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Free Leonard Peltier



Last Updated: 11/2/2009

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Saturday, November 07, 2009 
6:16 PM 
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Monday, November 02, 2009 
Critical: Sacred Site Under Attack! We Need Everyone's Help
From the founder:
Glen Cove Site
DESTRUCTION STARTS TODAY- NOV. 2
CALL- FAX EMAIL- AND PASS THIS ON.
IT DOES MATTER WHERE IN THE WORLD THAT YOU ARE.
YOUR VOICE IS IMPORTANT. THEY NEED TO KNOW THAT THE WHOLE WORLD
IS WATCHING. ALSO PRAY FOR THOSE PROTECTING THE SITE AND THE ANCESTORS.
The city of Vallejo is broke and can not afford the investment this site would cost them.
Question: Where are they getting the money to do this project. And who did they promise what
in exchange for the money? Where will these remains end up? Just a suggestion not and accusation
> U C Berkeley.
This is a test case to see if they can get away with if they do a church plans to build on more ancestors graves
in the name of Jesus. The church's supposed new name will be New Life. Do you think this is
new life. And all you environmental folks this project will be built right on the bay line close to the already polluted waters
What do you think will happen when the added development happens on this environmentally sensitive watershed?
For further Information:
http://www.vallejointertribalcouncil.org/#glencove
1500- 3500 years old village site with burials.
"Anticipatory Demolition" of burial site to begin Nov. 2nd. by>>
Greater Vallejo Recreation District < address: 395 Amador Street, Vallejo, California 94590
Contact Person to express your upset at them breaking burial laws and the destruction of a
sacred site is Shawn McAffee
The Vallejo City manager: Robert F.D. Adams
Address: 555 Santa Clara Street, Vallejo, Ca. 94590
Phone: 707 648 4575 Fax 707 648 4426 Email: juliae@ci.vallejo.ca.us
Mayor of Vallejo: Osby Davis
Phone: 707 648 4377 email: mayor@ci.vallejo.ca.us
5:08 PM 
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Tuesday, September 29, 2009 
 
 
                            AIM-WEST Presents
 
 
                                                                                                      Press and Public Announcement
 
                                                    “517 Years of Indigenous Peoples’ Resistance to Colonization in the Americas-1492-2009”
                                                                                                            Dia De La Raza
 
A benefit to bring attention to those who sacrifice daily for our Mother Earth; we are the memory of our ancestors.
                                                                        Grandfather, I want my people to live.  Lakota prayer
 
When:  Monday, October 12, 2009
Where: Inter-Tribal Friendship House, 523 International Boulevard, Oakland (near Lake Merritt BART Station).
Time: 6 – 9:30 pm  (film 7:15)
 
The event benefit’s AIM-WEST Annual Summit, scheduled November 23-27, in San Francisco (check website).
 
A selected film presents “Longest Walk-1978” with cast of familiar faces including the legendry Bill Wahpepah, Dick Gregory, Paul Owns Sabre, John Trudell, Ron Dellums, Phillip Deer, and Lehman Brightman, a must see, very historical.  A short clip will be shown of the Mascot demonstration protest recently at Oakland Coliseum.
 
M.C.  Jimbo Simmons of AIM, and Mary Jean Robertson, DJ of KPOO Radio 89.5 FM in San Francisco!
 
With special guests, local entertainment, Drummers, dancers, with traditional Mexicas, are welcome.
 
Guest speakers include Prof. Lehman Brightman, and Ms. Carol Wahpepah, Director, Inter-tribal Friendship House in Oakland.
 
A raffle, prizes, food and refreshments (bring your favorites to share!)
 
COVER CHARGE at the door $ 5.00  Kids under ten years free, no one turned away.
 
Event is co-sponsored by Inter-Tribal Friendship House  510-452-1235 
 
*The event will be announced on KPFA Radio  94.1 FM and on “The Rock” during the Annual Sun Rise Gathering, on October 12TH. 
 
                                                                              The Public is invited!
 
