Leonard Peltiers latest message to the World-we must work together to adopt sustainable models for living responsibly
Monday, April 19, 2010
Leonard Peltier: Climate Conference in Bolivia
"My name is Leonard Peltier. I am a citizen of the Dakota/Lakota and Anishinabe Nations of North America. Like many of you, I am a tribal person. As Aboriginal peoples, we have always struggled to live in harmony with the Earth. We have maintained our vigilance and bear witness to a blatant disregard for our planet and sustainable life ways. We’ve seen that the pursuit of maximized profits through globalization, privatization, and corporate personhood has become a plague that destroys life. We know that it is not only the land that suffers as a result of these practices. The people most closely associated with the Earth suffer first and most."
Read more of Leonard's statement for the conference at http://lpdoc.blogspot.com/2010/04/leonard-peltier-to-climate-conference.....
"In America, we are at ground zero of this war for survival and most often have been left with no mechanism to fight this globalization monster. On those occasions when we are forced into a defensive posture, we are disappeared, tortured, killed, and imprisoned.
I myself have served over 34 years in prison for resisting an invasion intent on violating our treaties and stealing our land for the precious resource of uranium. The same desire for uranium has decimated and poisoned the Diné Nation of Arizona and New Mexico.
The quest for land for dumping and hiding the toxic waste from various nuclear processes has caused a war to be waged on the Shoshone people of Nevada, as well. These are just a few examples of what “progress” has meant for our peoples.
As many can attest, the same struggle is occurring throughout Central and South America.
While my defense of my tribal lands made me a political prisoner, I know I’m not at all unique. This struggle has created countless other prisoners of conscience—not to mention prisoners of poor health and loss of life way, as well as victims of guilt and rage.
To live as we were meant to live is our first right. To live free of the fear of forced removal, destroyed homelands, poisoned water, and loss of habitat, food sources, and our overall life way is our righteous demand. We, therefore, continue our struggle to survive in the face of those who deny climate change and refuse to curb corporate powers.
It is time for all our voices to be heard.
It is time we all listen, too—or else our collective Mother will dramatically and forcefully unstop our ears.
The Indigenous Peoples have been the keepers of knowledge and wisdom—long ago bringing forth foods, medicines, and other products from which the world population still benefits.
The loss of our lands and cultures, therefore, is a loss for the entire human family.
We are all citizens of Earth and this planet is our only home.
What affects one, affects us all. We are all interconnected and our fates are intertwined.
We can indefinitely survive here, but only if we work together to adopt sustainable models for living responsibly.
We cannot continue to destroy Creator’s work, or allow others to do so, in the belief that there will be no consequences.
I pray for a new age—a new understanding, consciousness, and way of being—a new path for all the peoples of the world.
Aho! Mitakuye Oyasin!
(Thank you to all my relations. We are all related.)
In the Spirit of Crazy Horse,
Leonard Peltier
Never forget Leonard Peltier - or that it was Canada that handed him over to his American enemies. And again, so much for Obama and 'change we can believe in' change alright - for the worse. Free Peltier!
I posted Peltiers message on a FN board with 72,000 members.
I may as well have posted it on a board hosted by the KluKluxKlan.
This was the first response:
"Leonard makes me ill and is a hypocrite of the highest order.
Here's the deal: he committed murder.
Okay, sure, other folks killed, too. But they went to trial, said so, and were acquitted by reason of self-defense. In sum, they were willing to be accountable for their actions.
Reality isn't that Peltier is a warrior pawn in a holy crusade (as he would have you believe). Reality is that he is a -- now -- aged, brutish, thug who didn't have the cajones, then, to state what he did and, now, desires to be deified for serving a sentence that he earned.
What do you think this loser actually knows about Bolivia? Anything? Why should anyone listen?
Let me be clear: AIM set us back. In many ways, and I am not demonizing the poster or implying connection, they still do.
Why? Because they would rather we pay attention to Leonard than ask, "Why isn't a Native American part of the United States foreign service attache to Bolivia?" (Or, if there is one, why aren't we pimping, them?)"
