And now:LISN <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> writes:
September-November: Focus on Leonard Peltier
================================================================
(1) September 12: Leonard Peltier's Birthday
(2) November: Leonard Peltier Freedom Month
(a) Letter from Leonard Peltier about November Plans
(b) Leonard Peltier Freedom Month Proposal
(c) It's 1999, why is Leonard Peltier still in prison? More
Specifically
(d) How you can help
(e) Ask for your Native Nation's Involvement
(3) Leonard Peltier Book Update: My Life is a Sundance
(4) Commission on Human Rights - Leonard Peltier
================================================================
(1)
From: International Office of the Leonard Peltier Defense Committee
(LPDC)
LEONARD PELTIER'S BIRTHDAY
http://members.xoom.com/freepeltier/peltierbday.html
September 12, is Leonard Peltier's 55 birthday. The LPDC is proposing
that
we focus this day on public outreach and fundraising for this November's
campaign. Emphasize to people that Leonard has spent almost half his
life
in prison for a crime he did not commit. His health is deteriorating and
his grandchildren are now in their teens and growing up fast. It is
important that people understand how urgent his situation is. Organize
video showings, lectures, book readings, benefit concerts with speakers,
distribute flyers and set up information tables in busy areas. Encourage
your local radio stations and cable access stations to focus the day on
Peltier. The next day, try to do outreach in high schools, campuses,
etc.,
in order to spread the information on the Peltier's case and to gather
support from the students. Please let us know if you will be organizing
something as soon as you know so that we can help support your efforts.
Please pass out the November proposal, the endorsement sheet, and the
sign
up to help sheet during your events. Contact us to find out how you can
receive videos and other materials.
================================================================
(2)
NOVEMBER: LEONARD PELTIER FREEDOM MONTH
http://members.xoom.com/freepeltier/lpfreedommonth.html
(2)(a)
Letter from Leonard Peltier about November Plans
http://members.xoom.com/freepeltier/lpfreedommonth.html
My Brothers and Sisters,
It is hard for me to believe that the year 2000 is so quickly
approaching
us. As I sit in this cell and think about my grandchildren who are
growing
up so fast, my friends who have passed on, and the many years of my life
that have been stolen from me, I remind myself of the attention my own
suffering has brought to the realities of Indigenous Peoples everywhere.
I
know that my own persecution has become a symbol of the persecution all
of
our people face everyday.
But, I have not given up hope for freedom. Today I am asking you to
stand
up and represent me and everything I am so proud of, the dignity,
spirituality, and pride of the First Nations Peoples of the world.
My dream is to continue what the Trail of Broken Treaties started; an
event
that will have a historical and lasting effect in the minds and
consciousness of the public. We are hoping to carry out such an event
this
November in Washington DC. November will be a critical time for my
freedom
campaign.
This December will be Clinton's last likely chance to grant me Executive
Clemency. My defense team will have been steadily lobbying Congress to
support clemency for two months prior to the event. Therefore, November
will be an important time for a strong show of public support. The irony
is
that at the same time, "Native American Heritage Month" and the
Thanksgiving
holiday will be occurring and will be bringing additional attention of
Native Americans into the public, making November an important month to
bring real issues of Indigenous Peoples of the U.S. into the limelight
of
the media.
I believe that we can accomplish a successful campaign to do this if we
all
pull our resources together. I can visualize all the colors of our
Native
Nations' flags flying high around a culturally brilliant and attention
attracting event in front of the White House this Fall. The thought of
different Indigenous Nations coming together in unity to support
sovereignty, human rights, dignity, cultural preservation, and my
freedom,
warms my heart. Please read the proposal attached to find out more about
our plans and how you can help. Thank you.
In the Spirit of Crazy Horse,
Leonard Peltier
================================================================
(2)(b)
LEONARD PELTIER FREEDOM MONTH PROPOSAL
http://members.xoom.com/freepeltier/lpfreedommonth.html
November 1999 Washington D.C.