For more information please call: 415-577-1492                                                                                   www.aimwest.info
 
                                       
                                                                                                           AIM FOR FREEDOM!
 
SAVE GLEN COVE!                         NO DRUGS, NO ALCOHOL!                       HONOR MOTHER EARTH!                            FREE LEONARD PELTIER!
 
5:02 PM 
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Tuesday, September 22, 2009 
Peltier Represented at the U.N.
 
Peltier Central Texas Branch Support Group
<><><><>FREE LEONARD PELTIER<​>​<​>​<​>​<​>​
Posted By
wicahcala
<><><><>FREE LEONARD PELTIER<​​>​​<​​>​​<​​>​​<​​>​​
PRESS RELEASE: Leonard Peltier, Native American-​​Political Prisoner to be represented at United Nations 64th General AssemblyShare
Sun at 10:00pm
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release 9/20/09
The Leonard Peltier Defense Offense Committee [DOC]
Media contact: Ms. Pretends Eagle
Email: lp_​​doc_​​media@​​ymail.​​com
Phone: 216: 650-7444
www.​​whoisleonardpel​tier.​​info
LEONARD PELTIER, NATIVE AMERICAN, POLITICAL PRISONER
TO BE REPRESENTED AT
UNITED NATION’S 64TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY!
Kari Ann Cowan, Asst. Coordinator of The Leonard Peltier Defense Offense Committee has accepted an invitation by a Delegate of the U. N. to attend the 64th General Assembly of The United Nations, being held in New York City on September 21-23 2009.
Ms. Cowan plans to network with the Members of the United Nations on behalf
Leonard Peltier, a Native American, Political Prisoner of the United States, who was recently denied parole after serving 33 years in prison.
Ms. Cowan graciously accepted the invite, which also included the traditional drum group, Red Day from Black Hills of South Dakota.
President Obama had indicated he would find a seat for Native American at the United Nations, however, that had not yet, happened.
*DO NOT ADD OR DELETE CONTEXT FROM THIS PRESS RELEASE*
6:05 PM 
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Tuesday, September 22, 2009 
Fund Raiser for S.F Bayview

P.O.C.C , Block Report Radio, S.F Bay View Newspaper & Hip Hop Congress Present:

Ghetto to Gaza in Northern California (Oakland, S.F, San Jose, Santa Cruz, Sacramento, Sonoma Ct)

M1 of dead prez speaking about his Travels to Gaza in support of those at War and in an intense struggle for basic human needs.

also J.R Minister of Information w members of P.O.C.C , Richard Brown of the SF 8, Nadra Foster from KPFA, DLabrie, and more!!

Please Come Out and Repost This!!!

-
WED 9/23: 9p @ Capitol Garage - 1500 K st. (Sacramento)

THURS 9/24: 7:30p @ Woss Comm. Center - 8924 Holly st. (East Oakland)

FRI 9/25: 7p @ POOR Magazine - 2nd floor, Redstone Building, 2940 16th st. (San Francisco)

SAT 9/26: 6p @ Black Dot Cafe - 1195 Pine st. (West Oakland)

SUN 9/27: 6p @ Debug Magazine office - 701 Lenzen ave. (San Jose)

MON 9/28: 7p @ Barrios Unidos - 1817 Soquel ave. ( Santa Cruz)

TUES 9/29: 7:30p @ Multi Purpose Room, Studnet Union building - Sonoma State Univ. (Sonoma County)
-

M1, of the prolific rap group dead prez, will be on a speaking tour called "From the Ghetto to Gaza" through northern Cali from September 23-29. Wednesday, September 23 we are collaborating w the Hip Hop Congress Open Mic in Sacramento. On Thursday, September 24th in East Oakland,The Minister of Information, Executive Producer of Blockreportradio.com and Associate Editor of SF Bay View Newspaper, will interview M1. On Friday, Sept. 25th Richard Brown of the SF 8 will be asking the questions. On Saturday, September 26th Nadra Foster, the former broadcaster at KPFA who was beat up by the police inside of the station after a member of management lied on her a year ago will be interviewing M1. Please repost, post, announce, broadcast, print, email and tell people about this historic speaking tour taking place in northern California, starting off in Sacramento, moving to Oakland, San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Cruz, and Sonoma County. For more information you could email blockreportradio.com or look at www.sfbayview.com.
--

