Yesterday two Texans, Shannon Beebe and Benjamin Franklin, were subjected to torture tactics at the hands of police under the active encouragement of TransCanada senior supervisors. Beebe and Franklin were exercising their constitutional rights to nonviolent protest when they locked themselves to Keystone XL construction machinery outside Winnsboro, Texas and delayed construction for most of the day. Police began using aggressive pain compliance tactics when a senior TransCanada supervisor named John arrived and actively encouraged it. Torture tactics included; sustained chokeholds, violent arm-twisting, pepper spray, and multiple uses of Tasers, all while blockaders where in handcuffs.
Immediately following TransCanada’s consultation, law enforcement handcuffed the protesters’ free hands to the heavy machinery in stress positions and then subjected to repeated torture tactics by four police officers while TransCanada employees stood by and watched.
With the news that their friends had been tortured with TransCanada’s approval, the eight original tree sitters were bravely joined by another, expanding the tree blockade further as TransCanada’s clear-cutting heavy machinery rapidly approaches. Construction is roughly 300 yards away from the tree blockade. All refuse to come down until TransCanada halts its dangerous pipeline project.
Extraordinarily, despite their torture, the two endured for over five hours, affirming their courageous stance that taking action now is less of a risk than doing nothing. Watch the coverage on Democracy Now!
“As someone who has a religious dedication to nonviolence, I have a duty to assist nonviolent tactics. This is a path to change that works. Despite everything that happened at the direction of TransCanada, I don’t regret my involvement at all. I encourage everyone to persevere in the face of this type of sheer brutality. To follow one’s moral compass in spite of extreme challenges is the way we move forward towards a more humane, tar sands-free planet,” Franklin said after he was tortured Tuesday.
A plain-clothes police officer was among the aggressive officers to implement torture tactics. He put Franklin in a chokehold cutting off his breathing, and bent him over backwards in an attempt to make him pass out. Franklin reports difficulty swallowing because of bruises sustained to his esophagus.
The most physically aggressive was the ranking officer, a Lieutenant with the Wood County Sheriff Department under the observation of TransCanada employees. He twisted and contorted the tube that Beebe and Franklin had locked their arms into, cutting off circulation to their hands and cutting abrasions into their hands and forearms.
Franklin and Beebe then describe pepper spray as the most painful part of their ordeal. Police sprayed into their lockdown tube, and the chemicals burned their already-open wounds.
Fortunately they were able to make it through their mutual torture by intimating personal reassurances to each other. Franklin and Beebe say they were able to endure the pain knowing that they were in it together. Despite the immense pain our brave blockaders remained locked to the machinery for several hours – determined to stop this toxic tar sands pipeline.
After the pepper spray didn’t work the police again conferred with TransCanada employees before sending someone back to the police car to bring a taser. Franklin and Beebe were each tased for one second. Then Franklin was tased for 5 entire seconds. He described the pain as immense and almost physically unbearable.
They were eventually removed when it was clear that TransCanada was willing to do whatever it took to increase pain levels to physically unbearable levels.
After the torture session ended, John, the senior TransCanada supervisor openly congratulated the aggressive Sheriffs Department Lieutenant on a “job well done.” To which the Lieutenant replied: “if this happens again we’ll just skip to using pepper spray and tasing in the first 10 minutes.”
The level of brutality inflicted on peaceful protestors Tuesday demonstrates TransCanada’s blatant disregard for the safety of our friends and family. Police worked hand-in-glove with TransCanada supervisors to torture nonviolent protesters. Tar Sands Blockade pledges to resist all forms of violent intimidation with our sustained campaign of peaceful nonviolence to stop the dangerous tar sands pipeline for good. We will not be deterred.
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Beatrice Smith
September 26, 2012 at 4:44 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
This is disgusting and these cops should be held responsible
Alice
September 26, 2012 at 5:04 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Proud of you Ben Franklin.
Madge
September 26, 2012 at 5:19 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
The cop that we saw on tape pepper-spray the seated non-violent students at Davis, by spraying them in the eyes, with military combat grade pepper-spray was NOT prosecuted, although sprayed the students at close range. Proper application distance is 15 feet away from the intended victim. He was not even indicted.
Ricardo
September 26, 2012 at 8:45 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Madge, im not defending the cop that did that in davis. I live in davis and i can say that this police officer has not been prosecuted but he has been fired. Not the the outcome most were expecting, also, it was just released that UC davis offered to pay 30k to the 21 victims of the incident….i share your disgust.
johanna harman
October 2, 2012 at 4:00 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Sept 26, 2012
The University of California has agreed to pay about $1 million to the UC Davis students callously drenched in pepper spray during Occupy protests last November. …As a condition of the settlement, each student involved will also receive a personal written apology from UC Davis Chancellor.
http://nymag.com/daily/intel/2012/09/pepper-spray-students-win-1-million-settlement-uc-davis.html
Dan Mitchell
September 26, 2012 at 5:38 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
The cops were doing what the Corporate Personhood told them to do. So, in actuality, the corporate shills should be arrested, fined and jailed.
Mike
September 26, 2012 at 8:31 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
The Corporation – which is not a person – was doing what the Board of Directors told it to do.
Which is doing what the shareholders told it to do.
So the shareholders – whether they are rich bankers, mutual fund holders, or retirees on a pension – should be arrested, fined, and jailed.
Become a shareholder, go to meetings, change the corporation.
Bill Michtom
September 27, 2012 at 6:35 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Where in the article or the video is there any evidence to support the claims being made? No overheard conversation is quoted. No video of the conversation. No pictures of what allegedly happened to the protesters.
While I am completely against the pipeline and corporate destruction of our environment, there is nothing but unsupported claims here.
Have I missed something?