We, the members of the Leonard Peltier Defense Committee, are writing to
ask
for your support, endorsement and collaboration regarding our plans for
a
November 1999 - Leonard Peltier Freedom Month in Washington D.C. As you
know, Mr. Peltier is a Native American leader who has been unjustly
incarcerated for 23 years in the United States. FBI documents released
years
after his trial, together with other sources, have proved that critical
ballistic evidence establishing his innocence was withheld from the
defense,
and that witnesses were terrorized into giving false testimonies against
him. Though long overdue for parole, and in deteriorating health, Mr.
Peltier remains in prison. Amnesty International and numerous other
human
rights organizations have recognized him as a political prisoner and
demanded his immediate and unconditional release. In 1991, over 300
representatives of First Nations, Black and Popular Movements from
Alaska to
the Tierra del Fuego, gathered in Xelaju (Guatemala) for the 500 Year
Continental campaign. They recognized Leonard Peltier as the symbol of
Indigenous Resistance and his call for freedom is supported by numerous
Indigenous organizations worldwide and has repeatedly been a major
concern
in the frame work of the United Nations - International Decade for the
Rights of Indigenous Peoples. At the historical National Congress of
American Indians/Assembly of First Nations joint meeting in Vancouver
which
occurred April 21 through 23, both organizations passed unanimous
resolutions in support of Mr. Peltier's freedom.
It is clear that the judicial system in the United States has utterly
failed
Mr. Peltier, and thus, indirectly, all of the American people. We
recognize
that we must now demand justice from the other two branches of our
government, specifically, the executive and legislative branches.
President
Clinton has the power to grant clemency to Leonard Peltier at any time,
and
the United States Congress is charged with overseeing the correct
conduct of
affairs by such agencies as the United States Parole Board, and the FBI.
Even misconduct by the courts is subject to comment and review by the
Congressional judiciary committee.
In order to obtain action and justice from these offices, all sectors of
society, both domestic and international, must make themselves heard,
all
with the same message, and all at the same time. This will require an
enormous amount of public education as well as coordination. For this
reason, we are seeking your assistance for our November 1999 - Leonard
Peltier Freedom Month in Washington D.C..
As we all know, November is the month of Thanksgiving in the United
States.
According to historical legend, the first Thanksgiving was held by the
pilgrims to give thanks to God for their very survival in North America.
They had been saved from starvation by kindly Native Americans who
taught
them about local crops and wildlife. The pilgrims, in turn, thanked the
Lord
and exterminated the tribes. Leonard Peltier is but one more of the most
recent victims. As people this year sit down to their feasts, surrounded
by
friends and family, we plan for them to think carefully about the
treatment
of all Native Americans, and in particular about Leonard Peltier, alone
in
his prison cell.
November has also been declared Native American Heritage month by
President
Clinton, and we plan to hold him to his word. Traditionally, Clemency
Petitions are granted by the President at the end of each year. November
will thus be a critical month. Moreover, the Parole Board could
reconsider
Leonard's parole situation in the early spring, making a November action
extremely timely.
Our actions on behalf of Leonard Peltier will be very strong, but
non-violent in all ways, as requested by Mr. Peltier himself. We will
ask
all sectors of society to join us in Washington D.C. for as long as they
are
able to arrange. The event will begin on November 1, 1999, with Native
American ceremonial runners at the historical Liberty Bell in
Philadelphia.
After a speech and prayer session there, they will run all the way to
the
White House in Washington D.C., where they will be met by all local
supporters, and a religious leaders of high standing, such as Archbishop
Desmond Tutu, together with a Native American religious leader of equal
standing. Together they will welcome the runners, and officially open
Leonard Peltier Freedom Month. We plan to erect ceremonial teepees
behind
the White House for the month, and conduct a Native American ceremony in
front of the White House each and every morning, inviting public
attendance.
Meanwhile, ten young Native Americans will carry out a Freedom Fast for
Peltier in front of the White House from November 1 through Thanksgiving
day
itself, underscoring the urgent need to grant him justice at last.
Additionally we are asking for cultural activities including dancing,
drumming, and singing from different Indigenous nations to represent the
pride for Native tradition and culture that Mr. Peltier has always
advocated. We will also invite all peoples of all races to carry out
support
activities, both in Washington and at home. Such activities could
include
such educational efforts as a reenactment of the massacre of Wounded
Knee in
key public parks and other symbolic places.