I waited two days before saying anything. Not one FN person came forward in his defence. (No pun intended.)
After I posted this there were several replies - every one supporting that assholes statement.
This was my last post there - forever:
Leonard Peltier was offered CLEMENCY by president Bill Clinton when he was in power. Why is Peltier not walking free? The condition was that he made a claim of guilt. For some reason Leonard Peltier would not state that he was guilty of killing an armed man, while he knows full well people have long since been released after admitting that they were guilty of drowning babies in bathtubs and toilets.
What would be his motive for wishing to spend the remainder of his adult life in jail where he receives worse treatment than other inmates of American prisons?
Historically not all stands made against an oppressor has benefited the oppressed.
And Zeke, if you are pissed-off because you feel that the American Indian Movement has "set you back", I have no more words for you other than, goodbye.
I was introduced to the writings of Leonard Pelletier some thirty five years ago, I recall knowing that I had never heard anyone express themself in the way he did, there was such clarity to his words. It does not surprise me that he would not confess.
As to that other board and those slanderous comments they do not surprise me either, clearly there is a vested interest in keeping him locked up in every possible way.
After I posted this there were several replies - every one supporting that assholes statement.
This was my last post there - forever:
Leonard Peltier was offered CLEMENCY by president Bill Clinton when he was in power. Why is Peltier not walking free? The condition was that he made a claim of guilt. For some reason Leonard Peltier would not state that he was guilty of killing an armed man, while he knows full well people have long since been released after admitting that they were guilty of drowning babies in bathtubs and toilets.
What would be his motive for wishing to spend the remainder of his adult life in jail where he receives worse treatment than other inmates of American prisons?
Historically not all stands made against an oppressor has benefited the oppressed.
And Zeke, if you are pissed-off because you feel that the American Indian Movement has "set you back", I have no more words for you other than, goodbye.
Why would you leave that forum. If no one speaks out against ignorance, then the ignorant will rule.
Why would you leave that forum. If no one speaks out against ignorance, then the ignorant will rule.
You are right.
I am not normally one to back down but in this case I see little point going back because their opinions are obviously deeply set.
My opinion is clear and so are theirs. I assume they have seen Incident at Oglala as the majority of FN's have. If the facts presented in the documentuary doesn't change their minds, I doubt there is nothing I can say that will.
Of course the purpose isn't necessarily to change the minds of bigots....that would be impossible......but it would benefit those who sit on the sidelines and listen to them. Counter the bigotted views gives others something else to consider.
Of course the purpose isn't necessarily to change the minds of bigots....that would be impossible......but it would benefit those who sit on the sidelines and listen to them. Counter the bigotted views gives others something else to consider.
Yes that is very true. But I have said goodbye to them.
If you would like to place a comment in Mr. Peltier's defence I will PM you a link to the site. I don't want to post it publicly because I don't want to endorse that board in any way. If anyone else would like to do the same PM me and I will send you the link.
Of course the purpose isn't necessarily to change the minds of bigots....that would be impossible......but it would benefit those who sit on the sidelines and listen to them. Counter the bigotted views gives others something else to consider.
I have to agree, though I also see that it could be tiring to keep up the fight. Sometimes you don't need the extra stress. Then again, you always have to pick your battles.
Forwarded on behalf of the Leonard Peltier Defense Offense Committee
June 26, 2010
Greetings,
I want to first say thank you--thank you for taking the time and
making the commitment to come to this place--but thank you mostly
for remembering. Sometimes I sit in this cage and I find myself
wondering if anyone really remembers. Many days, remembering is
all my mind allows me to do. So, again, thank you. Thank you for
bearing witness and being a part of a living memory.
But maybe the most important thing I'd like to say is don't
forget. Not ever.