Raven
September 28, 2012 at 12:10 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
You missed being empathetic and shocked and generally outraged that your fellow human beings are being hurt in the name of corporate greed.Are you an idiot? You didn’t see it so it didn’t happen? keep your head in the sand, go for it, oh yeah and don’t forget to vote Romney (idiot).
Jennifer
September 28, 2012 at 3:57 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Raven,
That’s not helpful. It’s important to be seen as credible, to make the changes we want happen. I think the fellow above was doing a good thing in calling for a high standard of reporting. I am not impressed with this being called “torture” either. Go to Syria, Eastern Europe, the Middle East and you’ll understand torture. Young middle-class activists have their heart in the right place, but can be ANNOYING and NAIVE and INEXPERIENCED.
Linda
September 30, 2012 at 7:21 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Yes Jennifer. But, at least they are OUT THERE!!
Dennis Whitehurst
October 8, 2012 at 8:31 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
The cops confiscated all cameras and video devises at the scene.
Dom
September 27, 2012 at 8:32 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Cops can’t think for themselves??????
Linda
September 30, 2012 at 7:23 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Gotta keep those jobs, you know. Never mind the ethics involved (or not).
And, from the sounds of it, they are bullies to begin with.
Brandon
September 26, 2012 at 5:40 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Disgusting. You should both contact a lawyer immediately and be suing both the local Sherif’s department as well as TransCanada. You might also want to think of filing a separate civil suit against the TransCanada supervisor.
Nancy
September 26, 2012 at 5:41 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
What brave and dedicate people! Just goes to show that corporations have more rights than people. The police should have been protecting them instead of harming them! Just goes to show who is in whose pocket!
Nancy
September 26, 2012 at 5:46 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
It only goes to show that corporations have more rights than people when they can buy law enforcement like that. US citizens and Canadian citizens lost their rights to protest peacefully while being protected by police. Who is in whose pocket! Outrageous and I hope you fine people are recovering from police brutality AND I hope you can take them to court and win!
anthony
September 26, 2012 at 5:44 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
So are the police getting in sued, or charged for this behavior? Or is this ok in Canada. This is completely police brutality, if this was in the US and was caught on camera there would be serious charges brought to them.
Shodo Spring
September 26, 2012 at 8:13 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Anthony, this was in the US, in Texas. This is our new reality. Happened while we weren’t looking – or weren’t doing enough to stop it.
Raven
September 28, 2012 at 12:11 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Sadly in the U.S, it happens as well, and no the police are not held accountable.
Amy Christiansen
September 26, 2012 at 5:47 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
So we have come to this… Tasing and Pepper spray??? This is DISGUSTING! TransCanada can add HUMAN TORTURE to their resumes. Some day, in a better world, the cops will be on our side!
In solidarity from Alaska…… You are brave, and I hope the cops and TransCanada are held responsible–Persevere!
John Bridwell`
September 26, 2012 at 5:53 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
This is disgusting, as a person born in Texas, I am so terribly angry at the actions of the Police there. No use of Torture is the right thing to do. These police officers should be arrested themselves and placed in prison, the company officials who demanded such behavior of the police should also be rounded up and imprisoned. What is wrong with those people to think that this sort of thing is okay? We are not some third world country that has no idea of right and wrong, and can torture their own so easily. I am truly disgusted with Texas at this point and really wish it would leave the country.
Charley
September 26, 2012 at 5:55 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
It’s amazing what some humans will do to others. This story doesn’t mention whether there are plans to bring charges against the perpetrators. Police brutality, etc.
Roy Vanderleelie
September 26, 2012 at 6:06 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Using tactics like this encourages more violent elements to counter these cops and the TransCanada officials. I am afraid that one day it will come to this, not just against the Keystone project but all others were our environment is being threatened by greedy and uncaring corporations.
Fateh Singh
September 26, 2012 at 6:17 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
You guys, please contact the ACLU about this (http://www.aclu.org/), report it in detail, and please have legal observers at the next blockade/protest!
This is abominable, but not surprising… HOWEVER, there are people on your side, and no one should have to go through this in America, or anywhere in the world.
brazos wolf
September 26, 2012 at 7:56 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
I agree. Always have legal observers with you who are filming the protest. Oakland is paying hundreds of thousands of dollars in damages because the police violence at Occupy Oakland was filmed and disseminated. But hopefully your observers will prevent such atrocities from happening next time.
And thank you so much for protecting Texas wildlands! <3 Thank you Thank you! Light the fire in young Texans–get people out of their comfortable living rooms and into the streets and forests to defend a disappearing natural ecology!
Mike
September 26, 2012 at 8:33 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
I agree – always have some of your own ‘media’ there
Carolina
September 27, 2012 at 4:03 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
I heartily agree that you should contact the Texas ACLU (I tried for you, but you must do it yourself) and always have legal observers who are clearly identified as such.
alex
September 26, 2012 at 6:35 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
you need to take this everywhere: to the PD complaints dept., to the Feds, to your Congressman/woman – and most importantly to as many different TV and other news outlets as you can. these officers and the TransCanada employees involved must face criminal charges. this is completely unacceptable. you have a Constitutional right to free speech absent the threat – let alone the practice – of torture under the First Amendment. please use it. contact the ACLU etc. for legal help.
Is this really happening?
September 28, 2012 at 5:43 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
I fully agree with alex. I don’t understand why Shannon and Benjamin have not made a criminal complaint against the officers who perpetrated the unlawful misuse of physical force on two apparently non-violent individuals who were carrying out a peaceful disobedience exercise.
Were the officers names recorded? Did anyone obtain the name and/or description of the TransCanada representative?
