September 6, 2010
sisters, brothers, friends, friends and any and all who support me,
wish I could sit at a table with each of you now. We could share a meal and reflect on the changes that have taken place in this world for the past 35 years or more. It is true, I look at things outside the walls (as much as possible.) I know that confusion reigns in the world and it pains me to think about native people in total poverty persists in reserves and urban neighborhoods all over America.
When I was young, I wanted to do was to make a difference in people's lives. The next week, I meet 66 years and still want to do this. But in my circumstances is difficult to have an impact. I suspect that even if I could get into the fight again, I still feel frustrated. All that remains is more than one person can accomplish. Still, I would like the opportunity to do my part.
When thinking about those days on the Pine Ridge reservation, which I remember the funeral. There were so many funerals ... So many families lost their loved ones.
There was a powerful force in operation at that time, with a single purpose: to eradicate all the Lakota people's resistance. We
(Traditional Oglala people and members of the American Indian Movement) did against the threat because we were trying to defend our people. We were right. We - and we - the right to survive.
were plundering our land, too ... in most cases for mining. Had not considered what to do with toxic waste. The rivers were filled with poison. What I say, there has been much change in that.
At that time, the reservation was torn by tribal conflict, and the federal government put together a group against another. The result was a long series of tragedies for the people of Pine Ridge ... and for the people who were present that day in June 1975.
take it from me sincerity that I understand the anguish and pain suffered by all, and I've lived through that suffering.
Countless times I have seen people lying on the witness stand and felt the door close.
I heard the judges admonish prosecutors to accept false evidence and in some cases, participation in the forgery.
In my case, the government withheld evidence, too. Or factories. Literally.
The courts now say these things not even questioned. So, I wonder: If the standard of American justice remains "beyond reasonable doubt" Why stay here?
The convictions of several people have been revoked due to a single violation of the Constitution. The number of constitutional violations in my case is amazing. However, I'm here, waiting for me to apply the same standard of justice.
I hope one day someone managed to put everything on the table to show the extent of the criminality of which I am a victim.
As you know, my parole was rejected last year. It is disappointing but I am not defeated. I am the bearer of the sacred pipe and dancing to the Sun Leave the struggle is not, and never will be - conceivably for me.
Indian man and I'm proud of it. I love my people and my culture and my spirituality. My enemies and seek to suggest otherwise steal my dignity. In that, they will not succeed.
look back at the years that have passed, I remember all the good people that I have defended it for one day or a decade. Of course, there are many people who have always supported me. I think of the hundreds of thousands of people around the world who have signed petitions to me - from people in the poorest reservations to senior political officials.
As we have learned over the years, my freedom will not come quickly or easily. We will have to fight hard to achieve. I ask you to continue helping my Committee and my legal team as they have always done. Now his support is more important than ever. The win my freedom will be the result largely of the actions you take for me.
Again, thank you for remembering me. You can not imagine the comfort that you have brought an innocent man locked out of the world for so long.
Doksha,
Leonard Peltier # 89637-132
USP-Lewisburg U.S. Penitentiary PO Box 1000
Lewisburg, PA 17837 USA
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