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For the Fourth of July, President Trump made a polarizing address from Mount Rushmore, railing against the removal of monuments by protesters. However, the Trump administration has been on the front lines of destroying federally protected national monuments, including those that honor indigenous cultural heritage.
The controversial event occurred despite concerns that the fireworks could ignite wildfires and that the event (which did not require social-distancing or masks) would result in the spread of COVID-19. The event was protested by Native American tribes in the region concerned about the spread of coronavirus as well as dismayed by the disrespectful use of a sacred landscape. The national guard cleared protesters from the area prior to the event.
This weekend's event has spurred a critical reckoning with Mount Rushmore's racist history, and with our understanding of patriotism and history. The Black Hills, where Mount Rushmore was carved by a Ku Klux Klan sympathizer, are sacred to the Lakota Sioux tribe. In the treaty of 1868, the United States officially recognized the Black Hills as part of the Sioux territory. However, the U.S. proceeded to confiscate the region from the Sioux after gold was discovered. For many Americans, Mount Rushmore is a monument to a history of white supremacy and broken treaties.
Major Atlantic coast pipeline cancelled despite Trump's efforts to weaken environmental regulations
Two energy companies have abandoned their lawsuit-dogged bid to build the controversial 600-mile Atlantic Coast Pipeline. The companies cited costs and an uncertain regulatory environment as reasons for canceling the project, demonstrating the power of lawsuits and grassroots opposition even as the Trump administration slashes regulations. Dominion Energy, one of the energy companies involved, also announced its intent to sell off gas assets and focus on sustainability.
What Western voters want (coronavirus edition)
In the latest episode of Go West, Young Podcast, pollster Brian Gottlieb returns to discuss new polling results focused on coronavirus and public lands. Polling found that the current pandemic has deepened the connection of outdoor voters to public lands.
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