The laws maybe different in the subdivision or district of Texas that this took place in, but I know if that happened in my neck of the woods those police officers would minimally face disciplinary charges, and probably have criminal charges pressed by the district attorney. The local police department might take the same personnel action as the Davis PD apparently did.
Finally, I think Bill Michtom’s comment above was a legitimate one and should not have been challenged as it was. I also find it hard to understand why there was nothing that could sustain what is being reported here.
Police actions such as described can not be allowed to go without sanctions against this police force. If no one reacts to this locally, then the State Attorney General should be contacted and as a last resort, the office of Eric Holder, the US Attorney General, should be contacted.
Jo
September 26, 2012 at 6:44 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Stay brave & strong, we’re all behind you.
Lauren steiner
September 26, 2012 at 6:46 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
If I come with a camera person and subject myself to this torture, do you suppose they will allow the videotaping of this or would it have to be hidden camera style? I would want to assure coverage of this by a major TV news outlet before subjecting myself to this?
terry hanks
September 26, 2012 at 6:51 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Disgusting
Bobbi Cee
September 26, 2012 at 7:06 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
I’m wondering when these thugs for hire will kill someone. This is beyond ridiculous. All they had to do was cut the handcuffs and haul them to jail. This is just an example of people who are severely emotionally damaged posing as law enforcers who are obviously dangerous to others and given power over the general populace.
rc
September 26, 2012 at 7:11 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
high fives and hugs, heroes… thinking of you constantly. may the spirit of life and peace overflow in your circle. xox <3 u
GABRIELA WESTRUP
September 26, 2012 at 7:20 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
This is disgusting!! I’m embarrased to belong to the same human race as those who gave the orders and to the one’s who followed them, HOW MUCH ARE YOU GETTIN PAID POLICE AND SHERIFF???? I would like to see their checking account, you all must be getting a hefty “raise” to do this to other people who just want to save the environment..
Laura
September 26, 2012 at 7:38 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Folks, I hope you’ve developed media relationships and are calling reporters and sending them images of these actions to document Transcanada’s crimes. This kind of horrifying news needs to be spread far and wide. It will have an impact on the public’s tolerance for Transcanada and its transgressions. Don’t just hope TC and the cops will be held responsible… HOLD them responsible publicly!
Andy
September 26, 2012 at 7:44 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
SO sorry for the pain you went through, horrible to read about.
thinking of you guys often
I hope you will consider a lawsuit? I’m sure plenty of us will donate
Cindy Barg
September 26, 2012 at 8:27 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Thank you to all the brave people trying to halt construction of this pipeline…the Obama administration and it’s counterparts have much to answer to for their lies and deceit !
Jennifer
September 26, 2012 at 8:29 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
The pepper sprayed UC Davis protesters were just awarded $30k each in a civil suit with the help of the ACLU. Not nearly enough in my opinion.
Shannon and Ben, thank you for your heroism.
Doug Grandt
September 26, 2012 at 8:41 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
So sorry to hear what Shannon and Ben had to endure. Proud of you. Will join you again in about a week.
Tom Joad
September 26, 2012 at 8:53 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
“If there was a law, they was workin` with maybe we could take it, but it ain`t the law. They`re workin` away our spirits, tryin` to make us cringe and crawl, takin` away our decency.” -Tom Joad
chris
September 26, 2012 at 9:03 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Bless you both, I hope that when the time comes, and I am certain that it will soon, I am as brave.
I understand that there are some property owners in Texas on your side, hopefully this will inspire them to join you.
If possible, please post the photos and names of the cops involved and the Trans Canada supervisor.
Ben
September 26, 2012 at 9:11 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
There is a word for people who are committed to nonviolence: victims.
As everyone on this site is well aware, corporations and governments are not human and literally have no conscience — why then are so many people trying to appeal to their humanity and their conscience through nonviolent resistance?
Wake up. The forces of death are happy to inflict pain on any number of victims. Those who wish to make a change must become warriors, and inflict pain on them.
Marki
September 26, 2012 at 9:34 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
And in WHAT country did this happen???? In what year??? As a product of the 60′s I thought we fought battles so our children and grandchildren would not have to fight them. Does it never stop? Tazers…the smaller, more portable, more painful, water hoses of this generation. Uhm Uhm Uhm
Liz
September 27, 2012 at 12:30 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Strapping yourself to a peice of heavy equipment is NOT the smartest thing to. In addition, here you have a group of people, which really don’t look like they are holding down any kind of JOB, or they would be at work. ALSO, here are people trying to do their JOB & build something that will PROVIDE MORE JOBS, but no, we have to be bleeding hearts & stop all industry advancements. And you all wonder why 47% of America is now sucking down welfare & food stamps & goverment sponsored housing. Get the pipeline built, link to Canada & get out of Alaska’s way to build the Trans Canada pipeline to link it up all the way to Texas. Now there is some jobs that pay over minimum wage, oh, but wait, it sounds like you folks don’t want that, so don’t whine when all the other deadbeats suck all of your Social Security right out of exsistence. We can’t have all of our fancy little toys & stuff without the advent of Mining & Drilling & Harvesting raw materials & news flash, wind & solar is not going to cut it, unless we instill a population control program, so that there are less humans to support. Hey, at least they just didn’t fire up the equipment & go to work, calling it an industrial accident. Those guys are lucky, wouldn’t want to try that up here in the North Country as they bears would have the evidence gone in a few hours. Sure what happened was sinful, but I see it the other way, what a sinful waste of time & company money on human stupidity.
