Mainstream media remained largely silent as federal, state and local authorities worked on behalf of Energy Transfer Partners to squash dissent.

Even prominent journalists found themselves targets of the State, charged with dubious "crimes" such as "inciting a riot" and "conspiracy to theft of services" – for doing nothing more than filming protests and the ensuing violent crackdowns.

The First Amendment is no obstacle when it comes to advancing the interests of the corporatocracy.

This was put on display again on October 15 when five Native American Water Protectors left a protest near the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation to pray on the shoulder of a public road.

In response to this peaceful behavior, 40 cops from at least eight departments in three different states – complete with riot gear, automatic rifles, an armored vehicle and even an LRAD acoustic weapon – swarmed the five praying, unarmed Native Americans.

Video taken at the scene shows the police presence swell as the prayer continued, with one officer approaching the group, telling them they had five minutes to stop praying and leave before they were arrested for "unlawful protest."