Keystone XL Pipeline

       The Keystone XL pipeline was shot down by the U.S. Senate for now. Now why would 40 Democrats, and 1 Independent vote against it, depriving the Republicans of a filibuster proof victory. Well, other than simple ideological differences, are there any reasons not to allow the KXL pipeline to be built? After all, it would mean 50 jobs.
       Well, here are two previously unmentioned  impediments to it's construction. First, part of the KXL would run through the native American Sioux nation. And, since the Sioux are a recognized independent nation and a protectorate of the U.S., they do have a right, based on two separate treaties, to have a say as to what happens to their lands. To date they have not been consulted by anyone concerning the pipeline. Perhaps the reason for not discussing the matter with them is that they are vehemently opposed to the pipeline going through their lands.
       The second has to do with the argument that the pipeline would be so much safer than transporting the crude oil be train or tractor tanker. Surprisingly a look at the safety record of the province of Alberta, Canada, tells us that their pipelines aren't quite as safe as they would have us believe. In October of this year alone, there were 13 separate spills connected to pipelines. The spills amounted to about 500,000 gal. of either crude oil or toxic water.
       Now if these companies can't do any better than that in Canada, how much better will they perform in the United States? It appears that Canada is not as concerned as we here in America usually are, at least after the fact. I have to wonder how much scrutiny was given to the record of spills these companies have caused?
       When you add these new facts to the list of concerns already pinned to the project, you have to wonder how vital this pipeline really is to us. Remember that once this oil would reach the gulf coast and is refined, it's available to the highest bidder. There's nothing to say it won't be sold to China or Turkey, or any other country in need of refined oil products. But no matter where the refined oil goes, the waste from the refining process stays with the good ole U.S. of A. In other words, they'll be looking for someplace to dump this toxic coke. Sooo, is there some room in your backyard?