You must be the historians who keep this lesson alive because
this story isn't about one day, one event, one person, or even one
lifetime. This is a story that goes all the way back to the day a
misguided fool, whose name I won't even mention, led his troops in
an attack on innocent people at the Greasy Grass, and in the process
got himself and over two hundred of his troopers killed. And while
the victors on that day had no choice but to defend themselves,
we have been the victims of a genocidal revenge that continues
until this very moment. So don't forget. Not ever.
It is vengeance that preoccupies the mind of the colonizer. It
is this fervor to show us who is boss that led to the massacre
at Wounded Knee, the theft of the Black Hills, the establishment
of boarding schools, and the criminalization of our languages
and traditional ways. It is vengeance that armed the GOON squads,
killed our leaders, and surrounded our people at Wounded Knee again
in 1973. Revenge is why they today prosecute Indian people for the
crimes they know the government committed during their murderous
campaigns of the last generation. Vengeance is what killed Joe
Stuntz, Anna Mae Aquash, Buddy Lamont and so many others. Getting
even is what keeps me in prison. So don't forget. Not ever.
All of these events are bound together, interrelated and
interdependent. And quite clearly the lesson they intend for us
to learn is don't defend yourselves. Don't stand up for what is
right. Don't think for yourselves. Don't choose to be who you
are. Don't remember your ancestors. Don't live in defense of the
Earth. Don't you do it! Don't even think about it. If you do,
this government--this mindset of control--will unleash an attack
so vast it will even seek to destroy our genetic memories. So don't
forget. Not ever.
In days past, some among our people were induced to become
"scouts". For whatever reasons, these individuals made possible
the treacherous campaigns that resulted in the deaths of countless
innocent people. These days--sadly--there are still these types
amongst us. The government preys on the weaknesses of these people,
inducing them to turn against the rest of us. The government
uses this treachery to cover up state sanctioned murder and
terrorism. They do this and then tell us that what we remember
didn't really happen at all, as though memory or truth is something
to be shaped and molded to fit a preconceived outcome. So don't
forget. Not ever.
We gather today after decades and generations of blood and trauma. We
gather in defiance.
And we remember.
We remember not just one day or one event, because remembering what
occurred on June 25 or June 26--or any particular date--is important,
but not as important as an understanding of the ongoing campaign
of colonization. This is a continuing human drama of slaughter
and uncontrollable bloodlust and we're still here, engaged in
our running defense; praying for balance, peace and justice; and
trying to make some sense of it all. Perhaps, in the face of such
a menace, the most important thing we can do is remember. So teach
your children. Pass this knowledge. Don't forget. Not ever.
Remembering is resisting and, if we remember, then we'll be free
one day. Free of their mindset. Free of their theft. Free of their
guns and their bombs. Free of their cages. Free to be who we are.
And free of their fear. That's the truest freedom of all and true
freedom is what this is really all about, not the illusion of
freedom they offer us.
So don't forget. Not ever.
In the Spirit of Crazy Horse,
Leonard Peltier
"We demand amnesty..." If only we could have unity.,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tZsQzepS5MQ
Thanks for reminding lwb:
FREE PELTIER!
Canada put him there
Forwarded by the Leonard Peltier Defence Committee
"Send Birthday Greetings!
It's not too late. Send a birthday card to Leonard in recognition of his 66th birthday on 12 September:
Leonard Peltier
#89637-132
USP-Lewisburg
US Penitentiary
PO Box 1000
Lewisburg, PA 17837
What do you give a guy who has nothing?
Give him a helping hand. Send funds to Leonard's commissary account to help him with expenses (phone, toiletries, painting supplies). The deposit must be in the form of a money order made out to: Leonard Peltier #89637-132. The Bureau of Prisons will return funds that do not have valid inmate information (providing you have listed your return address). Personal checks and cash won't be accepted for deposit. Please, don't enclose anything with the money order.
Send those funds to the following address:
Federal Bureau of Prisons
Leonard Peltier
#89637-132
Post Office Box 474701
Des Moines, Iowa 50947-0001
Peltier Birthday Events
See http://www.whoisleonardpeltier.info/calendar.htm for an event near you."
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv...
