Post by Alec Johnson, who led the charge organizing in Columbus. To join him and the other folks continuing the Tar Sands Action in their communities, sign up here: www.tarsandsaction.org/next-steps

The momentum passed to us from our sisters and brothers at the University of Richmond picked up steam in Columbus this afternoon when three dozen enthusiastic, energetic Tar Sands activists (including six Tar Sands arrestees) greeted president Obama as he arrived to continue his American Jobs Act national tour. Standing behind a banner with the message: “President Obama, Yes You Can: Stop the Keystone XL Pipeline,” we were upbeat and devoted to our righteous message.

We got lucky because our staging area turned out to be adjacent to the off ramp that Obama’s motorcade took to the venue and we saw him wave at us as he travelled by. Another stroke of luck involved organizers fraternizing with Columbus police who were grateful to learn that all of us were opposed to the union-bashing Senate Bill 5, subject to a recall referendum in November.  They ensured that we were positioned as close to the motorcade as the Secret Service would allow.

Shortly after the presidential motorcade swept by we marched behind our banner about a block before being stopped by the security in place. Having achieved all our objectives and then some, announcements about future actions were shared and we celebrated victory by chanting: “Yes, yes, yes WE can, stop the Keystone XL Pipeline.” During the event reporters from all major TV networks interviewed participants, as did several local radio stations.  All in all, it was a very successful event and augurs well for future efforts in Ohio.