Call to Action: Solidarity with Standing Rock Against the DAPL & Sabal Trail!

The Indigenous Peoples of North America have a prophecy they tell one another. Legends speak of a black snake poised to devour the world. And, if the black snake makes it across the river, we are all doomed…

In recent months, the Water Protectors in Standing Rock, North Dakota have gone from a small but determined encampment to an international coalition. Standing in defiance of the Dakota Access Pipeline, their populist struggle has gained traction (and for good reason!) The rights of indigenous people in the United States continue to be discarded as a colonial and imperialist legacy of genocidal xenophobia unfolds before our very eyes. Hundreds have been arrested. Dozens have been grievously wounded in defense of the water, including Sophia Wilansky, who may still lose her arm after being hit by a concussion grenade by the Morton County Sheriff’s Office.

Unfortunately, systemic racism and hatred against Native Americans is nothing new. Quite the contrary, this degree of bigotry and selfishness is the natural expression of white supremacy and the globalization of neoliberal capitalism. Of course, this isn’t just about racism and profit margins. We are, without exaggeration, fighting for our very lives. Global climate change has become irreversible. The effects will continue to be exacerbated, so long as we bury our heads in the sand, refusing to take responsibility for our actions.

Any hope that the “democratic” Head of State would strike down the black snake suffocating the good people of North Dakota has continued to be met with resounding disappointment. Now, as a fascist with direct ties to the very oil companies trying to profit off this catastrophe ascends to political office, we can rest assured that if salvation for the people of North Dakota–and indeed, the world–is to be found, it will not come from the State. We will find our strength in the streets.

When Mother Earth is under attack, what do we do?

Stand up! Fight back!

We stand in solidarity with the Water Protectors who’ve literally put their very lives on the line in order to protect and defend sacred burial grounds once thought secured by the treaties of the State. Orlando Antifascists have been in the streets continuously in recent weeks, coordinating with local organizers, environmentalists, and activists of all stripes to build a resistance here in the City Beautiful. But we do not merely purport to support and raise awareness about an ongoing campaign. We also hope to help champion a new one, which hits even closer to home:

The Sabal Trail Pipeline.

Construction has already begun on the Sabal Trail, a methane gas pipeline endangering our homes, our health, and our planet. When it’s finished, the pipeline will cover over 500 miles, spanning three different states.The people of Florida, Georgia, and Alabama are terrified that a rupture or leak might lead to an explosion. Florida’s wetlands and wildlife domains are being threatened by an altogether unnecessary pipeline designed to increase the profits of local energy corporations and their nefarious bankster collaborators.

The people of Florida will continue to get in the way. A recent video shows local organizers in the streets or Orlando, protesting in solidarity with Standing Rock and against the DAPL and Sabal Trail pipelines, being threatened by a buffoon in a monstrously oversized pick-up truck. The police have pushed and shoved protesters engaging in non-violent acts of civil disobedience.

This sort of intimidation will not work.

The people of Orlando are mobilizing tomorrow, December 5th, at Orlando City Hall at 12:00pm in order to continue our show of solidarity with Standing Rock in defiance of the Dakota Access Pipeline and the Sabal Trail Pipeline. We call on all anti-fascists, anti-racists, and anti-authoritarians to join us in this struggle. We are stronger together.

Mni Wiconi. Water is Life.