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.

screen-shot-2016-12-05-at-11-28-03-am
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:

screen-shot-2016-12-05-at-1-17-47-pm
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’

Like this story? Click on the share button below to send to your friends. 

Tags:

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!

Tags:
TrumpinaugurationObamaInstagramTwitter

Chase Bank Sued For Discriminating Against Black And Latino Customers

Things That Matter

Chase Bank Sued For Discriminating Against Black And Latino Customers

By at 11:11 am
BY  | January 19, 2017 AT 11:11 am
Credit: jeepersmedia / flickr

In one of its final moves, the Obama administration hit JPMorgan Chase & Co. with a one-two punch in the form of two discrimination lawsuits: one for discriminating against black and Latino mortgage borrowers and another for discriminating against their own female employees.

On Wednesday, the U.S. Justice Department filed a lawsuit against the largest bank in the nation, JPMorgan Chase & Co., alleging that from 2006 to 2009 it discriminated against African Americans and Latinos by charging them higher mortgage interest rates and fees when compared to “similarly situated white borrowers.”

According to Bloomberg, on average, black borrowers paid $1,126 more in fees while Latinos paid an average of $968 more in fees when compared to white customers.

JPMorgan spokesperson Elizabeth Seymour said, “We’ve agreed to settle these legacy allegations that relate to pricing set by independent brokers. We deny any wrongdoing and remain committed to providing equal access to credit.” They settled on the same day the lawsuit was filed.

The second lawsuit against the bank was filed by the Labor Department and claims that 93 female tech employees were paid lower wages than their non-female counterparts. JPMorgan Chase & Co. isn’t settling in this case and says that they’re looking forward to getting their evidence in front of “a neutral decision maker,” which is just another way of saying, “see you in court.”

Click here to find out more about the lawsuits filed against JPMorgan Chase & Co.


READ: This Bank Was Hoping Wronged Latino Immigrants Couldn’t And Wouldn’t Speak Up

Don’t forget to give that share button below a one-two punch before you go. 

Tags:
LawsuitObamaDiscrimination