Opinion: Should the Standing Rock protesters arms themselves?

To the editor: I used to think there was no rational argument for civilian possession of military-style weapons. But in light of the disparate treatment of the armed Malheur National Wildlife Refuge occupiers (who were acquitted of all charges Friday) and the protesters in North Dakota supporting the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation in its fight against construction of an oil pipeline, it’s apparent that such weapons are now an effective component of the protester’s toolkit. (“The protests at Standing Rock are necessary. What happened at Malheur was nonsense,” Opinion, Oct. 30)

Come bearing assault-style rifles, and be indulged with the space, leisure and media access to make your case to the nation; come bearing only banners and slogans, and be treated to a swift and brutal demonstration of military-grade law enforcement.

Jack McGregor, Woodland Hills

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To the editor: The white ranchers and the Native Americans have more in common than it might appear at first glance. Both are capable of mitigating global warming.

Raising cattle in the west using well-managed grazing practices can result in the regeneration of fertile soil, which can grow plants that sequester carbon. Barring the oil pipeline can reduce the use of fossil fuels, resulting in less carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

All peoples need to recognize that by working together they can ensure their common survival against the gravest threat of all — climate change. It is the right of American citizens to remind the government that it must work for the good of all its people, not just entrenched corporate interests. If this means enriching the soil of federal lands by grass-fed cattle ranching or preserving the environment in the Dakotas from an oil-polluting pipeline, so be it.

Nancy Rossi, South Pasadena

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To the editor: To Aaron Bady’s excellent article, I would just add that putting a price on carbon would aid the Sioux, and all of us, in fighting for survival.

When a fee is imposed on carbon-burning fuels, the oil and gas industries will be made to bear the costs of environmental damage. When that happens, the building of this 1,172-mile-long crude oil pipeline, as well as other such enterprises, will not be so economically attractive.

Peggy Painton, Los Angeles

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