Things That Matter

Dakota Access Pipeline Halted For Now, But Trump May Change That Soon

By December 5, 2016 at 3:01 pm
CREDIT: NODAPL / INSTAGRAM / NAOMI KLEIN / FACEBOOK

After months of being on the receiving end of tear gas, rubber bullets, and water cannons in sub-freezing temperatures, Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) protesters finally have a reason to rejoice. On Sunday, President Obama effectively halted plans to build the pipeline under the Sioux’s Missouri River reservoir, putting an end to the contentious standoff between authorities and protesters. In the aftermath of President Obama’s verdict, activists, celebrities, and politicians took to social media to express their joy.

America’s favorite politician, Bernie Sanders, used Facebook to express his trademark common sense and compassion.

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CREDIT: U.S. SENATOR BERNIE SANDERS / FACEBOOK

Bernie reminds us that we’re celebrating something that shouldn’t have even been an issue in the first place, saying, “In the year 2016, we should not continue to trample on Native American sovereignty.”

Mark Ruffalo sent a very heartfelt “thank you” to those who had engineered the protester’s victory.

Dakota Access Pipeline Denied by Army Corps of Engineers! No win is ever permanent but we can rejoice today because together we created greater justice in the world, we opened the door to heal the old wounds sustained by our indigenous people. President Obama will leave the White House as a great chief of America for this. We must all thank the Native Youth who started this movement who started the camp and ran all over the USA to stop this from happening. It is for them, the unborn and the voiceless that we persist in the struggle. We must also have compassion for the Police who were on the other side of this struggle but are still our brothers and sisters.

Posted by Mark Ruffalo on Sunday, December 4, 2016

Posted by Mark Ruffalo on Sunday, December 4, 2016


Not only is Ruffalo green in the movies, playing the Hulk, he’s also green IRL.

Rosario Dawson, one of DAPL’s most outspoken critics, was understandably excited.


For the last few months, Dawson’s Twitter feed was always up to date on the latest news coming out of DAPL.

Author Naomi Klein posted a video of 13-year-old Tokata Iron Eyes, one of the originators of the DAPL protests.

“I feel like I have my future back.”
Celebrating victory with Tokata Iron Eyes, 13 year old water protector, Standing Rock

Posted by Naomi Klein on Monday, December 5, 2016

CREDIT: NAOMI KLEIN / FACEBOOK 

The joy on Iron Eyes’ face, as she says, “I feel like I have my future back,” is exactly why these protesters fought so hard to keep the pipeline away.

Current fave for the DNC chair, Keith Ellison, was “inspired” by the victory.


In an official statement, Ellison echoed Bernie Sanders’ sentiments, saying, “We have a responsibility to respect the sovereignty of the Standing Rock Tribe, and to ensure their voices are heard.”

Pharrell Williams saw the protest as proof that change comes when people work together.

Speaking of the people, the joy was quick to spread on Twitter.

A victory for Standing Rock is a victory for democracy.

On the other hand, many people aren’t convinced that the DAPL struggles are over.

For many, this is just the eye of the storm.

President-elect Trump has already stated that he is in favor of the pipeline.

Not to mention, Trump has stock in Energy Transfer Partners, the company responsible for the pipeline’s construction.

This fact hasn’t escaped social media’s radar. Many are convinced that this victory will fall when Trump takes office.


These claims aren’t the result of conspiracy theorist’s over-active imagination.

Kelsy Warren, CEO of the DAPL’s parent company, ETP, is confident Trump will approve the pipeline.


In an interview with CBS This Morning, Warren stated that the protesters would lose in the end, saying, “They will not stop our project. That’s naïve. They’re not stopping our project.”

In an official statement released by Warren’s company:

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CREDIT: ROLLING STONE / INSTAGRAM

As stated all along, ETP and SXL are fully committed to ensuring that this vital project is brought to completion and fully expect to complete construction of the pipeline without any additional rerouting in and around Lake Oahe. Nothing this Administration has done today changes that in any way.

Standing Rock is well aware of Trump’s interest in the pipeline. The chairman hopes to talk to him about the potentially harmful consequences of DAPL.


Standing Rock Sioux chair, Dave Archambault told Reuters, “The current administration did the right thing and we need to educate the incoming administration and help them understand the right decision was made.”

As uncertainty looms, victory brings hope to those who have fought so hard for what was already theirs.


Read: ‘You Told Us To Our Face That As Long As You’re In The White House You Had Our Back’

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Barack Obama Added Latin Music Stars To His Annual List Of Things He Enjoyed In 2019

Entertainment

Barack Obama Added Latin Music Stars To His Annual List Of Things He Enjoyed In 2019

By January 2, 2020 at 11:50 am
BY  | January 2, 2020 AT 11:50 am
barackobama / Instagram

President Obama has become a strong and lasting pop culture figure. He is often referenced in tv shows. movies, late-night talk shows, and a myriad of other moments. He has even become a tastemaker in some pop culture rounds. Namely, Obama releases an annual list of favorite things in entertainment and pop culture. It is a list that people have come to expect and look forward to as Obama has often highlighted the most influential people of the year. This year’s list is no different and there were some notable Latino additions to the list that people definitely paid attention to.

Former President Barack Obama released his culture list of 2019, and he included some of our favorite Latino creatives. 