Throughout the month, Mr. Peltier's family and friends will work
carefully
with Congressional offices, and there will also be carefully coordinated
with the domestic press corps. For those who cannot travel to Washington
D.C., a coordinated and massive telephone campaign to the White House
will
be organized.
Our goals are both educational and political. The true facts of the
Leonard
Peltier case are well known and notorious abroad, but have been heavily
censored within the United States. We must teach the American people
what
had truly taken place, and urge them to speak out. Most importantly we
must
bring these facts to members of the United States Congress. They alone
can
bring the appropriate and effective pressure to bear, both upon
President
Clinton as well as the Board of Parole and the FBI itself.
Please give us your full support. Leonard Peltier is a gifted native
American leader who still has much to give his people. 23 years of his
life
have been taken away and his health is beginning to fail. Please help
him to
obtain justice and freedom for him so that he can continue to give his
gifts
to us all.
Leonard Peltier Defense Committee
================================================================
(2)(c)
NOVEMBER, 1999 LEONARD PELTIER FREEDOM MONTH
It's 1999, why is Leonard Peltier still in prison?
http://members.xoom.com/freepeltier/lpfreedommonth.html
MORE SPECIFICALLY
We realize that what we are proposing will be difficult to organize and
implement, especially with the very short amount of time we have to
organize
it. However, it is crucial and extremely urgent that we put all of our
efforts together and make a strong attempt to do this now, before
Leonard's
health further deteriorates, before the current momentum is lost, before
Clinton leaves office, and before another year of Leonard's life is
stolen
away from him, his people and his family. Please make a serious
commitment
in whatever way you are able to help free Leonard Peltier before the
year
2000.
DESIRED EFFECT
The desired effect of the November Freedom Campaign is to:
1. Draw enough positive attention to Leonard's case to bring about
serious
concern in both the White House and Congress.
2. One of the most serious concerns of politicians is popular public
opinion
which is largely impacted by the media. We must get enough media
attention
to bring about such concern.
3. To have a unique and visual theme that will attract the necessary
media
attention.
4. To further educate the public and the government about the Peltier
case.
5. To build up enough pressure from Congress and the public to get
Clinton
to grant Executive Clemency to Peltier.
6. If Clinton does not grant clemency, to build enough pressure in
Congress
and the public so that he will be granted parole this Spring.
CHARACTER AND IMAGE OF THE EVENT
This event should be representative of all that Leonard Peltier stands
for
and symbolizes. Therefore the event should be strong, largely spiritual,
cultural, traditional, and respectful. The event should culminate all of
the reasons why he should be freed. Leonard Peltier is a symbol of
injustice and persecution of Indigenous Peoples and therefore we urge
all
who resist such injustice and persecution to come and represent Leonard
at
this time.
IN WHAT WAY WILL WE PORTRAY THESE ASPECTS?
SPIRITUAL ASPECTS:
1. Run For Freedom -The event will begin with a traditional, spiritual
Run
For Freedom
which will start at the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia and finish in
Washington DC.
2. Opening prayer Each morning will begin with a prayer and ceremony
that
are appropriate to be held in public. Traditional Spiritual leaders and
elders such as Billy Tayac, David Chief and Arvol Looking Horse will
conduct
these and others such as Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa are
being
invited as well. (Care will be taken so that ceremonies are not filmed
or
photographed when inappropriate).
3. Freedom Fasters There will be a presence of at least ten people
fasting
in front of the White House for designated amounts of time during the
entire
month. This will be a spiritual fast; those fasting will prepare
themselves
with the guidance of spiritual advisors.
4. Vigils Each night a candlelight vigil will be held in front of the
White House. All are welcome to take part. At this time people in
attendance can make offerings or say a few words about why they are
there.
CULTURAL ASPECTS:
1. Traditional Daily cultural activities will be scheduled in front of
the
White House during November. Traditional Native music, story telling,
etc.
should be present. The participation of several Native American drum
groups
and dancers are needed. Additionally, people from Indigenous Nations
outside of the US are encouraged to come and represent their people and
culture as well.