David
September 29, 2012 at 4:02 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
The jobs created after the pipeline is finished will be minimal and the oil and gas that is going too be produced will be sold overseas to the highest bidder. These projects benefit a very small amount of people and leave nothing but ruin and hardship in their wake. And If 47% of the population is not on food stamps and government housing. that is a ridiculous statement. check the facts before you spew lies. Will you be sucking down social security when you retire? I intend to. I also have been paying into it.
gragor
September 27, 2012 at 2:15 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Massive and swift retaliation is needed. Lock down TransCanada’s offices so they can’t get in. Lock them out of their offices in Calgary and Houston or where ever they hang their hats. Blockade their trucks, houses, equipment yards, where ever they exist. Publicize this from coast to coast. Solidarity from Vancouver Island as we work on derailing the Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline proposal.
Brenda
September 27, 2012 at 2:44 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Tell everyone to start emailing the news stations NBC,CBS, ABC, CNN all of them that you can think of and DEMAND that they cover this story!
Then write to your Senators, Congressional House member and go on the White House website and post an email to President Obama & the Vice President. DON’T LET THIS GO UNANSWERED!
We have to STOP this horrible pipeline and the Canadians need to STOP the tar sands production!
GET SEVERAL PEOPLE TO START VIDEO TAPING EVERYTHING THAT IS GOING ON THEN SEND IT INTO THE NEWS STATIONS!!!!
Dan
September 27, 2012 at 2:51 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Having lawyers is key here. Given what you describe & esp if there’s supporting video, a lawyer can file for a temporary restraining order (TRO). That’s an order from the court requiring the cops & TransCanada to refrain from this conduct in the future. If they violate the order, the court can impose severe sanctions on them, including short-term imprisonment. Torture is criminal, and the Dept of Justice is mandated to investigte bringing charges. A lawyer (ACLU would be a good place to go, they have loads of resources & are very familiar with these kinds of cases) would know how to navigate all of this for you. These are things that are available to protect you immediately, and can go hand in hand with a lawsuit about the torture. But the lawsuit would be a longer-term remedy. BTW, the TRO process can also be used against you; TransCanada can sue for trespassing and interference in business, and get a TRO against locking yourselves to equipment, perhaps. But that’s less of a clear-cut win than an injunction forbidding the promised future torture of peaceful protesters, even ones using civil disobedience tactics that are technically illegal.
This is not meant to say that a coherent media strategy is not also key. Video of this would be absolutely explosive and have the potential to create a national stir if pitched right — especially given the role Keystone has in the presidential campaigns, which would make this appealing to the media.
Danman
September 27, 2012 at 5:37 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Really? TransCanada should be getting a temporary restraining order against these “protesters”!
Go ahead and protest to make your voice heard, but this is absolutely not the way to do it. Hopefully this sends a message that it’s NOT OK to pull this shit.
j nels
September 27, 2012 at 3:19 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
I sit here humbled by your vision and determination and endurance to take action. The basic human being was exposed in each of the parties involved. You are blessed. Thank you.
gragor
September 27, 2012 at 4:08 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
I saw pictures of what looked like well organized non-violent protest workshops. How could these people be out there without enough support that this incident wasn’t videotaped? Well, probably I understand why, rural area, just a few locals and committed activists etc, but back up is mandatory. They could kill those people attached to that equipment.
IMO You need multiple video cameras, backing up and protecting each other so that there is always at least 3 cameras shooting, one in close to the action, one out further filming the in close camera and the action in the same shot. And a third one out watching and filming the reactions of the ‘authorities’ and acting as video lookout for the activists and the other 2 camera persons. After today’s events everybody out there should have at least a still camera with them.
Good thing about today’s adventures in unbridled fascism is that you will have lots of supporters there tomorrow to back you up. If you don’t get them then Texans deserve what is inevitably going to happen to them. Tar all over the place.
NO Pipeline, NO way. YOU SHALL NOT PASS.
Bob
September 27, 2012 at 4:24 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Protests hiding in trees, trespassing on private property? They got off easy. I’d have cut down the trees they were in and arrested their sorry asses. The Alberta tar sands hold more oil than the entire Middle East. It’s absolutely necessary for the continued existence of the kinds of societies that allow you whiney, clueless leftist a to complain and kvetch and otherwise get in the way of other people and their legitimate jobs.
To TransCanada… Shoot the bloody losers and get on with it. Pipelines need to be built.
Robin Blier
October 4, 2012 at 8:12 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Just because there is a shipload of Tar sands under the ground in Canada doesn’t mean we have to dig it up & convert it into usable oil. Is it worth destroying all kinds of nature & wildlife to get it? NO!
Is it worth destroying indigenous property & sacred land? NO! Is it worth forcing thousands of families of wildlife out of their homes & killing many in the process? NO!
We have the technology to use clean energy instead of the fossil fuels. We don’t have to choose between energy & our environment. We can have both. The only reason that some want to use oil, is because that’s the way we’ve been doing it for years, so it seems easier to continue that than change. I know it is very tempting to Stephen Harper to dig up the muck & sell it for millions of dollars.He wants the money & the power!
Also, the giant, wealthy oil guys have given millions to other people to encourage them to choose oil & gas.
There are alternatives to this destructive muck of the dirtiest oil on Earth. We don’t need it. We have other sources of energy which doesn’t destroy what we treasure.
Jerry Hightower
September 27, 2012 at 6:19 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
I wish this horrific action by our law enforcement could have been cought on tape, this is not protecting and serving our people. The cops were however searching the woods to arrest any possible witnesses before starting these actions. This did occur deep in the woods and these blockaders don’t have the financial resources to deploy hidden cameras in trees that are about to be destroyed. I would encourage anyone who is outraged by this action to donate whatever time, money, and resources they can to the tar sands blockade. It has become obvious that these nonviolent protesters are having to battle against a foreign invaders checkbook.
Bernie Mooney
September 27, 2012 at 3:54 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
I’m curious. After they were arrested, KTLV interviewed the protest organizer at the site. If they were tortured as they claim, why didn’t the organizer say that to the reporter? Why didn’t anyone say anything to the reporter?
