Public service message regarding KXL

Friends,

President Obama and the State Department are wavering on one of the most critical decisions facing our climate -- whether to approve the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline.

That’s why groups from across the country are working to deliver 1 million comments to the administration, urging them to reject the Keystone XL pipeline between today and Earth Day.

Add your name to the list of nearly 1 million people speaking out against the Keystone XL pipeline.  

President Obama has said the right things on global warming, and has taken some critical steps, like doubling our cars’ fuel efficiency. And thanks in part to his strong leadership, our consumption of oil has dropped over 10% since 2007.

But the progress we’ve made would be undermined if we increased our dependence on oil from tar sands, which has the potential to add 240 billion metric tons of global warming pollution to our environment.

Now, that’s just unacceptable.

Join me, and add your name now. Let’s give President Obama 1 million reasons to reject Keystone.

SOUTH DAKOTA ELECTED OFFICIALS SUPPORT GOLIATH WHILE CITIZENS SUPPORT DAVID

The following guest post is a public news release:

SOUTH DAKOTA ELECTED OFFICIALS SUPPORT GOLIATH

WHILE CITIZENS SUPPORT DAVID

Citizen Protest Against Private Foreign Companies Use of Eminent Domain

(Rapid City, SD) South Dakota elected officials including Senator Thune, Representative Noem, Governor Daugaard, and the SD Legislature continue to support TransCanada, a foreign corporation, over South Dakota landowners. Even after the Presidential permit for the proposed Keystone XL pipeline has been denied, TransCanada continues to move forward with eminent domain court proceedings against local landowners.

This Saturday, February 25, 2012 at noon, citizens of South Dakota will come together at Main Street Square in downtown Rapid City to protest TransCanada’s continued bullying of landowners and our elected officials who continue to repeat false statements about the proposed project. Citizens will speak up against their elected officials ignoring their constituents. Members of groups supporting this action include Occupy Rapid City, Dakota Rural Action, and SD Peace and Justice. We believe the Davids of our country should be represented when the Goliaths, like TransCanada, do not play fair.

While a construction project will bring short-term jobs, long-term growth for SD depends upon the health of our soil and water and the families who have spent their lives as stewards of these resources. Why would private property rights be given away to a foreign company that has not proven they can care for the land, its resources, and water?

Dakota Rural Action, a grassroots organizing non-profit, recently introduced HB 1111 into SD Legislation. This bill aims to create an even playing field for both landowners and private organizations and define a clear process for good faith negotiations where eminent domain is used as a last resort in the development of railroads and large transmission pipelines for hydrocarbons. Unfortunately, the bill failed on the House floor last week with a 35 to 35 reconsideration vote.

“According to The New York Times, the company has at least 34 eminent domain actions against landowners in Texas, and 22 in South Dakota.2 And their threats to landowners in Nebraska3 helped spark massive public opposition and a special legislative session that were key in the decision to consider a different route.” -Credo Action

South Dakota landowners have proven and earned their right to private property rights over multiple generations through their responsible stewardship. Why are we letting the Goliaths continue with condemnation proceedings on a project that offers little public benefit? 

For More Information:

Clay and Mary Ellen Uptain

Occupy Rapid City

605.341.0724

dcu777@rushmore.com

occupyrapidcity.org

Jessica Miller

Dakota Rural Action

605.716.2200

jessicam@dakotarural.org

dakotarural.org

Jim Peterson

SD Peace & Justice

petersen100@cs.com

1. "Keystone XL Pipeline: Texas Farmer Wins Temporary Restraining Order Against TransCanada," Huffington Post, February 14, 2012
2. "Eminent Domain Fight Has a Canadian Twist," New York Times, October 17th, 2011
3. "TransCanada Keystone XL Eminent Domain Threat Letter ," Dirty Oil Sands
4. "Texans rally against Keystone XL oil pipeline easement," LA Times, February 17, 2012

24 hours to stop Keystone XL

Dear Friends,

The Senate could vote as early as tomorrow on a plan to greenlight construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline!

Despite President Obama's rejection of the Keystone XL Pipeline a few weeks ago, Republicans in Congress are once again engaging in hostage-taking, and some moderate Democrats appear to be playing along - so this bill could have enough votes to pass, and force this pipeline down our throats.