2. Contemporary Contemporary Native musicians, rappers, poets, and
actors
will be invited to perform in front of the White House too. A few
examples
are Ulali, Litefoot, Rage Against the Machine, Black Fire, Jimmy Baca,
Rodney Grant, and Buffy St. Marie.
ASPECTS OF INDIGENOUS RESISTANCE
1. Speakers from representatives of different land struggles (Big
Mountain,
Western Shoshone, Mississippi River Lakota Treaty Land Transfer ,Mt.
Graham,
etc.), struggles for self determination, movements against racism,
struggles
for freedom of religion, etc. are invited to come and speak to show
their
solidarity.
VISUAL ASPECTS
1. Teepees will be put up in areas permitted in close proximity to the
White
House to bring visual attention to the ongoing activities. Teepees to
borrow and trucks to ship them in are needed.
2. Flags from several Native Nations will be displayed in front of the
White
House. Flags to borrow are needed as well.
3. A wall modeled after the veteran's memorial will be constructed with
the
names of Native people who lost their lives fighting for their people on
it.
Crazy Horse, Sitting Bull, Anna Mae Aquash, Joe Stuntz, and all of those
killed during the reign of terror are some examples. Others can add
names
as part of the activities.
4. Several large banners and signs are needed for display.
5. A possible dignified reenactment of the Wounded Knee I Massacre will
be
planned.
MEANWHILE, INSIDE THE WHITE HOUSE AND CONGRESS
DELEGATIONS
Delegations of Leonard's family, Oglala survivors, Indigenous
Organizations,
Human Rights Organizations, Tribal Governments, Foreign Dignitaries,
etc.
are invited to meet with the Clinton Administration and Congress during
November. Rigoberta Menchu has already committed to bring a delegation
of
Nobel Laureates. Scheduling meetings during November will be tricky
because
of elections and the holiday so it is important that all who can bring
delegations contact us as soon as possible. Delegations who cannot come
during November can be scheduled during January and February as well.
This
will help to keep the momentum going.
PHONE TREES
Those who cannot come to Washington DC in November will be coordinating
phone trees to bring additional and focused attention to the Congress
and
White House during November.
STATEMENTS, LETTERS, AND RESOLUTIONS OF SUPPORT
Those organizations who cannot physically come to show support during
the
November activities in DC are encouraged to send messages of support
which
can be read and delivered during this time
================================================================
(2)(d)
How you can help
http://members.xoom.com/freepeltier/lpfreedommonth.html
DEAR FRIENDS,
There are many ways that you can support and contribute to the
November 1999 Freedom Month for Mr. Leonard Peltier. The following is a
list
of some of the forms of assistance we most urgently need. Please check
the
boxes for the activities you would like to be involved in, and return
this
note to us in the enclosed self addressed envelope. Your response will
greatly help us through the initial organizing phase for this event.
THANK
YOU!
? We wish to formally endorse the November 1999 Freedom Month for Mr.
Leonard Peltier. Please add our name to the enclosed letter of
endorsement.
___________________________________________________________________
Name of person or organization
___________________________________________________________________
Address
___________________________________________________________________
Telephone number , fax number and e-mail address
? We wish to financially contribute to costs of the November 1999
Freedom
Month for Mr.Leonard Peltier. Enclosed is a check to the Leonard Peltier
Defense Committee for this purpose.
? We wish to support this event by organizing or participating in the
regional telephone banks for the November 1999 national call in campaign
to
the White House. Please send us information.
? We live in the Washington D.C. area and would like to help by offering
our homes to participants in the prayer ceremonies, and/or by providing
transportation to and from the local airports.
? We would like to help by organizing a cultural or religious ceremony
for
Lafayette Park during the month of November. Please contact us for
details.
? We would like to organize fundraising activities or otherwise help to
raise funds to help cover the cost of the November 1999 Freedom Event.
Please contact us about this.
? We wish to travel to Washington D.C. participate in this event and
show
our solidarity.
? We would like to help organize a busload of people to come to
Washington
D.C. in November to participate and show our solidarity.
? We have a vehicle and would be willing to carpool with other
participants
in travelling to Washington D.C.
? We would like to help with artwork for the November 1999 event.
