Peltier on - People who love freedom (Why hasn't Obama released him?)
July 16, 2009 - 10:03am
People Who Love Freedom - by Leonard Peltier
http://socialistworker.org/2009/06/30/people-who-love-freedom
"I don't want to spend the rest of my life in this prison. And I don't want you to spend the rest of your life in some prison of the mind, heart or attitude. I want you to enjoy your life..."
To be frank, Obama probably has never heard of Leonard Peltier and AIM. He would probably be uncaring even if he had heard the whole story. There is no popular movement to free Leonard Peltier among American people and this hurts his case tremendously. This case is similar to the Black Panther leaders that were murdered by state agents in the 60's and early 70's - there was no justice for them either. When you have the entire justice system, the FBI, and the office of the President against you then you are fighting against all the impossible odds.
Why hasn't Obama released him? Because it was Obama's brother who imprisoned him.
To be frank, Obama probably has never heard of Leonard Peltier and AIM. He would probably be uncaring even if he had heard the whole story. There is no popular movement to free Leonard Peltier among American people and this hurts his case tremendously. This case is similar to the Black Panther leaders that were murdered by state agents in the 60's and early 70's - there was no justice for them either. When you have the entire justice system, the FBI, and the office of the President against you then you are fighting against all the impossible odds.
I find it hard to believe Obama wouldn't have heard of Peltier but I don't find it hard to believe he would probably be uncaring. It was BC and Canada handed him over of course. Legally, Peltier was apprehended beyond the treaty frontier and under constitutional and international law beyond the jurisdictional reach of Canada to hand him over to the US in the first place.
Anyway he's done over 30 years in prison now and if you haven't already please learn more, sign the petition and pass it on. Maybe the NDP Convention can write a letter on his behalf and give it to "Obama's inner circle" to pass on to Barack?
http://www.freepeltiernow.org/welcome.htm
All I know is this, I have never heard in speech or read in print anything suggesting that Obama has any recollections or information about Peltier. This is my only evidence. Some people think that Obama is an amazing revolutionary leader but is that the truth? I do not see it.
Nor I. Very much the contrary I'm afraid..
Today, We All Stand Before Leonard Peltier's Parole Board
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2009/7/28/14717/4059
"Native American activist Leonard Peltier has been in prison for more than 12,226 days, more than 33 years, certainly of of the longest ordeals of any political prisoner in history.
Today, July 28, 2009, Peltier goes before his Federal Parole Board in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania..
It is in many ways one of the most important tests of the new Obama administration.."
The FBI War on Indian Radicals
http://socialistworker.org/2009/07/28/fbi-war-on-indian-radicals
From the Leonard Peltier Facebook group: the latest update.
On a personal note - he sounded good. His health continues to be an issue but nothing deeply pressing at the moment (ie we will be dealing with this later - parole first) - so your thoughts, prayers and sage have worked. Of course, he's wondering about the future and there was discussion around that. He expressed deep gratitude to everyone - certainly to the witnesses of the day - Peter, Thom and the Turtle Mtn representative. To the people who were at Lewisburg that day. Of course his family members who continue on this journey with him. To the many around this country and the world that held gatherings, vigils.And to you - all of the online supporters who have made, and continue to make such impact. He liked the idea of what we all did last week with The White House suggestion emails. Said to say thank you to all the supporters from the various foreign countries, such as this week's push from Canada.
Much of our conversation centered around the messages I needed to pass on from you and that he wanted to be clear with me you know how grateful he is to everyone. I told him that you feel the gratitude; hope that's all right.
So...we keep going. Keep the calls, messages etc up this week. His patience level is pretty good - so for me, I'm trying to follow his example.
Thank you - will let you know any news I hear this week.
Peace,
Billie
35 Years of Harassment: Why is Leonard Peltier in Solitary?
http://counterpunch.org/armstrong08052011.html
Because Canada handed him over to them...
https://wwws.whitehouse.gov/petitions/fb/petition/petition/grant-clemenc...
Only 18 days left to get over 5,000 signatures!!! "
Anyone who doesn't sign this better not be complaining about native rights later when they weren't willing to take 5 minutes of their life...
Peltier is in prison for the same reasons as every other political prisoner, they challenged authority in a meaningful way. That is NEVER excused by the powerful.