NEWFANE — If this viewpoint existed in a vacuum, it could make sense.
Unfortunately, as shown in the excellent infographic published on the opposite page, the U.S. government has never been an honest broker with the Standing Rock Sioux, or with any other indigenous peoples in North America.
When an entity and its members has shown themselves for well over a century to be dishonest, to be unable to keep their promises, to be dismissive, racist, and violent in their actions, then it is little wonder that the tribes have decided to use other means to get their message and needs expressed.
This confrontation at Standing Rock is not about Indians trespassing on private property, it's about no longer allowing an unjust system to continue to abuse those not holding the reins of power.