Credit: @barackobama / Twitter

Obama’s recommendation lists have been a part of our lives since he began his presidency. Every year, he releases a list of his favorite books, music, and movies, and we’re always so excited because he typically is into things that we’re into as well. Not just that, but he also turns us onto new creatives because if he’s into it, we know for a fact it’s good. 

Oh, the music front, Obama did not disappoint. His favorite music of 2019 surprised many because while we know he has impeccable taste, we didn’t realize he could get down like that. 

For starters, in 2019, Obama listened to “Baila Baila Baila” by Ozuna featuring Daddy Yankee, J Balvin, Farruko, Anuel AA. 


We need a second to absorb this awesomeness. Not only does Obama give a list of entertainment to make your year better, he included one of the Latin music’s biggest bops of the year.

People could not get over the fact that Obama gets down to Ozuna just like we do. 

Credit: @bianncaaaa_ / Twitter

We truly want to know who put Obama onto Ozuna. Was it his kids? Was it a friend? Maybe it was Michelle! We know she does love to dance. Way to go, Obama.

We see Obama in a whole new light now. 

He was cool before, but now it’s on another level. We really love seeing the things that Obama enjoys.

Obama also listened to Angelica Garcia’s “Jícama”

The bilingual singer who’s based in Richmond, Virginia but was born in Cali and is of Mexican and Salvadoran descent got the break of a lifetime by getting a shoutout by the former president.

For those of you who don’t know her, now you know. 

Credit: @als_baretoes / Twitter

Garcia tweeted, “I am tearing up right now. My grandma has kept your picture on her piano for 5 years. Thank you for listening @BarackObama.” We’re tearing up now too!

Like the rest of the world, Obama could not resist Rosalía’s “Con Altura.”


Rosalía was undeniable on the culture hit list for 2019 and there’s no way Obama could avoid her. She was everywhere with her new music this year.

Obama surprised many with his choices this year, but his Latin music artist picks blew us away. 

Credit: @nathalyHenriq11 / Twitter

We stan Obama for life!

Now, on the movie front, Obama didn’t choose any Latin films. We know there were slim pickings, but we guess he didn’t watch “Knock Down the House” — the documentary about Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s rise to Congress. Or “The Infiltrators” another powerful documentary about what it’s like to be detained by ICE. Perhaps that last film hits too close to home for the former president. 

As for books, Obama chose some incredible reads, including Valeria Luiselli’s “Lost Children Archive.”

Credit: @crimmigration / Twitter

The Mexican writer tweeted that she was speechless over being on Obama’s list. She tweeted, “Happy, though of course bewildered, that @BarackObama read Lost Children Archive. Curious about what, in those pages, spoke to him, and wondering what thoughts left an echo.” She also added that she wants Rep. Ocasio-Cortez to read her next book! “And now here’s a wish for 2020: that @AOC reads Tell Me How It Ends and pushes for some major reforms!” It’s all about envisioning to bring it to light!

Okay, now that we know Obama gets down as we do, we’re going to play some Ozuna now. 

Thanks, Mr. Obama for reminding us why we love you and more importantly why we miss you even more!

READ: More Than 360,000 People Have Signed A Petition Calling For Trump Tower’s Address To Be ‘President Barack H. Obama Avenue’

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In Case You Need A Laugh, Here Are Some Tweets And Memes To Reflect How People Feel About The Inauguration

Things That Matter

In Case You Need A Laugh, Here Are Some Tweets And Memes To Reflect How People Feel About The Inauguration

By January 19, 2017 at 2:48 pm
BY  | January 19, 2017 AT 2:48 pm
Credit: @baleevet / Instagram

The inauguration is here, folks, which means it’s time to say goodbye to Barack Obama and say hello to our newly elected president, Donald Trump. Here’s the gist of how people on Twitter and Instagram really feel about this historic event…

Some people feel like this girl from the famous Dr. Phil episode:

“Catch me outside, how ’bout dat?!”

While others can describe their feels toward the inauguration with a single word:

*clinging onto Obama’s ankles*

Yep, there’s so much despair that people on Twitter are coming up with inauguration drinking games in order to cope with their emotions.

Goodbye Obama and liver!

And some of these games have a few more detailed rules than others.

Cheers, America.

Other games don’t involve drinks.

Queen Petty reporting for Duty!!! #leggo #nevermypresident #dumptrump #inauguration #internettoomuch #obamaforever

A photo posted by ?Candace, The Vegan Newbie???? (@regalpurple22) on

What would you rather do?

Because Trump is dying for more airtime, people have decided they won’t give him the pleasure ?.

*unplugs TV*

Some people admit they wouldn’t go even if tickets were free.??

Even if Trump paid them.

Others would love a chance to attend.

Time to act like Kanye and interrupt Trump.

People on twitter are also joking about how bad the weather is going to be during the inauguration.

Thank you, baby Jesus.

Which is why people on Instagram are sharing this 7-day forecast meme.

#inauguration

A photo posted by Magic Pale (@baleevet) on

For real.

Now that Obama’s term as president is ending, some people can’t help but reminisce about his inauguration.

So many emotions!

And he will be missed by many.

READ: Watch Lin-Manuel Miranda Bring People To Tears With A Song That Captures The Mood Of America

How do you feel about Inauguration? Comment and hit the share button below!

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