In addition to being maced and beaten with batons, activists have been tased and even shot with rubber bullets. Despite the violence taking place, tribal leaders continue to ask all "water protectors" to maintain peaceful relations and rely on prayer as the only weapon used to halt construction of the DAPL.
After watching videos of the mass arrests and beatings that have taken place, many have asked how those employed by the State can continue to terrorize weaponless protesters. Surely, some form of cognitive dissonance must be taking place? For some, most likely; and that's undoubtedly what inspired at least two officers to turn in their badges today. According to an activist named Redhawk, there have been reports of at least two officers turning in their badges after acknowledging that the battle against the American people is not what they signed up for.
On Facebook, the activist wrote:
You can see it in some of them, that they do not support the police actions. We must keep reminding them they are welcome to put down their weapons and badge and take a stand against this pipeline as well.
Some are waking up.
The comments on the ordeal have been quite positive. Charlotte Holywater Vincent wrote,
Brave to stand up for what is right ! To hand over years of training and service in a little metal badge and then stand on the side of humanity.Ron Hemming, who reportedly is a retired deputy in Washington, shared his thoughts:
As a retired deputy in Washington state, I would have refused to go on a detail such as this. As I am also part native blood, I stand with my relatives on the front line protecting the water from the black snake. Be safe, stay strong.
the 'test'... once presented and acknowledged for what it is.... to 'sit down, shut up and follow orders' like a loyal little sheep or to take a stand... for or against... sometimes all one can do is walk away.