To demonstrate a massive, urgent, grassroots backlash, three dozen groups have organized a 24-hour petition drive to the Senate.

Help us get 500,000 signatures in 24 hours against Keystone XL. Click below to sign the petition:

http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/kxl_24hours/?r_by=34968-3451380-SeEQOxx&rc=confemail

Occupiers attend Oglala Lakota Nation sponsored Rally on XL Pipeline

Yesterday was a very interesting day.  It started out the same as most Saturdays.  I read the paper and some other things online.  Several people called on the phone and we talked about the stuff we usually talk about.  Then at about eleven thirty, I went down town to join the other Occupy Rapid City protesters for what has become our standard activity for mid-day Saturday.

One of the Occupiers is a semi-retired professor and writer, Elisabeth Cook-Lynn.  She is a very interesting lady.  She told me that she intended to go to the Mother Butler Center at one o'clock for a gathering organized by the Ogalala Sioux Tribe Vice President Tom Poor Bear to discuss stopping the Keystone XL pipeline.

Marvin Kammerer had told me earlier during our phone conversation that he intended to go to that gathering and asked me if I would like to go.  Since Elisabeth had reminded me, I decided that I would go.  Several other members of Occupy Rapid City decided to go check out the gathering at the Mother Butler Center.

What an experience that turned out to be.  People were still arriving when I got to the gymnasium at the Mother Butler Center at about ten minutes after one.  A table was set near the door with some documents that looked like there were there for anyone that was interested, so I helped myself.  Next to that table was another table with jewelry on display and for sale.  The kitchen appeared to be in operation also.  The middle of the gym had several rows of chairs that would provide seating for around a hundred people. 

Behind the chairs, was a large drum and several drummers were seated around it.  A podium and tables were arranged near the west end of the gym which allowed for an open area in front of the chairs for the audience.   About ten people were seated at the tables, facing the audience.  It looked as though if everyone were to sit down, the audience seating would be at full capacity.

A friend of Marvin's that I recognized was at the podium, Alex White Plume.  He proceeded to introduce several of the people in attendance and to explain what the gathering was for.  He then introduced his cousin who opened the gathering with a prayer in Lakota.  Many of the speakers spoke in the Lakota language for a portion of their speeches.  

                  Figure 1 Vice President Tom Poor Bear seated and Deb White Plume speaking

Several members of the tribal council were in attendance.  Vice President Poor Bear introduced the grandson of Chief Red Cloud, who is a chief himself.  Chief Oliver Red Cloud was the first speaker to address the assembly.  The senior attorney for the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Steve Emery, was one of the speakers.  He was followed by several people with special knowledge about the various aspects of the pipeline project, such as the potential for pollution, emanate domain proceedings, ongoing legislation, employment claims, tax revenue considerations, and more. 

There were people there from several states including Colorado, Minnesota, and Nebraska; there may have been more states represented, but those are three that I remember hearing mentioned.  There were several ranchers and farmers that were being directly impacted by the plans for the XL pipeline to cross their property.  Two ranchers, John Harter from the Winner area and Paul Seamans from Draper South Dakota talked their personal involvement with emanate domain proceedings.  There were environmental activists that were concerned about the impact of Tar Sands mining and refining.  There was a young musician there that had written songs about the Tar Sands and Pipeline.  She sang two of her songs and accompanied herself on the guitar.

All this was interspersed with music.  At one point, the speaker, Steve Emery, introduced his Auntie, Madonna Thunderhawk.  He invited her up front and then invited everyone to come up and shake hands with her or give her a hug.  It didn’t take that long to do and everyone appeared to enjoy the opportunity.

Figure 2 Steve Emery speaking and seated to the right Chief Red Cloud, Alex White Plume, and an un-named participant

Marvin was asked to speak and it appeared to me that he didn't know they were going to do that.  He had been taking some notes when others were speaking.  His notepad was an inch and a half by two inch piece of paper he had in his pocket.  Marvin really shines in settings like that and he said he had quite a bit to say.  He spoke for about thirty minutes and during that time he had the audience applauding, voicing their approval, and emotionally involved.