The Minister of Information JR
POCC Block Report Radio
www.blockreportradio.com
3:41 AM 
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Tuesday, September 01, 2009 

Peltier Central Texas Branch Support Group
<><><><>FREE LEONARD PELTIER<><><><>

wicahcala
<><><><>FREE LEONARD PELTIER<..​>​<​>​<​>​<​>​

Aug 26, 2009 9:15 AM
Subject: Cody filmmaker focuses on activist Leonard Peltier

http:..​/..​/..​billingsgazett..e......​...​com/..​news/..​state-..​and-..​regional/..​wyoming/..​article_..​64f69576-..​91f4-..​11de-..​bd56-..​001cc4c002e0...​html


Cody filmmaker focuses on activist convicted of murder

RUFFIN PREVOST Gazette Wyoming Bureau | Posted: Tuesday, August 25, 2009 9:50 pm | No Comments Posted
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Preston Randolph
Park County filmmakers Preston Randolph, left, and Derrick McGuire attend a rally in Pennsylvania earlier this month during the parole hearing for Indian activist Leonard Peltier, who was convicted in 1977 for the murder of two FBI agents. The two men are making a documentary about Peltier’s case. (Courtesy photo)
CODY - Two Park County filmmakers are working on a documentary they hope will draw attention to the case of Leonard Peltier, an Indian activist serving two life sentences. He was denied parole last week.
"I've always known about the Peltier case, because I grew up hearing about it," said Preston Randolph, 19, of Cody.
"About a year ago, I decided to do something more meaningful in my work and my life. And in talking to Leonard's family, I thought that something more needs to be done," said Randolph, who has spent several months working on the film.
Peltier, 64, was convicted in 1977 for the murder of FBI agents Jack Coler and Ronald Williams during a shootout on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota.
His case has attracted widespread attention from supporters who say he was denied a fair trial and that the government engaged in misconduct in his arrest and prosecution. The FBI and federal prosecutors deny any wrongdoing and point to numerous unsuccessful appeals by Peltier, including to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Peltier has acknowledged that he participated in the shootout but continues to deny that he fired the fatal shots in the execution-..​style murders of Coler and Williams.
With the denial last week of Peltier's parole request, his next hearing is scheduled for 2024, when he would be 79.
"I'm extremely disappointed, but unfortunately, I'm not terribly surprised," said Derrick McGuire, 19, a sound engineer attending Northwest College who is working with Randolph on the film project. The two men traveled together to Pennsylvania earlier this month to document Peltier's parole hearing.
"We're going to try to just keep informing people of the whole situation. It isn't going to stall our work at all. We're going to try to get this out as soon as we can," McGuire said.
Randolph said he is passionate about Peltier's case, and while his film will take a fair look at all the facts, his research has convinced him that Peltier should be released.
"I've been writing to Leonard for six months, and talking to his relatives for probably about a year," he said.
"I want to show that personal side to this story, to show his family and how it's affected them, him being in prison for 34 years," he said.
While in high school, Randolph won awards for his short films in three consecutive Wyoming State Film Festivals, and he has spent time in Los Angeles participating in filmmaking courses and working on video productions.
He plans to travel throughout the winter, filming interviews with sources involved in the Peltier case and hopes to have a finished, full-length documentary by the end of summer 2010.
Randolph said his film will serve as a follow-up of sorts to the 1992 documentary, "Incident at Oglala," narrated by Robert Redford.
That film raised awareness about Peltier's case, but additional information and developments since then warrant further scrutiny, he said.
Ed Woods, a former FBI special agent, said some books and documentaries about Peltier's case have "focused on the mythology" but have not shown convincing evidence of his innocence.
"The jury heard it all and came to their conclusion. And since then, every aspect of the case has been reviewed over and over," said Woods, who had no connection to the 1975 shootout, but started a Web site to present an opposing voice to Peltier's supporters.
"Was it a perfect case? Probably not. But for those who take the time and do the research and see the evidence, once you get beyond the myth and folklore, there's not a whole lot there," he said.
Randolph said he has been surprised by the reaction of many around Park County who are sympathetic to Peltier's cause after hearing about the project.
"We live in a very conservative, law-and-order area of the country, but I have found a lot of people who surprisingly side with my point of view around here," he said, adding that he is spending his own money on travel and production expenses.
"I'm not doing this for money or fame. I'm very passionate about the story of Leonard Peltier and what happened then on the reservation, as well as what continues to happen now," he said.
Contact Ruffin Prevost at rprevost@..​billingsgazett..e..​.​com or 307-527-7250.
9:29 PM 
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Friday, August 21, 2009 


