------------------------- Via Workers World News Service Reprinted from the Dec. 12, 2002 issue of Workers World newspaper -------------------------
STATEMENT FROM BEHIND THE PRISON WALLS: PELTIER'S STRONG VOICE HEARD AT DAY OF MOURNING [The following statement was sent by political prisoner Leonard Peltier to the 2002 National Day of Mourning.] Greetings Brothers and Sisters: The first thing I want to do is to say "thank you" to the organizers of this important and historical national event. I know of the struggles and sacrifices you have had to make to keep this event alive. Your sacrifice and persistence makes the world a little more aware of us, and our struggles, which continue to this day. I also want to thank those who traveled here to stand alongside us in solidarity. And lastly I want to "thank you" ALL for being the kind of human beings that care enough to take action and who are willing to make a sacrifice to ensure that justice applies to all people. It is a great honor for me to once again be a part of a gathering such as yours. As an Indigenous person I know first hand what it means to be unwelcome on my own soil. I know first hand of the oppressors' mighty vengeance against those who would take a stand and question their laws. I fought for and protected my people from a government that wanted us dead or assimilated. My only crime is that I did dare to take a stand against what was and still is unjust. So as you gather here today, I remind you once again to encourage each other in this continuing struggle for justice as you encourage me with your letters and your love. For without your encouragement I would not be able to go on. Your love and encouragement has kept me going through the times when I didn't want to care. Now it's my turn to encourage you to stay strong when you feel that there is no hope or that you're too tired to continue. You must always remember those who came before us and how they struggled. Remember the teachings handed down to us from generation to generation. Remember all those who are imprisoned because they dared to stand up and challenge oppressive government policies and the continuing injustices we see today. Despite the distance between us I am here with you today as I have been in the past. And I once again thank you for allowing me to participate in this important and historic event. In the Spirit of Crazy Horse, Leonard Peltier "Gwarth-ee-las" - END - (Copyright Workers World Service: Everyone is permitted to copy and distribute verbatim copies of this document, but changing it is not allowed. For more information contact Workers World, 55 W. 17 St., NY, NY 10011; via e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe wwnews- [EMAIL PROTECTED] Unsubscribe [EMAIL PROTECTED] Support the voice of resistance http://www.workers.org/orders/donate.php) ------------------ This message is sent to you by Workers World News Service. To subscribe, E-mail to: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To unsubscribe, E-mail to: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To switch to the DIGEST mode, E-mail to <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Send administrative queries to <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