I'm glad I went.  Unfortunately, I did not take notes while I was there and just the two pictures.  For anyone that was there, if my memory is off a little in my account, please forgive me.  Forgive me too all those wonderful people that participated in this event and that I should have identified in this article.  Apparently, the Rapid news media didn't consider it news worthy event.

New Years Eve Protest

It is protest day again today; our last chance in 2011 to make a public statement about the issues we are concerned with in the Occupy Rapid City movement.  It is also very windy today and it the weather alternates between raining and snowing every so often.  The focus of our concern it centered on the Supreme Court’s decision with regard to Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission.  We still have many other concerns, but in the interest of presenting a more nationally united front, our group has agreed to focus on reversing or overcoming corporate personhood.  If there is any issue that unites public opinion it is the issue of corporate personhood and excessive financial influence it allows.

Corporations have long been able to strongly influence state and federal politics and legislation.  All it takes in South Dakota to get the influence ball rolling is to associate job creation with the satisfaction of corporate desires.  In the past, the South Dakota state legislature has ignored the will of voting public in favor of corporate interests.  Recall the various entities that wanted to use the southern Black Hills area for a dumping ground for sewage ash, solid waste, and low-level nuclear waste from more populated areas of the country.  South Dakota appears willing to sacrifice just about anything for a job and members of the state’s US Congressional team aren’t too particular about requiring proof from corporate entities making job creation claims.

On a chilly blustery day in Rapid City, the Occupiers were standing again on downtown street corners displaying signs that would encourage others to question corporate motives and methods.  In the months ahead, Occupy Rapid City members will be working to increase public awareness of the issues that adversely affect all of us.  The group continues to encourage everyone to become informed.  A banner offered observers a place to begin their search and, perhaps, their participation in positive civic activity:  http://occupyrapidcity.org/.

60 days to reject Keystone XL

Dear Friends,

It's on. 

Congress has agreed to a two-month payroll tax and unemployment extension bill that forces a decision on the Keystone XL Pipeline, and by all accounts President Obama will sign it. 

Republicans have gotten their wish -- President Obama will have 60 days to decide on the Keystone XL Pipeline. 

And we have 60 days to make sure he rejects it. 

This is a moment to pour the pressure on. I just signed a petition asking President Obama to reject the Keystone XL Pipeline. Add your name and learn more here: 

http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/keystone_timeline/?r_by=32546-3451380-d1_aNCx&rc=paste1 

Four Questions for Legislators

West river legislators respond to four questions in a December 18^th Rapid City Journal article.   There were few solid answers to those four questions.  Several of the legislators admitted to being unaware or their responses implied that the legislators were still campaigning or that they were inclined to provide answers that pertain to issues facing the US Congress rather than the South Dakota state legislature.  Apparently, these legislators don’t read the opinion page letters or forum page articles of the local newspapers.  They don’t seem to associate what they do in Pierre with anything that their constituents may be concerned enough about to voice a public opinion.  Perhaps the legislators were too distracted with Pierre bar fights to recall what they were told at their get together with fellow members of American Legislative Exchange Council. 

When referring to constituent concerns, the purported concerns weren’t supported by documented sources or hard numbers.  Could it be that one or two phone calls or coffee with friends constitutes the basis for the legislators’ idea of what the common concerns are for all of the voters in their respective districts?  It appears likely that these legislators will repeat whatever it was they did last year even though there is plenty of reason to believe that it will have very little to do with constituent concerns.

Tell TransCanada: Stop your dirty pipeline land grab

Dear Friends,

The arrogance of TransCanada is shocking, even for an oil company.

Even while the White House has delayed the process for assessing a required permit for the Keystone XL, TransCanada is suing landowners who won't sell their land in its preferred pipeline path.

It's wrong for TransCanada to expect landowners to accept permanent damage to their land for the Keystone XL pipeline. It's doubly wrong to threaten these landowners and force them to comply for a pipeline that the company doesn't even have permission to build!

I just signed a petition calling out TransCanada for this astonishing land grab. Learn more and sign here:

http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/tc_eminent_domain/?r_by=31202-3451380-6CECKUx&rc=confemail