"When you begin a great work you can't expect to finish it all at once; therefore, you and your brothers [and sisters] press on and let nothing discourage you until you have entirely finished what you have begun."--Teedyuschung, Delaware

News from North Dakota, today, is that Leonard Peltier's parole has
been denied.  He won't receive another full parole hearing until 2024, at the age of 79 years.

As sad as we all are, we are steadfast, undefeated. We will not go away.  We will not be quiet.

Take a moment to reflect.  Just a moment.  But then put your disappointment behind you.  Gather your strength.  There's much work to be done.

* Action Item 1:  Contact the Attorney General *

On June 23, 1995, Amnesty International submitted a letter of concern about the Peltier case to the then U.S. Attorney General. There was no response. Write to Eric Holder, Attorney General. Ask him to conduct an executive review of the case and to finally right the wrongs of the past. Tell him it's never too  late to find the truth. Justice delayed is justice denied.

Eric A. Holder, Attorney General
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20530-0001

Or call the Office of the Attorney General at 202-353-1555.

And while you're at it, ask Mr. Holder why more than 140,000 documents from a 30+-year-old case are still being withheld by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Tell him America has a right to know what occurred over 30 years ago and demand the release of all documents related to the Peltier case.

* Action Item 2: Contact Members of Congress *

Use all the resources at your disposal to contact your Members of Congress and continue urging them to support freedom for Leonard Peltier. That support should be formally expressed in correspondence to President Obama.

Also demand a full congressional investigation into the Reign of Terror on the Pine Ridge Reservation during the '70s.  It's long past time for the truth to be told.  See:

<http://www.FreePeltierNow.org/call.htm>
<http://www.FreePeltierNow.org/write.htm>

Do you use Twitter?  Try using this service to quickly and easily reach your Members of Congress: <http://tcxs.net/>.

You also can sign the petition:

<http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/Pine_Ridge/>.

Congress will not be in session for most of August.  This is a good time to meet with your Members of Congress in their home offices. Make the appointment now.  You can find locations, telephone numbers, etc., via our congressional directory:

<http://www.FreePeltierNow.org/congressmaster.htm>.

* Action Item 3:  Call the White House *

Call the White House comment line to express your outrage at the outcome of the parole hearing.  Demand that President Obama free Peltier now.  Call:

(202) 456-1111 or (202) 456-1112.

You also can send an e-mail to the White House. Go to
<http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/>.

If you prefer, mail or fax a letter:

President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC  20500
Fax - (202) 456-2461

Better yet... Do all three.


Friends of Peltier
www.FreePeltierNow.org
9:54 PM 
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Saturday, August 15, 2009 
http://hpr1.com/feature/article/his_parole_an_exclusive_interview/

His Parole: An Exclusive Interview

High Plains Reader
published August 13, 2009


The following interview took place by telephone on August 11, 2009. Leonard Peltier spoke to HPR from the federal penitentiary in Lewistown, Pennsylvania where he awaits the results of a July 28, 2009 parole hearing. The Federal Parole Commission must decide whether to release or to retain Mr. Peltier by August 18, 2009, just five days from now.


