Twice now Kathy Holdefer, a water protector and pipeline protestor from Mingo, Iowa, has corrected Iowa media on their spin following assumed arson at Dakota Access’ Bakken pipeline construction sites.
The following was published in the Newton Daily News on Monday, October 24th.
Once again, it’s been insinuated that “protestors” of the Bakken pipeline are responsible for fires allegedly set to Dakota Access equipment in Jasper County. At least one county official, the assistant fire chief of Reasnor, and the landowner on whose property the fire occurred have been quoted by area newspapers and television, directly or indirectly connecting the fires with those who have peacefully demonstrated against the pipeline.
Folks, arson isn’t our style. In fact, after the August fire on the same property, I submitted a letter to the editor denouncing violence and encouraging those who want to stop the pipeline to “take direct, civil disobedient action against it — even to risk arrest for the cause.” That’s what I did Sept. 10 in Boone County, and what many others have done to protect Iowa’s waters, land and landowner rights.
As a member of the Bakken Pipeline Resistance Coalition, I’ve been privileged to know dozens of others who, like me, are first-time activists and arrestees. We didn’t seek out something to “protest.” But when this pipeline came in – we had to stand up. And we’ll stand strong until we defeat it – thoughtfully, peacefully, and proudly. Visit nobakken.com for more information.
Kathy Holdefer
Mingo