This is what democracy looks like…
Protesters against the Dakota Access Pipeline hung a massive sign from the rafters of U.S. Bank Stadium Sunday, during an NFL game between the Minnesota Vikings and the Chicago Bears.
Two protesters climbed the rafters of the stadium and hung a sign reading “Divest #NoDAPL,” according to a press release sent by the organizers to reporters at the stadium.
Stadium officials cleared fans from the seats below the rafters, Minneapolis Patch reported.
The protesters are urging U.S. Bank to divest from the Dakota Access Pipeline, which has been protested because it would cross important Native American sites. Last month, the Army Corps of Engineers denied the final permits and said it would instead conduct an environmental impact review of the 1,170-mile pipeline project.
“The pipeline’s route violates treaty rights of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and poses a significant threat drinking water and the health of the Missouri River,” the protesters' release said.
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Sunday, Jan 1, 2017 · 10:31:23 PM +00:00
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igualdad
In response to the idea that this protest was an inconvenience to some football fans: so what! It was a very effective direct action. More, please.
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You can tell a lot of experience and planning went into this. They picked great target, found exact right time and place for maximal effect.
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Chokepoints. Pipelines need investment from banks. Banks need positive PR from fluff like sports sponsorship. Everyone watches football.
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They used their unique skills and access to equipment to get banner up, in a way that would end the game if officials tried to get it down.
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They were ready with a press release & were set up to do interviews while hanging from the fucking ceiling. Cool-factor boosts story 1000x.
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They didn't try to delay game for the sake of delay, one dude was even in a Vikings jersey. They weren't against fans, they were with fans.
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Maximal effect, minimal expense of resources. People on left energized, people in center informed, people on right mindlessly entertained.
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Didn't see football fans pissed on social media that game was ruined. I even saw obvious right-wingers who just thought it was cool to watch