Responding to Bayou Bridge article

Your recent article, “Bayou Bridge Pipeline Moves Ahead Despite Judges Ruling” which omits key information about the groups involved in pipeline protests.

The article focuses on a judge’s order delivered to pipeline worker by a “group of citizens.” But the so-called “group of citizens” is actually a far left group of professional protests [sic] called “L’eau Est La Vie,” and far from a legitimate grassroots movement. L’eau Est La Vie is closely tied to the Earth First! terrorist organization, and these pipeline protesters have been following Earth First’s Direct Action Manual, which encourages a litany of illegal activity, including harassment, public property destruction, vandalism and having activists lock themselves inside barrels.

In fact, the Direct Action Manuel features a “Home Demos” Section advising activists to vandalize citizens’ yards, vehicles and homes.

In a civil democracy, we debate issues in a civil manner and peacefully protest in public areas. Vandalism and destruction of private property is not only illegal, but sends the wrong message to our children.

Environmentalists in Louisiana are free under the First Amendment to advance their point of view. But that does not make it acceptable to partner with domestic terror organizations that advocate violence.

– Daniel Turner
Executive Director
Power The Future

This article originally published in the June 18, 2018 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.