Though we have come to expect outrageous and absurd appointments by the Trump administration, it appears that his corruption is rubbing off on the rest of government and the result is that the worst qualified among them are being given the most important positions.
This week, a new chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs was selected, and the man chosen to represent and protect the interests of native Americans across the United States is shockingly pro-Dakota Access Pipeline!
North Dakota Senator John Hoeven, a Republican, has repeatedly opposed the desires of the Standing Rock tribe, as well as hundreds of other native groups across the nation. Hoeven called the peaceful protests “violent,” and called on President Obama to take aggressive action to bring the protesters to heel.
Hoeven’s job now is to head the committee which is meant to advocate on behalf of American natives, proposing and supporting legislation which is in their best interest. But how can he do this when he has already proven repeatedly that he has no interest in respecting the wishes of the group he now heads?
In the ongoing protests which were waged within his own state, Hoeven sided with the corporation under the guise of concern for the residents of the nearby towns. He has proved himself unfit for his new job, which is exactly why Republicans gave it to him.
For the native Americans of this nation, this is just another small bit of proof that the U.S. government has absolutely no concern toward the tribes true desires. Hoeven will do nothing to respect the treaties made years ago, and if another Dakota Access struggle arises, he will hop onboard the oil train.
