(no subject)
Just sent this to Congresswoman Niki Tsongas
*after a brief introduction of our mutual connections*
I have to beg you to consider taking action, or at least speaking out, about the environmental racism and militarization of the police in North Dakota. An oil company first proposed building a pipeline through Bismarck, a predominantly white town. The people of Bismarck said NO WAY. Then this oil company proceeds to just start drilling on NATIVE AMERICAN LAND. By law, by Treaty (seriously you can look this up!), the land belongs to the Sioux tribe. Does the oil company care? No. Are the local politicians and law enforcement doing anything? Yes. But here's the catch... they are terrorizing water protectors, intimidating, shooting, spraying with water in sub-freezing temperatures... The OIL POLICE injured over 300 people alone last week. I watched it happen. There is video footage. There has been a media blackout as well as disgusting reporting, stating the lying law enforcement's statements as facts. There is something seriously wrong with this country right now. This is the time to speak out on issues that matter to every day people.
Yes, this is in North Dakota, not Massachusetts, but when does it stop? What makes you feel so safe? Your money? I'm a millenial. That kind of thing doesn't fly with me.
Here's the thing, oil spills contaminating local water is a terrorizing force to children and their families. It's not a question of if this pipeline will ruin the water supply to millions of people in the heart of this country... it's WHEN. There are horrendous health issues that come along to exposure to this oil.... tumors, seizures, death... it's a nightmare.
After the election this year, I can no longer stand by and neglect my duties as a citizen to be informed and to vote. Your silence on this issue, as well as Elizabeth Warren's silence, severely impacts my vision of two seemingly strong women from Massachusetts as viable options to vote for moving forward. Massachusetts... a state whose name was appropriated from Native Americans... should be ashamed of itself for having no representation in standing up for the Sioux tribe at Standing Rock in North Dakota.