U.S. must keep its word to Sioux about Dakota pipeline

There is much talk of “greatness” in the air these days. And it brings to mind Supreme Court Justice Black’s observation that “great nations, like great men, should keep their word.”

Just last year, after long and intense confrontations, the Standing Rock Sioux succeeded in wresting from the United States a commitment — the United States’ word — to pursue other routes for the Dakota Access pipeline. This was not a fully satisfactory result for the tribe, because they believe the pipeline should not proceed anywhere. But they took it as at least a commitment made in good faith by the United States.

Now the United States is moving to renege on that commitment. It is said that “there was an election” and that the commitments of the American government can be revisited. This is no doubt astounding to the Tribe. The Sioux, too, within their Tribe, have elections. But they do not view them as negating commitments they have made.

President Trump and Congress should pursue American greatness by keeping their nation’s word and relocating the pipeline.

Carl Ullman

Anacortes