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NATIONAL ETHICS AWARENESS MONTH




 

 

Internet users everywhere look to Google throughout the course of their day when seeking answers to important questions. Thanks to Google, I learned that March is National Ethics Awareness Month.

The online Merriam Webster dictionary defines ethics as “a set of moral principles: a theory or system of moral values” and “the principles of conduct governing an individual or group” and “a guiding philosophy.” https:// www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ethic

Last week, at the very last minute of the 2019 Legislative Session, the governor of South Dakota fast-tracked bills which further promote the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline. Senate Bills 189 and 190 are meant to provide protection for a foreign corporation, namely TransCanada, to construct their Keystone XL pipeline down the middle of Lakota treaty territory.

Senate Bill 189 is “An Act to establish a fund to receive civil recoveries to offset costs incurred by riot boosting” sdlegislature. gov/docs/legsession/ 2019/Bills/SB189P. pdf and Senate Bill 190 is “An Act to promote pipeline construction and fiscal responsibility by establishing a fund, to authorize a special fee for extraordinary expenses, to make a continuous appropriation therefor, and to declare an emergency.” sdlegislature.gov/docs/legsession/2019/Bills/SB190P. pdf

Even though the legislation does not specifically name TransCanada’s Keystone XL pipeline, we are all aware that the foreign company is chomping at the bit to build their poisonous snake through vital waterways which humans, animals, birds, fish, plants and trees depend upon for life. Human beings living along the proposed route of this monster pipeline, as well as environmental organizations, have legally challenged Keystone XL construction plans for almost a decade.

Senate Bill 189 is about money. The bill can also be read as oppressive in terms of Constitutional rights guaranteed to us by the First Amendment. That is, we have a right to assemble to advocate peacefully against anything we believe is unethical or poses a danger to our family, children, grandchildren and the environment.

Amendment I of the United States Constitution states “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.” www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/first_ amendment

Perhaps the sitting governor of South Dakota believes this state is above the rights put in place by the US Constitution. Senate Bill 189 and 190 will work in favor of TransCanada, as well as any other oil development company who wishes to pump their poison through our homelands. Consequently, South Dakota’s governor accepted money from TransCanada to fund her campaign; an excerpt taken from the caption of a 2018 Associated Press photo reads:

“Organizers of South Dakota Gov.-elect Kristi Noem’s inaugural celebration have raised at least $162,500 from roughly 30 large donors including major health systems, big energy companies and state industry groups. Top-tier donations to the city of Pierre’s inaugural committee include $12,500 from Avera Health, $10,000 from biofuels producer POET and $10,000 from Keystone XL oil pipeline developer TransCanada. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File).” www.usnews.com/news/best-states/south-dakota/articles/2019-01-05/noem-to-take-office-assouth dakotas-1st-femalegovernor

Governor Noem has tried to woo Tribal leaders with private breakfasts in her mansion. Obviously, those meetings didn’t involve any discussion on what was coming down regarding the Keystone XL project. The recent written statements issued by Tribal Presidents Harold Frazier (Cheyenne River), Rodney M. Bordeaux (Rosebud) and Julian Bear Runner (Oglala) point to the lack of meaningful consultation about whether or not the Tribes supported legislation like Senate Bills 189 and 190.

An ethical governor would seek input from the state’s Tribal Presidents on construction affecting our environment. Governor Noem has set the tone for the remainder of her term and it appears there will be a lot of unethical decisions shoved down our throats.

Vi Waln (Sicangu Lakota) is an award-winning Journalist. She can be reached through email vi@lakotatimes.com

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