Over 125 protesters were arrested Sunday as the struggle against the Dakota Access Pipeline in North Dakota continues.
Heavily militarized law enforcement — looking more like a troop movement brewing for a fight against ISIS than nonviolent protesters, fired on two, unmanned, media drones. The police have gone the extra mile to shut down the media and any knowledge that tries to squeeze out of the demonstration.
Law enforcement demonstrated their complete lack of common sense with a statement claiming: “Protesters attacked a helicopter with a drone.” According to the police narrative, the helicopter’s pilot and passengers were in “fear for their lives.”
The announcement from law enforcement backs the helicopter pilot into a corner. Either the pilot is an amateur afraid of a two-pound drone ― or the police are deceiving the public. There are no other alternatives.
The latest developments increased tensions between water protectors and law enforcement. Water protectors claimed eminent domain and placed roadblocks on State Highway 1806 Sunday. The demonstrators have set up a brand-new winter camp on private land: Cannonball Ranch.
The roadblocks were created “to ensure the protection of this camp from overtly militarized law enforcement.”
The Oceti Sakowin camp coordinator, Mekasi Camp-Horinek said Sakowin’s new camp is part of an occupation that is intended to last “until the pipeline is permanently stopped.”
The almost $4 billion 1200-mile Dakota Access Pipeline is just the latest in a series of attempts to disregard Indican sacred ground and destroy cultural sites. Protesters also point out that the pipeline will spoil the water supply.
If finished, the pipeline would span four states and carry a half-million barrels of crude oil each day from the Bakken oil fields to Illinois.
Jerry Nelson is an American freelance writer, ghostwriter and content provider, now living the expat life in South America. Never without a cup of coffee or Marlboros, You can join the million-or-so who follow him on Twitter @ Journey_America and email him at jandrewnelson2@gmail.com.
"McChavezmo" is his latest book about the political instability in South America and who is behind it.