Forwarded on behalf of the Leonard Peltier Defense Offense Committee
September 6, 2010
(Leonard Peltier's Birthday message)
Sisters, brothers, friends and supporters,
I wish I could sit across the table from each of you right now. We'd
share a meal and reflect on changes in this world over these 35 or
so years. Yes, I pay attention to things on the outside (as much as
possible). I know the world is in turmoil and I ache for the Native
people who languish in utter poverty on reservations and in inner
cities across America.
As a young man, all I wanted to do was make a positive difference
in the People's lives. I'll turn 66 years old next week and I
still want that. It's difficult to have an impact in my current
circumstances, though. That's a constant source of frustration for
me. On the outside, given the chance to roll up my sleeves once
again, I suspect I'd still be somewhat frustrated. All that must
be done is more than any one person can accomplish. I'd still like
the opportunity to do my part.
Thinking back to those days on Pine Ridge, what I remember is the
funerals. There were so many funerals... So many families lost
loved ones.
There was a powerful force at work on the reservation back then,
one with a single purpose-to stamp out the last resistance of the
Lakota people.
We (the Oglala traditionals and members of the American Indian
Movement) stood up because we were trying to defend our People. It
was the right thing to do. We had-have-the right to survive.
The land was being stolen, too... used for mining mostly. No thought
was given to the disposal of toxic waste. The rivers were full of
poisons. Not much has changed, I hear.
In those days, though, the reservation was torn apart by a
tribal dispute and the federal government armed one group against
another. The result was a long line of tragedies for the People
of Pine Ridge... and for the People who were there that day in
June 1975.
I honestly understand the pain and anguish suffered by all concerned
and I have been part of that suffering.
I have watched people lie on the witness stand countless times and
felt the doors closing on me.
I have heard judges admonish prosecutors for allowing false evidence
in and, in some cases, for participating in the falsification itself.
The government hid evidence, too.
Or manufactured it. Literally.
The courts say none of this is even in dispute anymore. So I wonder,
if the American standard of justice is still "beyond a reasonable
doubt," why am I still here?
Some people have had their convictions overturned because of one
constitutional violation. The number of constitutional violations
in my case is staggering. Yet, I continue to wait here for the same
justice to be applied for me.
I hope that someday someone can put it all on the table and show
the enormity of the railroading I have been victimized by.
Last year, as you know, my parole was denied. That was a
disappointment, but I am not defeated. My fight for freedom-for
my People and myself-is not over. I am a pipe carrier and
a Sundancer. Abandoning The Struggle is not-never will be-a
consideration.
I am an Indian man and proud of it. I love my People and culture
and spiritual beliefs. My enemies like to suggest otherwise and
seek to rob me of all dignity. They won't succeed.
When I look back over all the years, I remember all the good people
who have stood up for me, for a day or a decade. Of course, many
have stayed with me all along the way. I think of the hundreds of
thousands of people around the world who have signed petitions for
me, too... people on the poorest of reservations to the highest of
political offices.
As we have learned over these many years, my freedom won't come
quickly or easily. To succeed, the coming battle will have to be
hard fought. Please continue to help my Committee and legal team
as you have always done. Your support is more important now than
ever before. When freedom comes, it will be due in no small part
to the actions you take on my behalf.
Again, thank you for remembering me. You can't know the comfort you
bring to an innocent man locked away from the world for so very long.
Doksha,
Leonard Peltier
#89637-132
USP-Lewisburg
US Penitentiary
RT: Leonard Peltier Political Prisoner (and vid)
http://rt.com/Top_News/2010-09-14/leonard-peltier-political-prisoner.htm...
"It's a far cry from justice for Leonard Peltier, the 6 tme Nobel peace prize nominee spent his 66th birthday in prison, marking over 3 decades since he was convicted of a crime, many argue, he did not commit. 'They have no evidence that he killed anyone and that is in the court records,' said Betty Peltier Solano, the sister of Leonard Peltier.."
And it was BC, Canada and the RCMP that handed him over to them..