-Caveat Lector- Please do whatever you can to alert your interested contacts of this important activity coming up November in DC for the freedom of Leonard Peltier (#1 US political prisoner) This will be an excellent networking opportunity to "cross-pollinate" with many different issue group activists coming together in this cause. Leonard has a degenerating severe medical condition that requires special treatment refused by the Board of Prisons over the objections of his doctor and his life and safety are currently at risk. Case and other details at http://members.xoom.com/freepeltier/ Thanks, David Williams From: LPDC <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Details-November Leonard Peltier Freedom Month Date: Tuesday, August 03, 1999 9:39 AM Dear Leonard Peltier Supporters, Below is more detailed follow up on the November Leonard Peltier Freedom Month Campaign. Take a look and let us know what you can do, what you think, and any suggestions you may have. Those who would like to be in DC for part of the month but are not sure when will be the best date to come, you may want to be there at the opening. We are hoping the event will begin November 1, but we are waiting to hear from Archbishop Desmond Tutu who we have asked to open the event. We will keep you up to date on this. We especially need people from the East Coast to come during different parts of the month so that there will be an ongoing presence. Please collect names of people an organizations on the East Coast who can help who are not registered with us. Thank you for your support. (If you and/or your organization can contribute in any of the ways listed please get in contact with us asap.) In solidarity, The LPDC PS If you are in graphic design and/or printing and can help us to design a poster for this campaign please call us! NOVEMBER, 1999 LEONARD PELTIER FREEDOM MONTH It’s 1999, why is Leonard Peltier still in prison? 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 such as 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 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 SPECIFIC, IMMEDIATE NEEDS FINANCIAL SUPPORT We urgently need financial support to make this effort a success. Travel expenses, advertising, copying, etc. will be extremely costly. A fund drive is planned for Leonard’ birthday which is September 12. Make personal donations if possible, plan benefits, and collect funds for the LPDC. Also, suggestions for funding agencies are welcome. COMMITTEES Committees of people who can take responsibility for certain portions of this campaign are needed. Help is needed from all over, however, help is especially needed from the East Coast. 1. Regional Transportation Committees: Have a meeting to find out if there are people in your area who want to be in DC for part of Leonard Peltier Freedom Month. If groups of people can come for designated days to take part in the activities and especially the nightly vigils, volunteer to organize caravans, buses, logistical details, etc. and let the LPDC know as soon as possible approximately how many people can come and for what portion of the month. 2. Outreach and Publicity Committee – A committee to be responsible for outreach and publicity, especially in the DC area and the East Coast. People who can distribute and post flyers and posters, contact radio stations to announce events, and make sure scheduled events are covered in local publications are needed. 3. Art Committee – People who can help paint banners, build the memorial wall, etc. are needed. 4. Local Washington DC Organizing Committee – A group of people in DC who can help in general on all levels is needed. Help with logistics, scheduling, set up, etc—this group will be assisting Jennifer Harbury. We will also need help with lodging, food, airport pick ups, etc. CALENDAR If you belong to or know of a cultural group, an organization to bring a delegation, speakers, etc. who will want to participate please let us know immediately so that we can schedule it and fill in the November calendar. TEE PEES If you know of people who will lend out their tee pees for this event please put us in touch with them. If you know of anyone with a truck who can help us ship them to and from DC please let us know. (Borrowed tee pees will be insured.) EAST COAST CONTACTS If you know of groups and/or individuals who will help us organize this on the East Coast please let us know. Leonard Peltier Defense Committee PO Box 583 Lawrence, KS 66044 785-842-5774 To subscribe, send a blank message to < [EMAIL PROTECTED] > To unsubscribe, send a blank message to < [EMAIL PROTECTED] > To change your email address, send a message to < [EMAIL PROTECTED] > with your old address in the Subject line ------------------------------------------------------------------------- To subscribe, send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To unsubscribe, send a blank message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] To change your email address, send a message to [EMAIL PROTECTED] with your old address in the Subject: line DECLARATION & DISCLAIMER ========== CTRL is a discussion and informational exchange list. Proselyzting propagandic screeds are not allowed. Substance—not soapboxing! 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