Show of Hands

To create a media frenzy and prevent what they see as future harm.

For the exact reason you said they wouldn’t

Why did they leave tons of trash when they departed from their encampment?

Eco terrorism. Why do they commit arson if they care about the environment?

That's a very good point! They are destroying their own credibility and making matters worse. It almost seems like there is an epidemic of insanity. Even our politicians can't be bothered to have reasonable conversations! Everything is about sound bites to discredit the opposition in public. The Media encourages it, because it fits their programming schedules.

But if they blame the oil company then they escape the scrutiny.
Given the timing, it will not surprise me if we find out that it was sabotage and that there are links to the anti-pipeline groups

To make a statement

Apparently making a statement is more important than polluting sacred tribal land.

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Still less pollution than trucking it in.

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Smart1, you know that the cleanup will be done by illegal aliens, since people receiving public assistance are too proud to do that kind of dirty work.