“We Aren’t Leaving” Even Though Army Corps of Engineers Denies Easement on Same Day Thousands of Veterans Arrive at Standing Rock

Image by Victory Lonnquist. More to see here.

Finally, it appears the mainstream media has taken notice. Reports all across the internet are indicating that Standing Rock has been won by the native people.

But, is that really the case? And will those gathered leave?

The Army Corps of Engineers has stated that they will not grant the easement for the pipeline to continue, and will require a full environmental impact study. This does not mean, however, that the Dakota Access Pipeline won’t be completed. It simply means that alternative routes will be considered.

And, the whole decision could change when Trump takes office in a little more than a month.

The announcement by Earth Justice with statements by Jan Hasselman, the Earth Justice Attorney who represented the Standing Rock tribe in their lawsuit, and Chairman of the Tribe, Dave Archambault II, can be read here.

Chairman Archambault’s full statement can be read here.

First-Hand Reports from Standing Rock seem to be less jubilant than the news media is reporting — From Victory Lonnquist, on site:

“We have won the battle, but have not yet won the prayer. The mood here is high, people smile and weep in joy and hug each other. However, there are reports DAPL will still drill. People say the fine is only $50,000 a day. That’s pocket change to them. We hear that military and police will have to fall back, because the order has come down from the President. That leaves only Blackwater, mainly who are veterans of war. Here in camp, we have 5,000 veterans of war. Veterans vs. Veterans.

DAPL has dug giant 8 foot trenches with razor wire around the site. It will be interesting to see what happens now. So while some celebrate, some speak in hushed conversations. This isn’t over yet. Not until that black snake is defeated. For now, we will celebrate, but we will also be cautious. We aren’t leaving.

Love you,

Victory”

Read Victory’s original post here.

Watch the Young Turks livestream on site here.

These are first-hand reports from Standing Rock. Please share them. And if you have one to post yourself, please email standingrocknews@gmail.com. Before you go to Standing Rock yourself, please read this.

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