David
September 27, 2012 at 4:26 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
The protesters big mistake was thinking the USA is a democracy and allows peaceful protest. Better to return to Canada and enjoy democratic rights and freedoms in a free democracy.
Jean Christensen
September 27, 2012 at 6:42 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
I am deeply moved by the bravery and solidarity. I just don’t understand really in the end why none of the mechanisms to stop this degradation have no power to stop it. Video! Photos! Support–do what’s necessary.
wes
September 27, 2012 at 8:36 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
While a person has the right to peaceful protest, they do not have the right to impede the legal construction of anything. If a person doesn’t do what a law enforcement officer instructs them to do, expect to be tased. So someone doesn’t want a new pipeline. Waa waa wa.
David
September 29, 2012 at 4:07 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
So you support tasing for non-violent non compliance.
Chris
September 27, 2012 at 11:43 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
This was NOT a “peaceful protest” A peaceful protest is standing back and waving signs, etc. NOT chaining yourself to construction machinery to try and impede a LEGAL project. Isn’t a designated construction site a no-trespass zone anyway? Although I don’t agree with the “torture tactics” (the cops could have just cut the handcuffs, or searched them for the keys, or whatnot). Nevertheless, these “protesters” have NO right to sue, complain, etc. You chained yourself to the machine, expect the consequences. Had they done this in some other country, the work would have just gone on with them hanging off the machinery.
Brent
October 7, 2012 at 7:41 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Just because a project is deemed “LEGAL” does not mean it is ok.
In Australia it is legal for the government to lock up asylum seekers – men, women, children – indefinitely, similar to a concentration camp. Children are born in these detention centres and live there for years on end with the choice of stay, or go back to the country where you are escaping persecution. Just because it is legal does not mean it is humane, morally & ethically sound.
Governments don’t listen to peaceful protestors. The time for “standing back and waving signs” has passed, and the time to take more direct action is now.
It may be “legal” for the pipeline to be built, it may be “legal” to kill our forests, kill our land, kill our wildlife, but what will the legal system do when the water is poisoned, the land toxic, and the air unbreathable? Award the population some money? And what can that buy if the environment that we are a part of is dead and gone?
The legal system is not God and cannot bring our environment back from the dead.
We ALL have a right to protect this land. Governments have a RESPONSIBILITY to listen to the people (the real people, not the corporate legal-fiction people) and act in there interests. A responsibility they are failing to meet in a monumental way.
Shannon and Ben – you two are heros! Thank you for your bravery and courage. My heart goes out to both of you. The world needs more warriors like you in these times.
In solidarity from Victoria – peace
alysha
September 28, 2012 at 5:10 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Thanks, Ben and Shannon!!! You are so very brave, you are my heroes! I wish the world had more people like you, willing to stand up and defend mother nature for the good of all!
lolno
September 28, 2012 at 1:40 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Real víctims of torture are not amused.
AustinTx
September 28, 2012 at 2:08 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Excessive force lawsuits against those responsible should be filed today.
Pamela King
September 28, 2012 at 3:01 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Im am angered but not shocked. Cooperative greed is everywhere. Thank you for putting your lives on the line to protect what little natural land areas we have left. I applaud your bravery. The police & all involved should be ashamed of themselves. Prosecute those involved. I am forever in your debt.
wizardjian
September 28, 2012 at 6:42 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Now is the time to stand strong and proud! No longer will we let the greed consumed fools destroy our world!
Alone we may not be much BUT together we can stop anything!
Camille
September 30, 2012 at 1:13 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Well said
Debra
September 28, 2012 at 6:55 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Some of you are saying that the cops were only doing what they were told to do. I’m sorry, but if I were a cop and was told to torture someone like that, I’d quit my job before I’d do it. It’s a choice they make, whether they are told to or not. They still have a choice.
KD
September 29, 2012 at 2:09 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
I LOVEEEEEE how everyone is so concerned about the people running up to moving equipment and chaining themselves to it getting hurt, as well as the guy who snuck up behind the tree clearer and sat in his path. This is stupidity. You all wanna commend them on their “bravery” I commend you all on just being stupid enough to do the things you are doing. Im just as american as all of you and believe in standing up for whats right, HOWEVER there is a fine line of standing up for your rights and acting like you have ABSOLUTELY no sense, which is what this is. Those men clearing are trying to do their job for which they get paid. They spend months away fom their homes and families to be able to provide a good life for them. The last thing any of them need is to worry about you bunch of yahoos running out in front of them without consideration for your lives or theirs. And Im completely blown away that none of yall understand why there has been arrests made and necessary action taken…UUUUH DUH… its huge equipment that is still running that you are running up to…its for yalls safety because you lack the brain cells to use rational thinking……..geeze…I could go on about this crazyness that you all commend….Its bizarre, stupid and dangerous…. take responsibility for what you all are doing. You are aware of what actions yall are taking so accpt the consequences….if you are going to attach yourselves to thing that do not belong to you then refuse to move on then dont be so confused when you get pepper sprayed. I pray all of you develop commonsence
Ken
September 29, 2012 at 3:05 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
OK on Monday morning all of you go outside and find a couple of Eco Nuts that have trespassed on your land and they handcuffed themselves to the door handles of your house and your cars. They are protesting that you are hooked up to the power grid and that you are “Greedy Personal Consumers”. Because you own homes and have cars that burn fuel when you could get a job and walk to work and live under a blue tarp instead of living in a house. You are hooked up to the internet that is powered by electricity companies that cut down millions of trees a year for those power line right of ways. When you COULD communicate with letters! You call the police and they come by and tell you that these peaceful protesters have rights and you cannot get within 20 feet of them….You cannot mow the lawn or go to work. After five days of this you find out they are having friends send them money and they have hired lawyers to enable them to remained chained up to your house and car doors indefinitely and keep you from leaving your home through the doors. How many days could YOU go without a paycheck.