? We cannot travel to Washington D.C. but would like to help organize
teams
to address our Congresspeople in their local district offices.
? We would be interested in training to participate in the dignified
re-enactment of the massacre at Wounded Knee.
? We would be willing to participate in the dignified re-enactment of
the
massacre of Wounded Knee , even if it involved civil disobedience.
? Other : (Please specify)
================================================================
(2)(e)
Ask for your Native Nation's Involvement
Would members of your nation or Native Organization be willing to
contribute
in any of the following areas listed? Ask elders, tribal council
members,
and/or Native Organizations if they would like to participate in
November
Leonard Peltier Freedom Month.
We endorse the November 1999 - Leonard Peltier Freedom Month and we
insist
that
Leonard Peltier be immediately and unconditionally released.
Name of Organization or Nation__________________________________
Contact person_______________________________________________
Address______________________________________________________
Phone______________________
Fax________________________email_____________
We would like to participate in the
November 1999 Activities in Washington DC, U.S.A. by:
? Sending a delegation to meet with U.S. officials
? Conducting a ceremony for Leonard Peltier in front of the White House
? Sending representatives to carry out cultural activities (singers,
dancers, drummers) in front of the White House in honor of Leonard
Peltier
and all Indigenous Peoples
? Sending a resolution/letter in support of freedom for Peltier to be
presented to government officials during November
? We would like to send a delegate to participate in the Run For Freedom
(Philadelphia to Washington DC)
? We would like to make a financial contribution to the LPDC for the
November 1999 event.
? We can bring tee pees and flags to the White House Ellipse for a
cultural
display.
? Other
Please return this check list and any financial contributions to the
below
addess. Thank you.
LPDC, PO Box 583 Lawrence, KS 66044 USA
Fax (785) 842-5796, Phone (785) 842-5774
================================================================
Leonard Peltier Book Update: My Life is a Sundance
Hey all--
You ask about newspaper coverage of Leonard's book. I know of only 3
dailies
in the country that have reviewed it in its first two months--one in
Raleigh,
NC, one in St. Petersburg, Fla. and one in New Jersey. All glowing
reviews.
The other thousand or so dailies seem to have somehow "overlooked" the
book.
Hopefully, more reviews will come. But news of this book is spreading
and
will continue to spread, if not on TV or in the newspapers, then from
mouth
to mouth--a form of communication the PRESIDING MINORITY has not yet
managed
to buy up. I hope everyone who knows of this book will tell EVERYONE
else
they know to buy it*, order it, firmly request bookstores carry and
feature
it, write reviews yourself for newspapers and mags and online sites like
Amazon. com and barnesandnoble.com. Let them know we will NOT STAND
for
having this book hidden under a bushel!
Also--VERY IMPORTANT... PLEASE take a minute on Leonard's behalf and
send an
email of commendation to St. Martin's Press for having courageously
published
PRISON WRITINGS: MY LIFE IS MY SUN DANCE. Send emails to
[EMAIL PROTECTED] and [EMAIL PROTECTED]
*If you can, order directly from the LEONARD PELTIER DEFENSE COMMITTEE,
that
way all profits go directly to winning Leonard's freedom. Also order a
$15
subscription to their terriifc bimonthly journal SPIRIT OF CRAZY
HORSE--which
will tell you a lot more about the real world than the Washington POST.
Leonard has a new statement in every issue, along with pieces by Mumia
and
others battling for their own --and all of our--freedom from the ongoing
predations of the PRESIDING MINORITY. Become, each of you, as Leonard
calls
it, an "Army of One." Contact the LPDC at [EMAIL PROTECTED] or 785-842-5774
In the spirit of Leonard Peltier,
/Harvey Arden
================================================================
Subject: Commission on Human Rights - Leonard Peltier
Date: Thu, 26 Aug 1999 08:11:42 EDT
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
To: <<clipped>>
Commission on Human Rights
Sub-commission on Prevention of Discriminations and Protection of
Minorities
51st session
Agenda item 9
The Administration of Justice and Human Rights
Native American Political Prisoner/Indigenous Human Rights Defender,
Leonard Peltier
Mr. Chairperson,
My name is Anne-Francoise Meckenstock speaking for Bobby Castillo the
international spokesperson for Leonard Peltier Defense Committee,
speaking under the human rights NGO, Consejo Indio de Sud America(CISA).
