PB2B

The topic that I am interested in is The Dakota Pipeline Protest. The “players” involved in this issue are- Standing Rock Sioux tribe members, Energy Transfer Partners, The Morton County Sheriff’s Office, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Standing Rock Sioux are protesting against Energy Transfer Partners (ETP) alongside representatives of more than 200 other tribes. These tribes are protesting the construction of an of an oil pipeline. The protesters argue that this pipeline would disturb sacred lands and burial grounds, which then would pollute the tribe's only source of water.

Energy Transfer Partners are in charge of building this oil pipeline that transports oil from North Dakota’s Bakken field to a refinery in central Illinois. Energy Transfer Partners received  permits to from U.S. Army Corps of Engineers allow the pipeline to cross the Missouri River.

The sheriff’s only issue is the false accusations. Apparently protesters  were checking in at Standing Rock and reposting a message to Facebook declaring that the check-ins were needed to help protect protesters in  from being monitored through the use of geotagging by law enforcement. The sheriff of North Dakota completely denies these accusations.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had plans to build this pipeline in September but faced a lawsuit. The federal judge however, were in favor of the Army Corps.

But how do each “player” feel about this situation? Many people had their say when it came to Standing Rock and this pipeline situation including, Corporations, Tribe members, Celebrities, ETP, and even Barack Obama. Let's get into the thought and minds of each of these players.

The tribe and its fellow protesters feel as if they were not properly consulted about this pipeline construction. Their main concern is the effect on sacred sites and burial grounds. The protesters want this construction not occur at Standing rock, but to occur elsewhere. The Standing Rock Tribe led this protest against the pipeline. The Tribe then proceeded to sue the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and ask for a temporary injunction against this construction. This injunctions was immediately denied. Celebrities such as actress Shailene Woodley, reporter Amy Goodman and documentary filmmaker Deia Schlosberg, have either been arrested or faced charges for joining the protest and videotaping the demonstration. Many peaceful protesters were arrested with charges such as engaging in a riot. Other protesters were physically assaulted by the law enforcement, where they used pepper spray and tear gas to break up prayer circles.

Energy Transfer Partners already constructed most of the pipeline down North Dakota almost leading to the Mississippi River. Kelcy Warren, CEO of Energy Transfer Partners, defended the project in September, despite the cultural history that lies upon Standing Rock. Kelcy claims that the protesters water safety concerns are “unfounded”.

The pipeline developers that work with U.S. Army Corps Engineers are now awaiting a federal permit to dig under the river. Meanwhile Barack Obama made a request to the Army Corps asking if this pipeline can be rerouted. Army Corps are looking for any possible rerouting solution.

I personally feel bad considering the fact that many Native Americans live in reservations, now that might be invaded by the ETP. These tribes lived here in harmony with their fellow tribe members, taking care of their environment. There are questions i would like to ask relating to ETP and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the law enforcement.

1. Where is the humanity, how can you carelessly invade someone's home?
2. Army Corps- Giving out a permit to do construction in a reservation without the tribe's consent didn't bother you?
3. Why did the law enforcement use “military force” against these peaceful protester?

https://www.google.com/amp/m.huffpost.com/us/entry/us_5818baece4b064e1b4b4e3cf/amp