly contaminate the natural water sources that the locals rely on. In addition, many feel that resources would be better spent investing in alternative energy sources.
What Can We Do To Help Right Now?
Even if you are not able to travel to Standing Rock to join the protesters, there are many ways to contribute to their cause and to their protection and well being.
A Middleground 