Message from Leonard Peltier

Subject: Message from Leonard Pelitier
From: InOBU
Date: 30 Jan 01 - 11:04 PM

As there was some concern about this case on another post, I thought there may be some interest in the following... All the best, Larry

STATEMENT BY LEONARD PELTIER

Greetings Friends and Supporters:

January 20, 2001, was a sad day for all of us. I know that this denial of clemency has affected many of you as much as it has affected both my family and myself. It is a terrible feeling and disappointment knowing that this nightmare has not ended and will continue for many months to come.

When I received the news, I felt my stomach curl and a feeling of nausea rolled over me. It took a while for me to refocus. For some reason I had thought I might be having dinner with my family that night. It was an especially disappointing day for all of us.

What Bill Clinton did to us was cruel. For eight years he ignored my clemency petition despite the major campaign that was waged. Then, just months before leaving office he publicly promised to make a decision on my case, one way or the other. He said he was aware of its importance. The White House gave my attorneys indications that there was a good chance for my clemency to be granted. I had to prepare myself for being released because there was no sign that my petition would be denied.

The LPDC bought me clothes, my grandson prepared his bedroom for me to sleep in and other preparations were made for my homecoming. My friends on Pine Ridge began plans to build me a house. We were literally forced to get our hopes up because we did not want to be unprepared if I was suddenly set free.

January 19, came and still, they kept us in nervous anticipation saying the more difficult clemencies are still being worked on and would be announced the next morning. Then January 20 came and went! The White House never even told us what the decision was. We had to find out through the press that my name was not on the list of clemencies. To leave a person's life and so many peoples' hopes hanging in the balance like that is truly hardhearted.

Since that dark Saturday, I have managed to get up and dust myself off, and begin to lift my spirits once more. I am just as determined now to fight for my freedom as I was on February 6, 1976 when I was first arrested. I will not give up. This is the second time in the span of my incarceration that I made it to the top of the hill and saw that freedom was in view, only to be kicked right back down to the bottom again.

The first time was in 1985, when the evidence used to convict me was impeached and I was denied a new trial, despite Judge Heaney's finding that I might have been acquitted had the jury been presented this evidence. To be denied a new trial after such a finding shocked our network and me just as much as this denial of clemency has. However, we never lose a battle without making some major gains in the overall struggle.

I want to compliment and thank my staff at the LPDC and all of you grassroots supporters who stood beside me and fought so tirelessly for my freedom. You put on one of the strongest and most memorable campaigns I have experienced. Years from now people will read about the accomplishments you made. People from every walk of life worked on this campaign. People from every denomination and belief prayed from every corner of the Earth. Although it feels like our sentiments were shooed away like an irritating fly by a president who did not want to face the consequences of his own mistakes, I believe we put up a serious challenge. We can see who was granted clemency and why. The big donors to the President's campaign were able to buy justice, something we just couldn't afford. Meanwhile, many political prisoners continue to languish unjustly, proof that this nation's talk about reconciliation is nothing but empty rhetoric.

We now have a number of strategies to continue this struggle for my freedom. These ideas are in the early planning stages. I ask you to remain with us while we regroup and develop a thorough plan. We must carefully consider every option and make sure the strategies compliment each other in order to have the best effect. The LPDC will release strategies as they are developed. Some will be released this week.

I also have my own personal plans. I will continue doing artwork and will be looking at ways to make it more available to the public. I will also be working with my friends, Fedelia and Bob Cross, to build a grade school in Oglala. Before my clemency was decided, I began to dream of the different projects I would like to work on in Pine Ridge if I were free. Now that I have been denied, Fedelia and Bob have said they will take the initiative to begin the projects themselves, with my input. Soon, we will be establishing a board and non-profit status.

Bob and Fedelia are schoolteachers and lifetime Oglala residents, and they have the land on which to build the school. They have told me of the desperate need for an improved school in Oglala. The existing school is severely under funded and inadequate and does not provide the kids with the quality education they need and deserve . We have the highest drop out rate of all ethnic groups in the country and part of the reason is the lack of stimulating and challenging programs for the youth.

Another idea I would like to develop is building a small recreation center for Oglala. As most of you know Native health conditions are also probably the worst in the country. We want to change that, beginning with this center. We want the center to have modern exercise equipment, a kitchenette, and card tables. As everyone gathers here to socialize, have coffee, gossip, and play cards, we can encourage them to try the equipment and to begin getting in the habit of exercising and eating healthy foods. I believe it would be a nice place for people to spend time and a good incentive for them to get into better physical condition and stop the trend of diabetes on the reservation. The reservation currently has no facility like this.

