Climate Change is a War on the People

Let's consider for a moment the targets the federal government chooses to make an example of. So far, no bankers have been charged, despite the unmitigated greed that nearly brought the world economy down. No coal or oil execs have been charged,...

March 3, 2011 | Source: Grist | by Bill McKibben

For related articles and more information, please visit OCA’s Environment and Climate Resource page, and our Utah News page.

Let’s consider for a moment the targets the federal government chooses to make an example of. So far, no bankers have been charged, despite the unmitigated greed that nearly brought the world economy down. No coal or oil execs have been charged, despite fouling the entire atmosphere and putting civilization as we know it at risk.

But engage in creative protest that mildly disrupts the efficient sell-off of our landscape to oil and gas barons? As Tim DeChristopher found out on Thursday, that’ll get you not just a week in court, but potentially a long stretch in the pen.

Tim is a hero not because he knew what he was getting into. As his testimony made clear this week, he had no idea at all; his decision to become Bidder No. 70 was about as spontaneous an action as we’ve ever seen.

And that’s what we need more of. More willingness to jump. Not blindly — if were going to do civil disobedience on a mass scale, and I think we’re going to have to, then some careful planning is necessary. But when you get right down to it, there’s always going to be a moment when you have to say: time to jump. Time to leave behind the world you’ve known and take a chance. The furniture of power — from stone-faced cops to imposing courthouses — is all designed to make you turn back from that edge.

Tim took that leap. The government is going to try and make an example of him. It will be harder for them if there are more of us.