We want to, once again, address the United Nations about the case of
world recognized human rights defender and Native American political
prisoner, Leonard Peltier.
Mr. Peltier has now been in prison in the United States for
twenty-three
years for a crime he did not commit. He has become a notorious symbol of
injustice toward Indigenous Peoples During the official celebration of
the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in
Paris last December, Leonard Peltier was recognized by the world
community as a human rights defender. At this occasion several Nobel
Prize Laureates and human rights NGOs including Amnesty International,
France Liberties, and the International Federation of Human Rights
called for the immediate release of Mr. Peltier.
In November of 1993 former US attorney general, Ramsey Clark, filed a
petition for Executive Clemency at the White House on behalf of Mr.
Peltier. On average a review of such a petition is completed in six to
nine month and rarely does it take longer than two years for one to
receive a response. However it has been over six years since Mr.
Peltier's petition was filed and the President has not yet responded.
Additionally, Mr. Peltier has been held eight years in excess of the
Parole Commission's own guidelines for release. The Commission set his
next parole hearing for the year 2008, 17 years in excess of the
Commission's release guidelines and six years after the date set by
Congress for the total abolition of the Parole Commission itself. The
reasons the Parole Commission have given for denying him parole have
been arbitrary, capricious, discriminatory, and in violation of his
civil and human rights. Such practice can be considered a clear form of
arbitrary detention in violation of International Law standards.
Furthermore, Mr. Peltier's health continues to deteriorate as a result
of the prison authorities' denial of proper medical treatment. If Mr.
Peltier does not receive immediate medical treatment, his health
condition will further deteriorate into a life-threatening situation.
One can easily interpret the terrible health condition that Mr. Peltier
has been forced to endure for many years as cruel and unusual punishment
for a crime he did not commit. To allow him to remain in excruciating
pain for the last three years can also be considered a form of torture.
Additionally, the Federal Bureau of Prisons recently stated that Mr.
Peltier is suffering from "diabetes, a cardiac condition, and
hyperlipedemia". He has had a stroke before and the above are making his
situation even more urgent. Leonard Peltier has also lost 80% of the
vision in his left eye.
By denying Mr. Peltier appropriate medical treatment, the US prison
authorities are violating the Universal Declaration on Human Rights
(article 5), the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and
Political Rights (article 7), the United Nations Standard Minimum Rules
for the Treatment of Prisoners (part 1, article 22 (2)) and the
Universal Declaration on the Protection of all Persons from being
Subjected to Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or
Punishment (article 1).
Last February 11th the European Parliament adopted a new resolution on
this case insisting that he be granted presidential executive clemency,
that he be transferred to a hospital where he may receive appropriate
medical treatment, and reiterated their call for an investigation into
the judicial improprieties involved in his conviction.
On December 10th, 1998, President Clinton signed a executive order for
the implementation of International human Rights treaties signed by the
United States and about their obligations pursuant to the International
Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Convention against Torture
and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment and the
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.
In light of this executive order and considering the situation of Mr.
Peltier, we request that the Sub-commission on Prevention of
Discrimination and Protection of Minorities adopt a resolution on the
case of Mr. Peltier and support the appointment of a Special Rapporteur
to carry out a visit to the United States to study the US administration
of justice based on racial discriminations and to investigate the case
of Leonard Peltier, a recognized Indigenous Human Rights Defender, as
well as the cases of other political prisoners like Ramsey Muniz and
other Xicano movement prisoners, Oscar Lopez Rivera and the Puerto
Ricans Independence prisoners, Mumia Abu Jamal and the Black Liberation
prisoners and the condition of detention of the 1,8 million prisoners in
the United States, specially at the Marion Control Unit, Leavenworth
federal penitentiary, Pelican Bay State Prison, Florence Institution,
among others and to make a report to the Human Rights Commission in the
spring 2000.
Mr. chairperson, I thank you for your attention.
Anne-Francoise Meckenstock for Bobby Castillo
Leonard Peltier Defense Committe/International Spokesperson
