On Saturday July 28, 2012, over 5,000 Americans from all across the country convened outside of Capitol Hill and called on our government to increase the transparency of the fossil fuel industry and ban the controversial gas drilling technique known as fracking.  Referred to as “Stop the Frack Attack,” this event hosted a number of inspirational speakers including Bill McKibben and Gasland director, Josh Fox.  A few Americans dealing with the ill effects of fracking first-hand were also given the chance to share their heart wrenching stories with the large crowd. 

As a participant in the event, I was deeply moved by the sense of unity among all of those present.  While every demographic was well-represented—from the very young to the very old—“Stop the Frack Attack” was one of those rare instances in which the usual divisions of wealth, class, religion, and political affiliation were not barriers to cooperation and success.  Instead, the thousands gathered on the west lawn of the U.S. Capitol were firmly united against an industry and an industry practice that continues to put profit-making before people and the planet.  Boisterous chants of “Citizens united cannot be divided!” still ring in my ears, and the images of thousands of informed citizens flooding the streets of Washington, DC continue to make me smile.  “Stop the Frack Attack” was truly democracy at its best, and it served to remind me why it is I am proud to be an American.  I only hope that my government can now make me even prouder by serving we the people and responding to the dire environmental and human health crises that the fossil fuel industry and fracking have created.  

Adam Holubinka is a graduate student pursuing a M.S. in Energy & Environmental Policy at the University of Delaware.

Photos by Adam Holubinka.