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Tagged ‘Tar Sands Solutions Network‘

A Sober Assessment on the Tar Sands Campaigns

“If we do not change course soon, we may end up where we are headed.” Saw a variation of that on a climate analysis article recently. It’s apt, but while we need to point out that this is true of science it is also true of our own social organization. We have been also expert at denial when it comes to our own internal practice. Now is the time for sober assessment.

Are Green Groups Ready for Tarsands Deal?

“Pragmatism equals don’t take the position ‘Leave the oil in the ground’ but, rather, take the position ‘Stop expansion,’ ” said David Peerla, a community organizer and writer who closely follows the environmental sector. “‘Stop expansion’ means whatever place the industry got to whenever they cut the deal, that production can continue until the oil runs out, no matter the ongoing environmental costs.”

What We Talk About When We Talk About Foundation Funding

"While Big Capital and Big Green are trying to propose they are building a bridge to a better, healthy planet– whatever you do, don’t look down. The bridge is faulty, and you’re already half way over the chasm. Just trust the bridge– and keep walking."

Caravan of Doom

"A Cory Morningstar writes at Wrong Kind of Green, the evil empire Buffett, Gates and Rockefeller built in the private sector is mirrored in the evil networks of NGOs they -- along with Clinton -- have constructed to provide cover for widespread environmental devastation, ethnic cleansing and Indigenous genocide committed by their corporate investments."

Fracking Indigenous Country

"Mi’kmaq struggles against fracking have taken place completely outside of the framework of large environmental NGO’s; many have stated their belief this is a huge reason for the cohesive, community outlook of the struggles. Most of the larger ENGO’s have an internal policy against opposition to fracking. The reason? Big Capital control through foundations has determined that such a campaign is not a likely “win,” and Big Capital is also involved in labelling Natural Gas– including that from “fracking”– as a “transition fuel.”

How Tides Canada Controls the Secret North American Tar Sands Coalition

"Before Tzeporah Berman began her current position as head of the North American Tar Sands Coalition, Tides Canada had already established these structures to create near-total control over budgets– and therefore, most decisions– for staggering numbers of organizations. Berman was around at the time, working for PowerUp pushing forward offsets garnered by river destruction. Some of the participant organizations already had working partnerships with multiple tar sands producers. The over-whelming majority were already greased by primarily high donors and foundations. Thus, joining the NATSC meant, essentially, double dipping."

Where’s the Democracy in the Environmental Movement?

"The most successful movements in history thrived without foundation money. Without them, the world would look very different today. The first step is a developing a recognition of the need for a democratic venue where movement participants can make decisions independent of foundations. The second is finding the will to build it."