It was laughable when North Dakota’s governor, Jack Dalrymple, called for the closure of pipeline-protest camps out of safety concerns when, during subfreezing weather, law enforcement officials blasted peaceful, unarmed protesters with water cannons; shot rubber bullets; and launched concussion grenades, one of which reportedly caused severe injury to a young woman (“North Dakota governor says federal government needs to close the pipeline protest camps,” Nov. 27).
Protesters are concerned because a leak into the Missouri River also would be a leak into the watershed of the Standing Rock community. How many of us would want a pipeline built where it would threaten the viability of our water supply? The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe has a right to protect itself from harm.
Our government only perpetuates inequality by placing the rights of private company owners above those of an entire community.
Mary J. Owen
Duluth
