Parole Update

Leonard Peltier's parole hearing has been changed to July 28.

To be considered by the commissioners, your letters of support must arrive at the U.S. Parole Commission no later than July 1.

Not a lot of time left. Folks, get out there on the streets and get folks to sign as many letters as possible. (Sample letter posted on this blog.)

Have you signed the parole petition on Mr. Peltier's behalf? If not, do it today.

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/parole2008/

We'll be closing down the petition on or around June 26.

Join other Peltier supporters at the entrance of USP-Lewisburg on July 28 between 7:00 and 7:30 a.m. for a peaceful protest and vigil. Meet at the corner of Route 15 and William Penn Road. USP-Lewisburg is located in central Pennsylvania, 200 miles north of Washington, DC, and 170 miles west of Philadelphia. For lodgings and camping info, click here.

You perhaps can't make the trip to Lewisburg. What to do?

First, write that letter in support of parole. It's EXTREMELY important that everyone write a letter.

Also call the White House to express your support for Leonard's freedom: 202-456-1111 or -1112. Do this often.

In solidarity with the protesters in Lewisburg, mount your own peaceful protest and/or vigil at a local federal courthouse.

Our brothers and sisters across the world also can participate. On July 28, gather outside the closest U.S. embassy.

Now is the time. Do something! Make your voices heard.

Pete Seeger Writes Parole Commission in Support of Leonard Peltier

Write a letter too. See http://www.FreePeltierNow.org/java/parole.htm. To be considered by the parole commissioners, your correspondence must be received by the U.S. Parole Commission no later than July 1.

For the Sake of Freedom, No Amount Is Too Small

10 June 2009

Dear Friends,

Often I am asked the simple question – ‘how’s Leonard?’

On any given day the answer can be much the same – he’s in good spirits, thankful for the many brothers and sisters of all nations who care about him. He shares with us about his latest painting, or the latest letter he has received that so often gives his heart joy.

But then, there is the answer between the lines. He rarely talks about it, but we only have to explore beneath his courageous exterior to know his heart – a heart that longs for freedom. A heart that longs to feel the sunlight on his skin, the wind against his back. To hear a bird sing or walk along the plains. To be home…

We are in a time that is unparalleled for his case. We have a new president who has studied Leonard’s case in law school; a president who has already exhibited that he is not afraid to make decisions which some might deem politically risky. And we now have the date set for the parole hearing. Perhaps this really is a season of change.

The work of the Leonard Peltier Defense Offense Committee is vast. Our staff and board work closely with the legal team. We are committed to raising awareness about Leonard’s case and the true facts. The LP-DOC wishes to share the beautiful message of Leonard’s art work, which stands as a testimony to what one can do under the most adverse of circumstances. Most of all, we do all we can at the many advocacy levels to support our brother, our friend and bring him home.

Today’s economic reality has also had an impact on our work. We are watching all expenditures, cutting travel and even some support to staff. As we live into these difficult times, we are determined to rise to a new level of efficient, proactive advocacy to secure freedom for Leonard Peltier. We can only accomplish our many goals with you as a partner, walking this journey with us.

Please, if you are able, sit down and write out a check to the Leonard Peltier Defense Offense Committee today, or establish a monthly automatic withdrawl from your bank account to the Leonard Peltier Defense Offense Committee. Help us to affect profound and lasting change – freedom! Thank you. Please help in any way you can.

In the Spirit of Crazy Horse,


Billie K. Fidlin, Chair
Leonard Peltier Defense Offense Committee

Mail donations to:


LP-DOC
PO Box 7488, Fargo, ND 58106

Donate by Credit Card: http://www.whoisleonardpeltier.info/donate.htm

Write Letters in Support of Parole

Leonard Peltier's first full parole hearing was held in 1993, at which time his case was continued for a 15-year reconsideration. On Wednesday, it was announced (in Portland, OR) that Mr. Peltier has recently applied for and been granted a parole hearing. The hearing is scheduled for July 27, 2009. All supporters are encouraged to step up their efforts in support of parole for Leonard Peltier.

