Dear Dakota Pipeline Supporters,

How great would it be to have lower gas prices?

How great would it be to be self-sufficient?

How great would it be to never have to resort to foreign sources for oil?

But at what cost are we willing to pay for these “greats” to happen?

Should we risk destroying a water supply that thousands of people drink every day?

Should we risk disrespecting an entire community?

Should we risk destroying sacred land for a mere oil deposit?

Should we risk permanent damage for a temporary fix?

This pipeline may be the answer to your dreams and frankly wallet when filling your car with gas and heating your home in the brutal winter months, but clearly the Standing Rock Native Americans have a very deep connection with this land as their relatives are buried here and it provides clean water for its people. So, I'm asking the supporters to rethink their stance.

When you read, see articles in the news, or hear about these protests, what do you think?

Do you think about the peaceful people being victims of tear gas, rubber bullets, water hoses, and verbal abuse? Do you think of the multi-generational families standing out in the cold to protect their livelihood? Do you think about the request of the police for these individuals to stop practicing their first amendment rights? Do you think about the hundreds of protesters being arrested for standing up for their beliefs? Or do you see a nuisance standing in the way of your cheap gas? Or do you only see dollar signs instead of innocent, tear stained faces?

Have you considered the consequences of building the pipeline?

Have you felt bad for the burial grounds that may be torn apart for your pipeline? Have you researched the environmental impact at all? Have you heard that it will ruin the tribe’s water supply that also supplies thousands of other people? Have you rolled your eyes at environmentalists? If so, take a minute to listen because this is real. The land is being destroyed to tap into an oil deposit that sits very closely to a reservoir. Think about the BP oil spill and the mess that created, never mind affecting an entire water source that communities depend on for survival.

So pipeline supporters, I'm asking that you reconsider. Reconsider for those whose voices aren't being heard. Reconsider for the peaceful protesters being arrested. Reconsider for the thousands of veterans who have been to the site to “protect” the protesters. Reconsider because WE need to unite and protect the people, land, and freedom of the Sioux tribe. Please, stand with Standing Rock.