Will they Teargas Our Vets Too? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

Will they Teargas Our Vets Too?

Just how many people does it take to protect basic human rights?

14
Will they Teargas Our Vets Too?
The Daily Progressive

A recent report stated that about 2,000 veterans have signed up to join the fight against the Dakota Access Pipeline.

For those that aren't aware, NoDAPL is a protest aiming to stop the construction of a crude oil pipeline. It not only runs through sacred land of the Standing Rock Sioux tribe, but it also has the potential of damaging their main water supply. An earlier proposal of the pipeline ran though Bismark, but their population voted it down due to the same risk to their water source.

As one of the largest gatherings of Native American tribes in hundreds of years, this protest has gained a lot of traction in the media as well as with public figures.

The presence of veterans at Standing Rock is a lot different than that of a celebrity. Veterans are honored governmental servicemen. Noticeably, most Americans take pride in being a veteran, and most people hold them in very high regard, as they should.

However, we may talk of our respect for veterans, the statistics for those who served our country aren't reflective of that. The way we treat our veterans is incomparable with respect to how we speak of them. High percentages of homelessness, PTSD, unemployment, substance abuse, and many more conditions are seen among veterans in the United States.

In some ways, veterans and Native American tribes are the same. Strip them both of the superficial and you have groups of people used and then forgotten by our government. For them to stand together makes perfect sense.

So how will the paid protest resistors react to the veterans standing alongside people they've gassed and hosed down in freezing temperatures? Will they do they same to the people who fought for their freedom? Or will they understand that veterans are still continuing the fight for freedom---a freedom for all.


UPDATE--- NPR website states "The Army Corps of Engineers has decided to deny the easement for the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline"

While celebrating the apparent success, it's important to note that construction of the pipeline on another route is still possible, and the risks remain the same.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

22831
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

9553
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

6902
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

5921
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments