While stumping for the Clinton campaign this week, progressive Senator Bernie Sanders was interrupted by a voice in the crowd who shouted, “Stop the Dakota pipeline!”
The senator responded to the call with a rousing “damn right,” which elicited cheers from the Clinton-supporting crowd, but it felt a bit hollow coming from a stage decked out with Clinton gear.
It is clear that Sanders is in support of ending the pipeline, and has called on president Obama to do so more than once. Nevertheless, his continued support of Clinton, who has offered nothing more than useless platitudes, is confusing.
If the senator can call on President Obama to end the pipeline, why is he not also calling on Clinton to condemn the project as well?
It was just last week that the Democratic nominee finally issued a statement on the NoDAPL protests, calling for both police and protesters to respect one another and act according to the law. Considering that police had just arrested over 140 peaceful water protectors with the use of rubber bullets, mace, tasers, and more, Clinton’s response was barely a response at all.
Attention being paid to the ongoing protests has grown exponentially, but still Clinton’s stance remains lukewarm. Rather than using this chance to embrace progressive ideas about energy and prove to liberals that she truly is on the right side of environmentalism, Clinton is once again taking the easy road.
Sanders has said recently that he intends to be deeply involved with the Clinton administration, nipping at her heels to keep her honest to the progressive promises she has made. Though we want to believe him, this is the first true test of that promise.
Senator Sanders, speak out on Clinton’s silence – your revolution requires it of you.
