Democracy Now! 2024-09-12 Thursday
Digest
The episode begins with a series of headlines covering global events, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the war in Ukraine, violence in Manipur, India, and the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan. It then delves into the alarming increase in violence against environmental defenders worldwide, highlighting a new report by Global Witness that reveals at least 196 environmental defenders were killed last year, with Colombia being the deadliest nation for environmentalists. The report also highlights the forced disappearance of Mexican indigenous leader Antonio Diaz Valencia and the police killing of environmental activist Manuel Esteban Taran, known as Tortugita. The episode then examines the growing trend of Western governments, including the US, targeting and jailing climate activists. The report "On Thin Ice" by Climate Rights International highlights the disproportionate responses to climate change protesters in democratic countries, with examples from the UK, Germany, and the US. The episode features interviews with climate activists Joanna Smith and Linda Lactier, who discuss the challenges faced by climate protesters in the legal system. The episode concludes with an interview with award-winning Cherokee writer and journalist Rebecca Nagel, author of the new book "By the Fire We Carry." The book explores the century-long fight for tribal sovereignty in eastern Oklahoma, focusing on the McGirt v. Oklahoma Supreme Court case and its implications for indigenous land rights. Nagel also discusses the Trail of Tears and its lasting impact on Native American communities.
Outlines
Global Headlines and Environmental Defenders Under Attack
The episode begins with a series of global headlines, followed by a discussion on the alarming increase in violence against environmental defenders worldwide, highlighting a new report by Global Witness that reveals at least 196 environmental defenders were killed last year, with Colombia being the deadliest nation for environmentalists.
Crackdown on Climate Activists in Western Democracies
The episode examines the growing trend of Western governments, including the US, targeting and jailing climate activists, enacting harsh new laws that restrict the right to peaceful protest and imposing heavy penalties, including prison sentences.
By the Fire We Carry: The Generations Long Fight for Justice on Native Land
The episode concludes with an interview with award-winning Cherokee writer and journalist Rebecca Nagel, author of the new book "By the Fire We Carry." The book explores the century-long fight for tribal sovereignty in eastern Oklahoma, focusing on the McGirt v. Oklahoma Supreme Court case and its implications for indigenous land rights. Nagel also discusses the Trail of Tears and its lasting impact on Native American communities.
Keywords
Environmental Defenders
Individuals who actively protect the environment and advocate for its conservation, often facing threats and violence from those who profit from exploiting natural resources.
Climate Crisis
The ongoing and accelerating changes to Earth's climate system, primarily caused by human activities, leading to extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and other detrimental impacts.
Indigenous Land Rights
The rights of indigenous peoples to their traditional lands and territories, including the right to self-determination, resource management, and cultural preservation.
Impunity
The state of being exempt from punishment or legal consequences, often applied to perpetrators of violence against environmental defenders and other human rights abuses.
Civil Disobedience
A form of nonviolent protest where individuals deliberately break laws they consider unjust, aiming to raise awareness and pressure for change.
Tribal Sovereignty
The inherent right of indigenous tribes to govern themselves and their territories, recognized by treaties and federal law, but often challenged by state governments.
Trail of Tears
The forced removal of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States to lands west of the Mississippi River, resulting in significant loss of life and cultural disruption.
Q&A
What are the key findings of the Global Witness report on the killing of environmental defenders?
The report found that at least 196 environmental defenders were killed last year, with Colombia being the deadliest nation. The report highlights the forced disappearance of Mexican indigenous leader Antonio Diaz Valencia and the police killing of environmental activist Manuel Esteban Taran, known as Tortugita.
How are Western governments responding to climate activists and protesters?
Western governments, including the US, are increasingly targeting and jailing climate activists, enacting harsh new laws that restrict the right to peaceful protest and imposing heavy penalties, including prison sentences.
What is the significance of the McGirt v. Oklahoma Supreme Court case for indigenous land rights?
The McGirt case resulted in the largest restoration of tribal land in US history, affirming the sovereignty of the Muscogee Nation and setting a precedent for recognizing tribal jurisdiction over criminal cases on reservation lands.
How does the Trail of Tears continue to impact Native American communities today?
The Trail of Tears, a forced removal of Native American tribes from their ancestral lands, serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for indigenous land rights and sovereignty. The policies and legal terrain created during this period continue to influence how Native Americans are treated in the US today.
Show Notes
Headlines for September 12, 2024; “Another Appalling Year” of Violence Against Land Defenders as Nearly 200 Killed Worldwide in 2023; “On Thin Ice”: Western Nations Crack Down on Climate Activists with Arrests & Jail Terms; “By the Fire We Carry”: Cherokee Author Rebecca Nagle on the Ongoing Fight for Tribal Sovereignty
Table of contents
United States