Pamela Sund for HPR: Good Morning, Mr. Peltier. Thank you for agreeing to talk with us.

Peltier: No problem. No problem at all.


HPR: Before I ask a few questions, how are you?

LP: Hanging in there.


HPR: What is it like to wait for the Parole Commission's decision?

LP: Well, a lot of stress, anticipation, hopefulness, trying to think positive, and a lot of anxiety.


HPR: You have many supporters, including several Nobel Peace Prize winners, writers, dignitaries, and actors, among others. What would you like to say to those who are sympathetic to your cause?

LP: Many have supported me, yes. Bishop Desmond Tutu, many heads of state, Mother Teresa when she was still alive... the support has been very broad. In fact, FBI regional director Don Edwards was one of my biggest supporters. He said, "I know what they did to Leonard, I worked there."

HPR: You have paid a heavy price for your activism. Was it worth it?

LP: We had to do something. We had just as much right as any people to protect our human rights. We had to preserve our culture's rights. In my day, we didn't have what is going on today. We didn't have the powwows or the right to practice our religion. At this time the idea was "to take the Indian out of the Indian".

There was so much racism. The American Indian was being terminated. You can look it up. That was what it was called. But we had just as much right to live as people everywhere. I loved my people; I loved my religion; I loved my culture, and I, well... this was not just me, I mean that we were just trying to save it.


HPR: During the recent parole hearing, was U.S. Attorney Drew Wrigley present?

LP: He was there. He came there saying the same things the government has always said, but you have to understand, we have impeached ninety percent of the government case... and you know, he left out what [U.S. prosecuting attorney] Lynn Crooks said when asked just what was Mr. Peltier convicted of - and this is almost a direct quote -

"We can find no evidence for first degree murder in the record... your Honor, the government does not know who killed our agents nor what part Leonard Peltier had in this, if any."

Mr. Wrigley forgot to mention how corrupt the government's case was. This was absolutely not justice. Over 19 constitutional violations were involved. There were over a dozen questionable reversible errors. In addition, the Chief Judge of the U.S. 8th Circuit Court, Judge Webster, was contacted and asked if he would take the position as Director of the FBI and didn't even tell us.


HPR: Given all of this, how do you feel about your conviction, about the judge and jury?

LP: I don't blame the jury because the jury didn't even hear the whole case...


HPR: Going back to those who are sympathetic to you. You have many supporters in the community here in Fargo, including several High Plains Reader staff members. What would you like to say to these individuals?

LP: I would like to say, thank you very much for all the years you have believed in me and supported me. And I want to repeat that I am not guilty. You have to remember the times - in the 1950s, '60s, and '70s, the government was trying to terminate Indian people. There is so much history involved here... there were even admitted racists who sat on my jury. The judge in the case wouldn't even let us voir dire our jury.


HPR: I'm sorry, but I'm not familiar with that term. Can you explain?

LP: This is the term used for the process of questioning jurors. We were not allowed to do this. We even brought this to court and won, but still, no positive outcome. There were so many things that happened that were just unconstitutional.


HPR: I would like to bring your artwork into the discussion. Your artwork doesn't exhibit anger or bitterness. There is a sense of innocence and joy in so many of the faces that you paint. Can you speak to this?

LP: I always wanted to be an artist from the time I was very young. It was my first love. I want to portray my people as they are: loving, kind, gentle, generous, and protectors of their homes and families. These are very intelligent peoples. Many indigenous peoples were much more advanced early on than the Europeans. I'm talking about the Mayans and the Aztecs and others. I want to portray my people as they are, with the qualities I have mentioned.


HPR: I wonder if I could ask a question about Banks and Means.

LP: What about Banks and Means?


HPR: As an activist, what did you learn from them?

LP: We were all learning from our elders. That's what we were doing. We were learning from our elders. The government wants to portray us as terrorists, and communists, or militants, but we were resistance fighters. And we learned from each other.