If we are successful in establishing these two services, I believe that the community of Oglala will truly benefit. We will then be able to move on to other projects that will bring people together and raise the quality of life. For example, one day I would like to rebuild Jumping Bull Hall so that there will be a drug and alcohol free place where people, especially youth, can gather. We could set it up for a movie theatre and bring in video games. People can watch movies, hold meetings, have birthday celebrations, community meals and dances here. Right now, our youth have no place to go to socialize and I believe this facility could help prevent the hopelessness and despair too many of our young people feel. I would hope that word of these projects would spread to other reservations and others like Fedelia and Bob Cross will be inspired to take on similar ideas which we could help support.

Your ideas, input, and support are welcomed. If you know people who would donate supplies (books, wood, cement, hardware, etc), make financial contributions, or donate their skills and labor, please get in touch with the Leonard Peltier Defense Committee.

In closing, I want to thank you again for your support and ask that you stand with us in this struggle. I believe that one day in the near future we will succeed. But it can't be done without your support.

In the Spirit of Crazy Horse,

Leonard Peltier

Leonard Peltier Defense Committee
PO Box 583
Lawrence, KS 66044
785-842-5774
www.freepeltier.org

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message edited by a sympathetic elf

Subject: RE: Message from Leonard Pelitier
From: katlaughing
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 12:07 AM

Larry, thank you very much for posting this. I have indeed been concerned and am very saddened. His vision for his people is admirable, with no concern for self and I will do what I am able to help in anyway.

I will also never defend Clinton, again.

Mitakuye Oyasin

Subject: RE: Message from Leonard Pelitier
From: mousethief
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 12:12 AM

Who is Leonard Peltier and what was he arrested for?

Thanks,
Alex

Subject: RE: Message from Leonard Pelitier
From: katlaughing
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 12:20 AM

Sorry, Alex, for assuming everyone knew. You can read about him by clicking here. It's a long story, been going on since 1976. An unjustly accused, tried and convicted and held, in many, many people's opinions, Native American who Clinton didn't have the balls to release. This is unjust and very, very sad.

katmyheartisonthegroundwithsadness

Subject: RE: Message from Leonard Pelitier
From: Mark Clark
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 12:22 AM

Alex,

Here is an old article that will help bring you up to speed.

      - Mark

Subject: RE: Message from Leonard Pelitier
From: InOBU
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 12:40 AM

There is also a great couple of songs, which I hope people will post, about Leonard and an associated case, that of the death of Anna Mae Acquash (sorry for the spelling) The Cold Dakota Winds Blows...
I can't emagine voting for either Clinton again...
Larry

Subject: RE: Message from Leonard Pelitier
From: Kim C
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 01:10 PM

This is a man what don't belong in prison. I really thought Clinton would let him go. :(

Subject: RE: Message from Leonard Pelitier
From: mousethief
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 01:19 PM

Thanks everybody for the links.

Alex

Subject: RE: Message from Leonard Pelitier
From: Rick Fielding
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 01:41 PM

I simply cannot believe that William Jefferson Clinton (a man who's policies I generally supported) would grant pardons to a politician who's idea of "winning the lottery" was sleeping with two teenage "Catholic school" girls, and to a major financial criminal (who's wife passed on the illegal money to the Democratic party).

I am simply gobsmacked that he still has so much support simply because he's "better than Dubya". Hypocracy hurts me far more than open greed and planned calousness.

Thanks for the thread Larry. My ex knew Leonard well in Peterborough Ontario.

Rick

Subject: RE: Message from Leonard Pelitier
From: Irish sergeant
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 03:23 PM

I'll have to refresh myself on the case. He appears to be a caring individual and deeply committed to the cause of his people. I, for one, hope justice can be swiftly done for Mr. Pelitier. Kindest reguards, neil

Subject: RE: Message from Leonard Pelitier
From: Sorcha
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 05:14 PM

So very sad. I don't suppose Dumya could function, here, if he were inundated with requests..........Even if he could get the medical help he needs, it would be better.

Subject: RE: Message from Leonard Pelitier
From: MarkS
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 11:42 PM

Will risk sounding negative, but would anybody care to comment on this? Click here

Subject: RE: Message from Leonard Pelitier
From: Sorcha
Date: 31 Jan 01 - 11:58 PM

Sorry, but I got a "Cannot Be Displayed" message......

Subject: RE: Message from Leonard Pelitier
From: Mark Clark
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 01:11 AM

This blicky should work. MarkS' link had a gratuitous slash at the end in a fashion reserverd for directory references, not HTML pages.

      - Mark

Subject: RE: Message from Leonard Pelitier
From: katlaughing
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 03:04 AM

MarkS, other than saying the article you note was obviously written with prejudice, I would ask that you study the case a bit more by clicking on the site link in my first posting and exploring. There is much to note there including this transcript from an oral argument at one of the appeals hearings, in which it becomes obvious the government has no idea of who fired the shots which killed their agents.

