Summary

In Chapter 17, Ken crosses into Oklahoma. Having been attacked by dogs in Kansas, and seeing that houses with dogs are common, Ken is nervous every time he approaches a home. In Oklahoma, he sees the southern part of the pipeline being laid and wonders about the use of fighting something which seems inevitable. He writes about the science of climate change and what various scientists predict will happen, as well as the seeming powerlessness of the individual. He asks: "What is valuable action?" (221). He argues that despair is not a valid alternative to civic participation. He then writes about the poverty in Oklahoma and the closed-mindedness of many of its residents, as well as the seeming lack of community. One night, Ken is startled to see a man walking around near his tent and he calls the police to investigate, though nothing comes...