Camille
September 30, 2012 at 1:08 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
This is outrageous. It’s revolution time to save this earth. Governments supporting the destruction of our home has to be stopped and unless be all band together it won’t happen. These two are brave and should be commended for standing up for our planet. These are the measures that have to be taken as there is no other option. Shame there is no video footage of this incident. Peaceful protesters against corrupt and violent government agencies. WRONG. These protesters are trying to help save the home of the human race. They need a medal for their passion and dedication. Thank you both. STAND STRONG. Support from Australia x
Danny Champion
September 30, 2012 at 2:47 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
global warming is a scam!!!!! Wake up people…. This is fake activism by the trendy overloards…. How about the fact that in Texas right now, they are working to shut down the very last coal plant, and have already doubled power prices…. It’s not for the earth, its for the monopolistic corporations…. Listen idiots, you are paving the way for the very destruction of our beloved Canada.
Robin
October 4, 2012 at 8:21 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
You will eat those words someday & soon. wake up & face reality. Climate change is real & it’s a crisis, if you haven’t noticed. talk about Texans, how about the worst drought there in history? This was one example of the climate crisis we’re all facing. You probably haven’t been in touch with any island nations recently, but they face the reality of this crisis on a daily basis. The water level is rising to the point that they will have to find another country to live in. There is not room for all the garbage we all create, & some places have very poor children walking through it all to make a small amount of money. you are just insulated temporarily. If you do some research, you will see that other countries are feeling the crisis now. We will feel it further down the road.
We do have a small window of opportunity to change our destructive ways & stop this downward spiral. we need to act now & stop thinking this is a disposable society.
GeocaNource
September 30, 2012 at 2:51 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Popsanger Pixie Lott , væsentlige mest spændende og http://www.dkmulberrywallet.com/#001
ny kunstnere i nyere historie , har meddelt hende spænding ventede return til mulberry tasker danmark
North America for hælene på hendes udsolgte Europa-turné. Pixie Lott http://www.mulberrystaskerdk.com/
kom til at være i Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, den 28. marts 1986, hun hun faktisk er mulberry tasker danmark
en USA musiker. Hun begyndte at optræde indeni rockmusik scene for nylig mulberry tasker danmark
York Citys Lower East Side. Hun snart underskrevet med Streamline Records, et aftryk af Interscope Records, indledte sit virke i 2007. Udover http://www.mulberrystaskerdk.com/
modtager generelt positive anmeldelser , det nåede nummer et i Canada, Østrig og Tyskland.
Ron Wild
September 30, 2012 at 3:20 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
The use of pepper spray, tasers and physical aggression are designed and should only be implemented for self-defence. If the protesters are non-aggressive then the use of force can not be justified. Is this the the behaviour of foreign governments that the US exposes as justification to invade and bring ‘Freedom to oppressed nations.’? Do they really believe that Woolworth do not see the blatant hypocrisy of US police violently suppressing legitimate protest, whether it is a pipeline or OWS, and the footage of Syrian, Greek, Egyptian etc. governments doing the same. The only difference is that those fighting for democratic rights in other countries are ‘Democracy seeking heroes’ where as, on the rare occasion it makes it to mainstream media, US. protesters are ‘Subversives against democracy’ despite the cause both sides are fighting for being exactly the same.
wizardjian
October 1, 2012 at 1:04 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Is this liberty I hear? NO. It’s the painful screams of the people. Is this the sent of freedom I smell? NO. It’s the smell of CO2 in the air. Is this the Land of the Free we live in? NO. It’s the land of money = power.
Give us BACK our freedom and right! Let mother nature live!
gw2 gold
October 2, 2012 at 12:36 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
I came here hunting something else, but this enlightened me regardless. Inspiring stuff!
wizardjian
October 2, 2012 at 1:11 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
thank you
Arbo_Doughty
October 2, 2012 at 3:43 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
There are many miles of pipelines in progress of being constructed, and still others proposed to be constructed from California to Wyoming, from Utah to Colorado, from Wyoming/Colorado to Texas. How come you all aren’t out there standing on the right-of-way? Granted tar sands is a nasty and devastating assault on the forests and lands in northern Alberta, but the Keystone XL is one small part of the bigger picture. I don’t see out protesting the wide swaths of electrical transmission lines being strung across the U.S. for wind power. Transmission lines cause damage too, though not as a much as a pipeline, and both are reclaimed to near pre-construction conditions.
Are you all in electric vehicles? And if not, why not? Too expensive or would you just prefer to keep driving your beater because you can’t afford the upgrade? Or maybe you expect the government to pay for it? How many of you live off the grid? Or heat your homes with solar? Or, or…or…
The idiosyncracies exist all over… you have a right to protest, but it does little in the grand scheme of things. Unless Rome falls, of course.
Truth Rules
October 2, 2012 at 10:37 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
When you break laws you can expect to be arrested. That is as simple as it is.
Also, there is much talk referring to this as torture. I doubt this is the case for the police used the force they deemed necessary to remove the protestors.
Did they do this initially? Did they first ask the protestors to be compliant in giving up their lock on each other? I would suggest they did and the protestors refused.
What did they expect would happen next? Tea and ice cream?
Also, some posters talk about suing the police and TransCanada. That is ridiculous!
Your blog states: “TransCanada Actively Encouraged Torture Tactics to be Used on Peaceful Protesters.”
On what do you base this fiction? Do you think any person or corporation can tell the police how to do their jobs and do you think they would actually encourage torture?
