Mediaboss Marketing

On February 21and 22, the Morton County Sheriffs Department evacuated the remaining water protectors protesting the Dakota Access Pipelineat Standing Rock. Though several Democrats praised the Army Corps of Engineers decision on December 4 to conduct an environmental impact assessment, they have been silenton the issue since construction of the pipeline has moved forward under the Trumpadministration. The decision to stop the pipeline is now in the hands of the courts, as the Standing Rock Sioux tribe attempts to force the Army Corps of Engineers to enforce their December 4, 2016, decision.

The water protectors at Standing Rock faced a barrage of smear campaignsfrom the Morton County Sheriffs Department and companies in charge of the pipeline construction. At the behest of pipeline security, they were attacked by dogs, pepper sprayed, tear gassed and hosed with water in subfreezing temperatures. Some protectors suffered severe injuries, including a 21-year-old girl who nearly lost her arm due to police throwing a concussion grenade at the peaceful protesters. Nevertheless, theDemocraticestablishment failed to acknowledge the protests. The mainstream medialargely avoided the conflict as well, basing their limited coverageon the issue solely on law enforcementsources. Throughout the water protectors protests, establishment Democratsstood up for Standing Rock onlyafter a small victory was achieved.

The Democrat Party, an ostensible ally, continuously offersweak opposition to the Republican Party and corporate powers that oppress and infringe on human rights.

The Democratic establishments resistance to Trump ignoreshis policies that dont providepolitical expediency, like the Dakota Access Pipeline. Thoughthe battle against the pipeline lasted months, very few Democrats spoke out. Sen.Bernie Sandersand Rep.Tulsi Gabbardwere the greatest opponents of the pipeline. Supposedly progressive icon Sen.Elizabeth Warren, who claims Cherokee heritage, largely ignored the issueapartfromDecember 4, 2016, when she tried to take credit for the protesters small victory.

The Democratic Party not only needs to mobilize againstTrumpit needs to fightfor marginalized groups, like Native Americans. But instead, the Democraticestablishment is tryingto restore political power without making reforms. They continue to partner with wealthy and corporate donors andrefuse to join progressives on key issues.

Sandershasreiteratedthat the Democratic Party cannot market the interests of billionaires and Wall Street while also representing working class, middle class, and low income Americans. Democratsmustchoose a side. Unfortunately, when given the opportunity, they consistently side withtheir donors, who aredeeply invested in the Dakota Access Pipeline.

Read more:
Democrats Silent on Dakota Access Pipeline - Observer