Greenpeace drapes banner over Mount Rushmore

Three Greenpeace climbers have hung a banner on the face of Mount Rushmore in order to issue a challenge to President Obama.

The banner proclaimed “America honors leaders, not politicians: Stop Global Warming.” Greenpeace hung the banner as part of its global day of action which was organized to urge world leaders, who are currently attending a G8 meeting in L’Aquila, Italy, to take the actions necessary to avert runaway climate change. The Greenpeace activists were able to hand the banner despite high winds and pressure from National Park Police climbers. “We are at a key moment in history when we must challenge our president to take real leadership. The steps taken so far have been frankly inadequate. If President Obama wants to take his place among the great leaders of history, he must take aggressive measures to combat climate change and prioritize a strong deal in Copenhagen,” said Carroll Muffet, Deputy Campaign Director for Greenpeace. “We’re here at Mount Rushmore to inspire Americans to take action, and remind the world that heroism and leadership are part of our nation’s history — and must be a part of our future.”