Standing Rock Update

US veterans are returning to Standing Rock to support and protect Native American protesters as the Dakota Access Pipeline continues to meet resistance despite President Trump’s executive order to continue construction of the $3.7 billion pipeline.

The veterans are gathering in Cannon Ball, North Dakota, with many on their way.

“We are prepared to put our bodies between Native elders and a privatized military force,” Air Force veteran Elizabeth Williams told the Guardian. “We’ve stood in the face of fire before. We feel a responsibility to use the skills we have.”

[...]

The Veterans Stand group is fundraising for the protesters who continue to resist the pipeline being built by Energy Transfer Partners, and has raised close over $220,000 so far.

[...]

“We’re not coming as fighters, but as protectors,” Jake Pogue, a Marine Corps vet, told the Guardian. “Our role in that situation would be to simply form a barrier between water protectors and the police force and try to take some of that abuse for them.”

  RT

Kudos.

No DAPL Under Lake Oahe

Following the US Army Corps of Engineers’ decision to deny permission for the Dakota Access Pipeline to cross Lake Oahe, water protesters and supporters are celebrating.

[...]

Republican Speaker of the House Paul Ryan [...] wasn’t happy about the decision, describing it as “big-government decision-making at its worst."

[...]

While acknowledging the “win,” some noted that the decision to reroute the pipeline doesn’t mean the protests will end. Others warned President-elect Donald Trump could give the pipeline the go ahead once he enters the White House.

[...]

As for the companies behind the pipeline, Energy Transfer Partners and Sunoco Logistics, the Army Corps announcement hasn’t put an end to their plans to route the tunnel under the Missouri River.

Describing the Obama Administration’s statement as a “purely political action,” the companies made it clear they intend to carry on. “As stated all along, ETP and SXL are fully committed to ensuring that this vital project is brought to completion and fully expect to complete construction of the pipeline without any additional rerouting in and around Lake Oahe,” Energy Transfer Partners said in a statement. “Nothing this Administration has done today changes that in any way."
  RT

And I suspect they're right. It was a political move. Makes Obama look good at the end while not actually shutting anything down. They'll just go somewhere less controversial, but I certainly wouldn't call under the Missouri River uncontroversial.

Also, the decision was no doubt forced in part by last week's pledge of 3,500 veterans to take part in the protest, and the deadline set by the Army Corps of Engineers to have the Sioux camp closed down today.

Congratulations to the Sioux and their supporters. It was a hard victory.

Veterans Stand for Standing Rock

US military veterans continue to arrive at Standing Rock, with up to 3,500 expected in total. They are due to meet with tribal elders to discuss how they can best help the ongoing protest, marked by heavy police force and bitterly cold weather conditions.

Members of “Veterans Stand for Standing Rock,” who have been told to bring supplies such as gas masks, earplugs and body armor (but no drugs, alcohol or weapons), plan to form a human shield around protesters to protect them against rubber bullets and the police.

[...]

“The veterans are saying we can’t stand for that,” explained filmmaker Josh Fox, who has documented the police force at Standing Rock.

“What you do to the water protectors you do to the United States Constitution. We are sworn to uphold and protect the United States Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic. And they’re saying listen, if you wanna burn the United States Constitution, you have to go through us. It’s quite a brave and amazing act that’s never happened in the history of the United States, that two thousand veterans just said you know what? Shoot at us first.”

[...]

In another recent development, the Morton County sheriff’s department has threatened to fine anyone bringing in supplies. This, say protesters, will make the situation even more desperate.

“We have what we need but we don’t have enough. We rely on supply runs,” said protester Keytha Fixico.

Those at the scene believe the National Guard may be called in, potentially escalating the situation. Veterans have already been asked to protest peacefully and avoid confrontations with officers that may get them arrested.

[...]

Veterans on-site have begun building a makeshift barracks and mess hall near the Oceti Sakowin camp site. However, for those who couldn’t make it to North Dakota there are other ways they can help.

“We ask folks, members of Veterans for Peace, and veterans everywhere and allies of ours to contact their local officials, contact their congresspeople, contact the state of North Dakota and the banks that are funding the Dakota Access pipeline and say that this is wrong,” Brian Trautman told RT.

“All these methods we hope will finally put an end to this pipeline.”

  RT