HPR: If you are not released, will you appeal?

LP: I will appeal, of course, if the government says no, it will be an act of vindictiveness, an unjustifiable act. They are letting so many of the older prisoners go. There is no legitimate reason for keeping me. According to the guidelines, I have already served the equivalent of three life sentences.


HPR: I understand that if you are released, you want to spend time in the Turtle Mountains of your youth. Is that correct?

LP: That's right. That is where I want to be. It looks like our time is about up.


HPR: Is there anything else you would like to say?

LP: The Committee [the Leonard Peltier Defense Offense Committee] can use help. People should be outraged at injustice, whether this is happening to me or to someone else. Any help for the Committee would be appreciated. Our time is up. Could you put my niece back on the phone?


HPR: I will, yes, but I'm wondering, if you are released, can we continue this conversation?

Peltier: Yes, yes we can... but then, we can sit down and relax.

___
Questions and comments: pamelasund@cableone.net
(c.) 2009 High Plains Reader


+=+=+=+
[In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. section 107, this material is distributed without profit or payment to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving this information for non-profit research and educational purposes only.]
6:10 AM 
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Friday, July 31, 2009 


The San Francisco 8 -- No More!

By Abu-Jamal, Mumia

It's been 2 1/2 years since the San Francisco 8 -- eight former members of the Black Panther Party -- were cast into California jails and threatened with life sentences stemming from the 1971 shooting of a cop.

Perhaps the State figured the post - 9//11 paranoia and mania would make this an easy case. Perhaps the government thought that because many of the accused were men of advancing age, decades away from their prime organizing and activist days, it would be a cake walk.

The 8 men fought with dignity, principle and unity -- and several days ago -- charges for 4 of them were dismissed altogether: Ray Boudreaux, Richard Brown, Hank Jones and Harold Taylor.

New York's Jalil Muntaqim pled no contest to conspiracy -- and got time served in San Francisco County Jail -- almost 2 1/2 years -- with 3 years probation.

Herman Bell -- another New York former Panther -- took a similar deal earlier in July.

One ex-Panther, Francisco Torres, faces a hearing next month, where most observers expect all charges to be dropped. Another, John bowman, died before trial. The last, Richard O'Neal, was cleared pre-trial.

From the very beginning, back in the '70's -- several of the men were brutally tortured by police in Louisiana to elicit false confessions (thus we see that Abu Ghraib really was nothing new).

The cases were dismissed decades ago -- on that basis alone.

That the prosecutions were reinstated at all is due more to the politicized Justice Department under John Ashcroft and George Bush -- where torture was a tool of state --than anything else. Also implicated? The political ambitions of California Attorney General Jerry Brown, seeking the governorship.

No charges should've been brought in the first place -- or if contemplated, dismissed under double jeopardy principles.

As it is -- even the state admits -- dismissal is valid due to insufficient evidence.

These results are due, in large part, to the solidarity of the men themselves, and some excellent, aggressive lawyering by assorted defense counsel, among them J. Soffiyah Elijah of Harvard Law School.

Several years ago, in a statement calling for support for the San Francisco 8, I implored supporters to fight for them now -- before they fell into the clutches of the state containment system -- instead of after.

Many took up that fight -- leading to many of the most recent results.
3:01 AM 
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Friday, July 31, 2009 

How Leonard Peltier Could Leave Prison by August 18


www.dailykos.com/story/2009/7/30/759576/-How-Leonard-Peltier-Could-Leave-Prison-by-August-18

How Leonard Peltier Could Leave Prison by August 18

by Harvey Wasserman
July 30, 2009


For a formidable and growing global community of supporters, the prospect of Native American activist Leonard Peltier finally leaving prison inspires a longing that cuts to the depths of the soul.

So Peltier’s first parole hearing of the Obama Era---on Tuesday, July 28---inspired hope of an intensity that will have a major impact on the new presidency. A decision must come from the Federal Parole Commission within three weeks. His attorney is calling for a surge of public support that would create an irresistible political climate for Leonard’s release.

