Nebraskan Politics Interview:
Ben Gotschall for Bold Nebraska
January 3, 2012
Part Three

NP: What did you think of the protest in Washington DC?

BG: They were an enjoyable, effective and important experience.

NP: Do you think it was effective in getting President Obama to delay the decision on the Keystone XL Pipeline?

BG: Yes.

NP: What do you think of President Obama’s choice to delay the decision until after the elections?

BG: I think it was partly practical and partly political.  Although I think the process needs to be more careful and deliberate, I also think there is enough evidence to deny the pipeline now on the grounds that it is not in the national interest.

NP: What do you think the decision will be and why?

BG: I think he will deny the permit because of the failure of the Environmental review process and the politics involved–because if he doesn’t he will be alienated from his base supporters.

NP: Please respond to these statements:

-The Keystone XL is inevitable and nothing can be done.

BG: That’s what they said two years ago and here we are–its future is uncertain.

NP: -Some people claim that the fight is over or the fighting spirit has been diffused with the decision to delay. What would you like to say to them?

BG: Come to Nebraska and see what the attitude is.  One thing we pipeline fighters have learned through this experience is that we can be strategic.

We’re biding our time, making the most of the delay and strategizing for an ultimate victory.

NP: What can be done?

BG: Much more.  Everyone plays a small part.  Every little thing counts.

NP: What plans does Bold Nebraska have to continue?

BG: We will build on existing networks, add to existing funds and work with our allies to fight this pipeline to the death.

NP: How have you used the Internet and social media to get your message out and connect with others?

BG: We use email, facebook and twitter every day to organize and inform our networks.

NP: How effective do you think that has been?

BG: It has been very effective, mostly because it is so rapid and widespread.

NP: If people share beliefs that you have, how can they help stop the pipeline?

BG: Write a letter to Obama asking him to deny the permit.  Vote for candidates that will not allow this kind of thing to happen again.

NP: Please list the different ways that people can connect with Bold Nebraska to learn more.

BG: our website: www.boldnebraska.org

This concludes our interview.