The government has a long history of not being truthful with the American people. Unfortunately, this deception is still happening today and often goes unchecked due to lack of public awareness or apathy. To raise awareness about issues, one must be vigilant. Hitting the streets with protests is one way to make sure that issues are not falling by the wayside.
In recent years, citizens have taken to the streets in protest of governmental lies and injustices. For example, after the death of George Floyd while in police custody, thousands of Americans around the country took part in demonstrations demanding justice for those from black and brown communities who were victims of racism or police brutality. Similarly, there have been numerous rallies across the United States for better gun control legislation following a series of mass shootings.
Here are other examples of recent lies told by government officials that were met with public protest:
1. The Dakota Access Pipeline - In 2016, the US Army Corps of Engineers granted Energy Transfer Partners permission to construct an oil pipeline under Lake Oahe in North Dakota without consulting local Native American tribes as required by law. This led to months of protests from members of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and their supporters who were concerned about potential environmental damage caused by the pipeline’s construction and operation. The protests eventually derailed the project.
2. Immigration Policy - In 2018, the Trump Administration instituted a “zero-tolerance” immigration policy that separated immigrant children from their families at the US-Mexico border. This policy quickly led to nationwide protests by those who saw it as inhumane and unnecessary. After weeks of public outcry, President Trump signed an executive order ending the practice.
3. Climate Change - Government officials have been slow to take real action on climate change, while continuing to push policies that favor corporate interests over environmental protection. This has led to numerous protests across the globe, including most recently in 2019 when millions of people around the world took part in a Global Climate Strike calling for drastic measures to be taken by governments and businesses in order to combat global warming.
The above examples illustrate just a few of the ways in which government has lied to the American people and how protests have been used as an effective way to make sure that these lies are not forgotten. Through continued vigilance, citizens can help ensure that their voices will be heard by their elected leaders and bring about real change.
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