Last week, the abuse against protesters at the Dakota Access Pipeline by the police made headlines. Many protesters' were hosed by police, shot by rubber bullets, and mace. These horrible acts of violence that the police have used against protesters' is disgusting. The Dakota Access Pipeline is causing a lot of protest because the pipeline that could carry tons of crude oil is crossing through protected Native American lands. The installation and use of this pipeline could be catastrophic for the Native American lands because it would ruin ceremonial burial sites that are precious to the indigenous people. It would also ruin the environment and water supply for the indigenous people. They rely on this water for basic needs such as drinking and cleaning water. This cowardly act by the government and the oil-company that built the pipeline, reminded me of how Native Americans have had almost everything taken away from them. This pipeline is just another act by government that is filled with greed and selfishness in the interest of big money from another oil company.

It’s so disheartening that the native people of America have been disrespected and disregarded when the settlement of English settlers arrived. From the Trail of Tears to the small pieces of land that are federally protected, Native Americans deserve far better treatment from the government. The fact that government federally protected this land for Native Americans and is allowing a pipeline to cross through their land is heinous. Why would any government body allow this to happen? It seems that money is the bottom line for America’s government. All the money in the world can’t bring back the beautiful environment that will be destroyed by this pipeline or protect indigenous people from getting poisoned when this pipeline leaks into their drinking water. The government should be ashamed of itself and will suffer the consequences when this man-made pipeline bursts.

I have so many emotions when I look at the many news articles covering the Dakota Access Pipeline. I have been enraged and depressed when reading of how these protesters are treated and how their homeland will be destroyed. A majority of these protesters are Native Americans who grew up where the pipeline is built. Many talk about how beautiful the land is and how connected they are to the place where many loved ones are buried. It makes me so sad that Native Americans who live on this land are literally going to have their home ruined. I can’t imagine any company coming into my home and installing something dangerous and hazardous in my home. I would fight tooth and nail just like the protesters are doing because it is wrong. I commend the them for fighting for the land that is rightfully theirs. It’s my hopes that someone in D.C. can understand the absolute tragedy that this pipeline will cause. One person can spark a change and could effectively stop this, but it all comes down to the paper that rules America, money.