The relationship between Peltier and those who have followed his case over the decades can be intensely personal. His imprisonment has come to stand not only for five centuries of unjust violence waged against Native Americans, but also for the inhumane theft of the life of a man who has handled his 33 years in jail with epic dignity, effectiveness and grace.

Peltier’s latest parole hearing convened at the federal penitentiary in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, where he is currently held. According to Eric Seitz, Peltier’s Honolulu-based attorney, Peltier spoke for more than an hour “with great eloquence” about the nature of his case, his imprisonment and his plans for freedom. “The hearing officer seemed to listen carefully,” said Seitz. “We thought it went very well.”

The decision on Peltier’s parole will be made by the four sitting members of the Federal Parole Commission ( http://www.usdoj.gov/uspc/ ) whose offices are in Chevy Chase, Maryland.

Commissioners Isaac Fulwood, Jr., Cranston Mitchell, Edward Reilly and Patricia Cushware are all Bush appointees. One seat is vacant; Fulwood was elevated to the Chairman’s seat in May by President Obama.

According to Seitz, the hearing was taped by an officer charged with reporting to the Commissioners within 48 hours. The Commissioners are required to render a decision within 21 days---by August 18. Should they rule in his favor, Peltier could walk out of prison very soon after the decision is issued.

Should the Commssioners turn down his parole application, Seitz says the appeal would go to the federal district court in Harrisburg. The report of the hearing would become available to Peltier and the public.

Seitz said he spoke to the record for about 20 minutes on the legalities of the case. He said Peter Mattheissen, author of IN THE SPIRIT OF CRAZY HORSE, explained the history of the 1970s incidents that led to Peltier being accused of murdering two FBI agents. CRAZY HORSE is the definitive account of the origins of the case and of the climate of violence and repression imposed on the native community at the time of the killings. Seitz said Mattheissen emphasized “the many reasons to have misgivings about whether the system performed well and fairly in Leonard's case.”

Mattheissen was joined by Dr.Thomas Fassett of the United Methodist Church, who testified, said Seitz, “to the negative impact of Peltier’s 33-year imprisonment on the world’s view of how the US government treats its native population. Leonard's case is viewed in the larger community both nationally & internationally as a major embarrassment…as a gross injustice…a black mark.”

The testimony was accompanied by thousands of letters, with signees including South African Bishop Desmond Tutu, US Senator Daniel Inouye (D-HI), and actor Robert Redford, whose film INCIDENT AT OGALALA is the definitive documentary.

Cynthia Maleterre of the Turtle Island Clan then outlined how Peltier could meet the requirements of parole in his home community in North Dakota. Restored to his Chippewa-Dakota homeland, Maleterre explained that Peltier would have housing, a job and be surrounded by family, including great-grandchildren he has never seen.

Seitz said testimony opposing parole came from a representative of the FBI, sent by Director Robert Mueller, a holdover Bush appointee, and from the former director of the Minnesota Bureau. Two sons of Jack Coler, one of the FBI agents killed in the Ogalala shoot-out, also argued against Peltier being freed, as did a former agent named Ed Woods.

Seitz said that all those opposing parole argued Peltier should spend the rest of his days in prison, and did not deserve a new trial.

But Seitz was “guardedly optimistic” about a favorable decision from the Parole Commission. He said that a “good rapport” had been established with the hearing officer, and that the new chair of the commission is generally held “in high esteem.”

President Barack Obama does have the power to grant clemency, but Seitz said prisoners apply only when all other avenues have been exhausted. Usually, says Seitz, “presidential pardons do not come until the Chief Executive is leaving office.”

Seitz says letters to the Parole Commission and to local newspapers, calls to Congressional Representatives (202-224-3121), talk show hosts and other forms of public pressure are now of the utmost importance. The hope, he says, lies in creating a “public environment favorable to release.”

As Leonard Peltier approaches his 65th year---having spent half his life in prison---every day is now critical to lifting this burden from our collective souls.
2:43 AM 
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