Thanks,

kat

Subject: RE: Message from Leonard Pelitier
From: Seth
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 04:42 AM

I can't understand why Clinton didn't pardon Leonard Peltier. What was the rationale? Anyone who would care to look at the case can see that this man has been imprisoned unjustly. For what crimes do people serve twenty-five years straight up in this country? Clinton fails the compassion part of his learning to be a complete human exam. Strength to Leonard Peltier! Seth from China

Subject: RE: Message from Leonard Pelitier
From: InOBU
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 08:20 AM

Hi Seth,
Part of the reason may have been a big demonstration by the FBI after the anouncemnt that Clinton would pardon him. I really think the FBI still worries that their own missdeeds will be highlighted once he is free. However, the movie Thunderheart, already does that well enough.
Larry

Subject: RE: Message from Leonard Pelitier
From: GUEST,Kivatrader
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 10:08 AM

Waiting for the announcement of clemency for Leonard Peltier was the one thing that got me through all the Clinton administration sell-outs. To say that it was a disappointment that justice was not finally done by Bill Clinton is an amazing understatement. The power of the FBI was in ample evidence as they demonstrated aginst the clemency order -- it makes us wonder if ther were threats lodged against someone soon to be in the public sector! The history of the FBI's questionable conduct in this and many other cases has been illustrated many times over, yet they continue to remain as powerful as ever,and as teflon coated! As dealers in American Indian arts, we have followed this travesty since 1976, at one time exhibiting his original paintings to help raise funds for his defense fund.

I really believe that his case is the single largest failing of both our justice department and of the citizens who would allow the imprisonment to continue. The facts, statements, commentary and general file information has been available for years, at one time even attracting the notice of the trend-driven "Hollywood" crowd, due to Peter Mattheissen's book, and the Val Kilmer movie Thunderheart, that has been mentioned above.

The truth is, anyone who has an interest in protecting our freedoms should see the threat to us all that this case represents. There have been sad disappointments all along, through the appeals process and the parole hearings, which, despite a lot of light being shed on the government's corrupt case, has left him aging behind bars instead of with his family and his people. It is sadly telling, that several years ago when we attempted to get the NY Times to cover our exhibition of his artwork, the repsonse was that "it's not news anymore, besides, Indian issues aren't really trendy anymore." Unfortunately, the media leads the way in this nation, where if it's "not at the shopping mall", chances are that we really don't need it! I really hope that this discussion will prompt people to write letters to their representatives and pressure the government we elected to set him free at last.

Subject: RE: Message from Leonard Pelitier
From: katlaughing
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 11:25 AM

Thank you, kivatrader, for your sharing and your words. I agree with you and hope that people will be active in turning this around. I've been telling folks about it and signing petitions, etc. since it began.

kat

Subject: RE: Message from Leonard Pelitier
From: wysiwyg
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 01:20 PM

You are all cordially invited to visit
THIS THREAD
for a related discussion.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Message from Leonard Pelitier
From: Gary T
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 01:41 PM

That link didn't work for me, Susan. I got an error message.

Subject: RE: Message from Leonard Pelitier
From: McGrath of Harlow
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 04:29 PM

And that www.freepeltier.org link at the bottom of Peltier's letter wouldn't work for me, and nor would kat's blue clickies to pages on that site. Has the site moved, or are there some dirty tricks in progress?

Subject: RE: Message from Leonard Pelitier
From: katlaughing
Date: 01 Feb 01 - 04:33 PM

That's weird, Kevin, I checked on the Peltier links and they all come up that way and they have not been edited on our end. For some reason it looks as though their site is down.

kat

Subject: RE: Message from Leonard Pelitier
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Feb 01 - 01:48 AM

Only possible excuse for not freeing Peltier I can think of is same reason Clinton didn't follow through on promises to release information on JFK asassination. Perhaps he was told that any such action would bring dire consequences to his family. The president doesn't really hold all the power. Those who do probably pretty effectively "hold" the president. Or maybe he's just the weasel so many have accused him of being.

Subject: RE: Message from Leonard Peltier
From: katlaughing
Date: 28 Nov 08 - 10:21 PM

After all of these years, I wonder if Leonard will finally get some justice with Obama in the White House. I know it may not come about until he leaves office, but there may be some hope...I hope.

kat

Subject: RE: Message from Leonard Peltier
From: GUEST,Sing-Along Steve
Date: 29 Nov 08 - 03:04 AM

I first learned of LP's struggle through listening to Robbie Roberston of The Band. Robbie is a staunch supporter of First Nations rights (so called because, as a Canadian, he includes the indigenous peoples of Canada in his references to 'Native' people).

LP got one of the lousiest BS con-jobs of all time pulled on him by the Feds; his case is one of those that tells us that racism and dominionist theology and politics are still par for the course in D.C.

Free Leonard!