Oglala Sioux vow to stop Keystone XL on the ground if Obama won't say no

[peoli]

In the latest in a series of announcements escalating resistance to oil and gas development in North America, the Oglala Sioux nation and its allies have committed to stopping the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline on their territory if Obama approves the project.

In response to the US State Department’s environmental report that says Keystone wouldn’t increase the country’s carbon emissions Oglala Sioux president Bryan Brewer, along with organizations Honour the Earth, Owe Aku and Protect the Sacred, released a statement declaring they will stand with the Lakota people to block the pipeline. The statement, seen by many as a significant step toward approval, sparked solidarity action across the US on Monday.

Moccasins on the Ground is a grassroots direct action training organization, and trainer Debra White Plum of the Lakota Sioux nation said the group has been working toward this moment, giving nations the skills they need to defend their land, for years now.

The training is available to anyone who invites the group onto their land, and it consists of four days of training in areas such as knowing your rights, blockading and self-defence, first aid and social media. White Plume said a large part of the impetus for offering the training is the size of the territory at risk. Tribes can be several hundred kilometres away from each other, often making quick help hard to come by.

http://www.vancouverobserver.com/news/oglala-sioux-vow-stop-keystone-xl-ground-if-obama-wont-say-no

[OldHippieChick]

1. But, but, but

Their native language isn't English - how dare they?!?!

[Beartracks]

11. Yea, why are these immigrants making trouble here?! They're in America now!! n/t

[CFLDem]

2. Aw that's cute.

Some people never learn from history.

[peoli]

3. they won't be alone this time.

[jwirr]

5. Exactly.

[MoreGOPoop]

7. Exactly!

[Coyotl]

6. I would argue they have learned a great deal, and this is evidence of that.

[defacto7]

12. Hear hear!

[annm4peace]

4. Share with others

I put this on my facebook and sent to local progressive radio station so they'll talk about. We have to support the Native Americans fight against eco terrorism. We have to get the word out.

[blkmusclmachine]

8. Obama won't say "No." He's got his foot on the Keystone pedal, and he's gonna push down hard.

In fact, I suspect Keystone to get its final approval about 2 weeks before the elections in November.

[bvar22]

15. I fear you are right.

The Drill, Baby, DRILL State of the Union Address last week crushed my last hope that President Obama would side with the American people on this issue.

BOHICA

This is going to get ugly.
Keystone Protestors have already been labeled as "Eco Terrorists".

[BlancheSplanchnik]

9. woa. I got serious goosebumps just reading the headline.

That's pretty powerful.

[Eyerish]

10. K&R

[defacto7]

13. It won't be another Wounded Knee incident.

It will be much better organized. I think a lot of people will enter the protest if necessary. Hell, I would.

[peoli]

16. me too.

I think there would be an incredible outpouring.

[peoli]

14. “What's going to happen if he chooses to give in to the oil companies and their allies is ....

.... he’s going to empower the rising of indigenous people everywhere on Mother Earth....”

[rusty fender]

17. Pres. Obama won't announce his decision until after

the election in November of 2016, so we have a couple of years to learn how to protest it.

But in the meantime, the Keystoners will be able to construct everything, that isn't actually the physical pipeline, in order to hit the ground running when the "okay to go" announcement is made.

[riderinthestorm]

18. The "open comment" session is ongoing now! Please make your voices heard

http://www.keystonepipeline-xl.state.gov/

Comments will be taken until March 7.

Please don't wait and do what you can. Speak up and be heard!

[peoli]

19. thank you dor posting that. n/t