This is attrocious reporting/blogging and a misinterpretation of the facts and does nothing to support this cause, it only diminishes it.
I would suggest that TransCanada should sue the author of this blog for libel.
The petition is also misleading and as the truth comes out your supporters are going to feel misled by your inaccurate reporting of the truth. Your lies actually insult those people in less democratic societies who are actually tortured.
The protestors were not “brutalized by police at the request and encouragement of TransCanada officials.”
Police used the force they have been trained to use. When asked to leave, just leave and there would be no escalation in force.
No right-minded corporation or individual would request and encourage police to “brutalize” anyone. You use this statement to gain support in a petition. This is pure fear-mongering and it is a terrible way to gain support for your cause. You are asking people to respond to a lie. You should be ashamed.
Be honest. Lies and gung-ho journalism serve no purpose in gaining support for your cause.
Truth Does Indeed Rule
October 5, 2012 at 4:47 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
You need to brush up on your knowledge of the law, I’m afraid.
Tazers in particular are meant as “less lethal” instruments – less lethal than a gun, that is. They are only to be used in self-defence, not as mechanisms to simply inflict pain in an effort to control someone. Also, given that tazers have killed people before, their use is dangerous.
The use of chokeholds has actually been discouraged in many jurisdictions because they have a bad habit of causing brain damage due to their restriction of blood flow to the brain.
By your logic, the police officer at UC Davis who pepper-sprayed students because they did not comply with his order to move was acting appropriately. And yet, UC Davis paid those protesters about $1 million because they knew they were going to lose in court. They also fired the cop in question, because he did indeed exceed his authority.
You go on to write “No right-minded corporation or individual would request and encourage police to “brutalize” anyone.” Yes, I absolutely agree. The point is that TransCanada is not a “right-minded corporation.” Do you have any idea how many corporations fit that description? Look at all the corporations whose fraud contributed to the 2008 financial crisis – were they “right-minded”? How about Shell, which essentially has its own private armies and puppet rulers in Africa kill indigenous people who get in the way of their resource extraction? This kind of behaviour is not at all unusual for extremely large and rich corporations.
It is also rather striking that you berate the author for not providing physical proof of the allegations herein – do you really think that a police officer who was torturing two shackled protesters in the woods would let someone videotape him doing so? You provide absolutely no evidence to the contrary, but seem satisfied that your “argument” is somehow at a higher standard than that made by the author.
It seems obvious that you really don’t understand the purpose of peaceful protest. The frantic and aggressive tone of your message makes me wonder; could you be a TransCanada employee, or someone else with a personal stake in this matter?
James
October 6, 2012 at 7:37 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
Im so proud of you guys. Its inspiring to hear of your struggles and big hearts. I hope the winds of blessings help you to overcome the difficulties that you may face on the road to building true community for all of us. My heart is touched by your story. Now we are connected. Blessings from England.
TransCanada Actively Encouraged Torture Tactics to be Used on Peaceful Protestors « It's Getting Hot In Here
September 26, 2012 at 6:04 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
[...] TransCanada Actively Encouraged Torture Tactics to be Used on Peaceful Protestors [...]
Nine People Continue Blockade in Path of Keystone XL for Third Successful Day (Day 3) » Tar Sands Blockade
September 26, 2012 at 7:15 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
[...] « TransCanada Actively Encouraged Torture Tactics to be Used on Peaceful Protesters (Day 3) [...]
Nine People Continue Blockade in Path of Keystone XL for Third Successful Day (Day 3) | OccuWorld
September 26, 2012 at 10:38 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
[...] brave blockaders are holding defiantly strong against this dirty, dangerous pipeline despite the torture tactics encouraged yesterday by TransCanada. UPDATE: 2:00PM – Heavy Machinery Still Cutting – [...]
The most physically aggre… « eyes open
September 26, 2012 at 10:59 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
[...] Transcanada Sanctions Torture of Activists Like this:LikeBe the first to like this. [...]
Keystone XL pipeline Blockaders | "Global Possibilities"
September 26, 2012 at 11:35 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
[...] TransCanada Actively Encouraged Torture Tactics to be Used on Peaceful Protestors (Day 3), [...]
TransCanada Urges Texas Police to use “Aggressive Pain Compliance Tactics” on Keystone XL Blockaders « The Agonist
September 27, 2012 at 2:40 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
[...] Also, Tar Sands Blockade: TransCanada Actively Encouraged Torture Tactics to be Used on Peaceful Protesters (Day 3) [...]
Keystone XL pipeline Blockaders | West Coast Native News
September 27, 2012 at 4:23 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
[...] TransCanada Actively Encouraged Torture Tactics to be Used on Peaceful Protestors (Day 3), [...]
Ontario Humanist Society « TransCanada Urges Texas Police to use “Aggressive Pain Compliance Tactics” on Keystone XL Blockaders
September 27, 2012 at 5:30 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
[...] Once there were no cameras in sight, Sprague says that TransCanada officials huddled with police. Shortly thereafter, the police commenced putting Bebe and Franklin in stress positions by bending their free arms backwards as far as possible and twisting their handcuffed hands backwards, and holding them there for 10 minutes. [...] Also, Tar Sands Blockade: TransCanada Actively Encouraged Torture Tactics to be Used on Peaceful Protesters (Day 3) [...]
VIDEO: TransCanada Worker Attempts to Drop Tree on Peaceful Blockader (Day 4) | OccuWorld
September 27, 2012 at 7:39 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
[...] Tuesday’s incident in which blockader’s witnessed TransCanada supervisors actively encouraging the torture of two peaceful blockaders, they immediately turned their heavy machinery back on and continued to plow toward nine people in [...]
VIDEO: TransCanada Machine Operator Attempts to Drop Tree on Peaceful Blockader « It's Getting Hot In Here
September 27, 2012 at 8:24 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
[...] Tuesday’s incident in which blockader’s witnessed TransCanada supervisors actively encouraging the torture of two peaceful blockaders, they immediately turned their heavy machinery back on and continued to plow toward nine people in [...]
VIDEO: TransCanada Worker Attempts to Drop Tree on Peaceful Blockader (Day 4) » Tar Sands Blockade
September 27, 2012 at 8:36 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
[...] Tuesday’s incident in which blockader’s witnessed TransCanada supervisors actively encouraging the torture of two peaceful blockaders, they immediately turned their heavy machinery back on and continued to plow toward nine people in [...]
BREAKING: Two People Lock Themselves to Keystone XL Machinery to Defend Eight People in Tree Village (Day 2) » Tar Sands Blockade
September 27, 2012 at 9:51 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
[...] TransCanada Actively Encouraged Torture Tactics to be Used on Peaceful Protesters (Day 3) » [...]
Transcanada and east Texas - what fascism looks like
September 28, 2012 at 5:01 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
[...] [...]
From the Woods: Tar Sands blockade update « Earth First! Newswire
September 28, 2012 at 10:58 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
[...] backhoe and stopped it in its tracks while the rest of us provided cover. The lockdowners were then tortured by local police with TC supervisors watching and laughing. After they were extracted from the backhoe, the timber [...]
Tell TransCanada: Stop brutalizing peaceful protesters | _
September 29, 2012 at 2:34 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
[...] “TransCanada Actively Encouraged Torture Tactics to be Used on Peaceful Protesters,” Tar Sands Blockade, 9/25/12 2. “TransCanada Urges Texas Police to Use [...]
Tree Blockade Weathers an Intense Week (Day 8) » Tar Sands Blockade
October 1, 2012 at 3:03 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
[...] construction for most of day before the Wood County Sheriff’s Department subjected them to torture tactics at the active encouragement of TransCanada senior supervisors. Benjamin and Shannon endured sustained chokeholds, violent arm-twisting, [...]
BREAKING: Blockader Locks to Underground Capsule to Protect a Family Farm » Tar Sands Blockade
October 1, 2012 at 3:04 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
[...] blockade comes less than a week after TransCanada supervisors encouraged law enforcement to brutalize two peaceful protesters who were acting in defense of the largest tree blockade in Texas history. One of the abused [...]
Letter from Supporters on Police Brutality » Tar Sands Blockade
October 5, 2012 at 7:01 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
[...] The following letter was written by our supporters from across the country in response to the horrible brutality that happened last Tuesday to Ben and Shannon. We share this letter with you because it is an [...]
Letter from Supporters on Police Brutality | OccuWorld
October 5, 2012 at 7:25 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
[...] following letter was written by our supporters from across the country in response to the horrible brutality that happened last Tuesday to Ben and Shannon. We share this letter with you because it is an [...]
Insult to Injury: Shannon Retroactively Arrested for a Felony » Tar Sands Blockade
October 5, 2012 at 11:09 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
[...] In response to the use of torture tactics used on our friends Benjamin and Shannon at the behest of TransCanada supervisors, there has been an outpouring of response from across the country. With the help of our national [...]
Insult to Injury: Shannon Retroactively Arrested for a Felony | OccuWorld
October 5, 2012 at 11:14 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
[...] response to the use of torture tactics used on our friends Benjamin and Shannon at the behest of TransCanada supervisors, there has been an outpouring of response from across the country. With the help of our national [...]
Dreaming Eighty Feet In The Air (Day 14) » Tar Sands Blockade
October 7, 2012 at 9:51 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
[...] impossible. The constant presence of police officers and workers—from the same department who has tazed and pepper-sprayed my friends in their own acts of resistance, from the same company that actively encouraged the [...]
Dreaming Eighty Feet In The Air (Day 14) | OccuWorld
October 8, 2012 at 3:47 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
[...] impossible. The constant presence of police officers and workers—from the same department who has tazed and pepper-sprayed my friends in their own acts of resistance, from the same company that actively encouraged the [...]
Tar Sands Blockade (Day 28) « Occupy The Polls
October 22, 2012 at 6:39 pm (UTC -6) Link to this comment
[...] On September 25th TransCanada and their paid enforcers choked, pepper-sprayed and tasered Benjamin Franklin and Shannon Beebe after they locked to a machine to protect their friends. http://tarsandsblockade.org/transcanada-torture/ [...]
Tree Blockade Sustains an Entire Month of Resistance! » Tar Sands Blockade
October 24, 2012 at 4:16 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
[...] Day 2 – Tuesday, Sept. 25: Shannon Beebe and Benjamin Franklin lock themselves to a piece of heavy machinery to prevent it from reaching to the tree blockade. Under the active encouragement from TransCanada local police employ torture tactics on both peaceful protestors. They twist and contort the tube that the blockaders had locked their arms into, cutting off circulation to their hands and cutting abrasions into their hands and forearms. Police discharge pepper spray into their lockdown tube, and the chemicals burn their already-open wounds. Despite the immense pain, our brave blockaders remain locked to the machinery for several hours–determined to stop this toxic tar sands pipeline. Both protestors are then tased by police officers and congratulated on a “job well done” by TransCanada’s senior supervisors. Shannon and Benjamin are eventually removed and arrested when it is clear that TransCanada is willing to do whatever it takes to increase pain levels to physically unbearable levels. [...]
human rights day: celebrating the determination of eco-warriors in east texas « activist defense
December 10, 2012 at 7:25 am (UTC -6) Link to this comment
[...] on-duty officers to remove protesters by using, at times, pepper spray, pain compliance, and Tasers. According to a November 23 New York Times [...]