Letters in Support of Parole

It is really important that everyone write letters in support of Leonard's petition for parole. These letters can be quite simple and should cover the basic points important for parole decisions. A sample letter follows. Feel free to use it, but know that it's even better if you write one in your own words. Be courteous and concise.

Get as many people to sign similar letters, as well. Carry a sheaf of spare letters with you. Get one signature per letter, that is, rather than using a petition format. Mail them to the Parole Commission, but also send copies to the Leonard Peltier Defense Offense Committee (contact information below).

Guidelines for General Supporters

First, we ask that you sign the online at http://www.msplinks.com/http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/parole2008/.

Next, draft correspondence to the U.S. Parole Commission. A sample letter follows.

Sample Letter

United States Parole Commission
5550 Friendship Boulevard
Suite 420
Chevy Chase, MD 20815-7286

(Insert Date)



Re: LEONARD PELTIER #89637-132

Dear Commissioners,

Convicted in connection with the deaths on June 26, 1975, of Ronald Williams and Jack Coler, agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Mr. Leonard Peltier remains imprisoned at the United States Penitentiary in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania.

The court record in this case clearly shows that government prosecutors have long held that they do not know who killed Mr. Coler and Mr. Williams nor what role Leonard Peltier "may have" played in the tragic shoot-out.

Further, in a decision filed by the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals on December 18, 2002, Mr. Peltier’s sentences "were imposed in violation of [Peltier's] due process rights because they were based on information that was false due to government misconduct,” and, according to the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, in 2003: "…Much of the government’s behavior at the Pine Ridge Reservation and its prosecution of Leonard Peltier is to be condemned. The government withheld evidence. It intimidated witnesses. These facts are not disputed."

Despite these admissions, Leonard Peltier has served over 33 years in prison.

After careful consideration of the facts in Leonard Peltier's case, I have concluded that Leonard Peltier does not represent a risk to the public. First, Leonard Peltier has no prior convictions and has advocated for non-violence throughout his prison term. Furthermore, Leonard Peltier has been a model prisoner. He has received excellent evaluations from his work supervisors on a regular basis. He continues to mentor young Native prisoners, encouraging them to lead clean and sober lives. He has used his time productively, disciplining himself to be a talented painter and an expressive writer. Although Leonard Peltier maintains that he did not kill the agents, he has openly expressed remorse and sadness over their deaths.

Most admirably, Mr. Peltier contributes regular support to those in need. He donates his paintings to charities including battered women's shelters, half way houses, alcohol and drug treatment programs, and Native American scholarship funds. He also coordinates an annual holiday gift drive for the children of the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.

Leonard Peltier is widely recognized for his good deeds and in turn has won several awards including the North Star Frederick Douglas Award; Federation of Labour (Ontario, Canada) Humanist of the Year Award; Human Rights Commission of Spain International Human Rights Prize; and 2004 Silver Arrow Award for Lifetime Achievement. Mr. Peltier also has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize six times.

Leonard Peltier is now over 60 years of age—a great-grandfather—and suffers from partial blindness, diabetes, a heart condition, and high blood pressure.

I recognize the grave nature of the events of June 26, 1975, and I extend my deepest sympathy to the families of those who died that day. However, I find aspects of this case to also be of concern and I believe Leonard Peltier deserves to be reunited with his family and allowed to live the remaining years of his life in peace. I also believe that, rather than presenting a threat to the public, Mr. Peltier’s release would help to heal a wound that has long impeded better relations between the federal government and American Indians.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely yours,

Signature


(Your Name)
(Your Street Address)
(Your City, State, and Zip Code)

For Family and Friends

As with any professional correspondence, your support letter should be on letterhead (if you have Microsoft Word or another similar program you can easily create professional-looking letterhead from a template). The letterhead should include all of your contact information including your name, address, phone number(s) and e-mail address if applicable.

Describe your relationship with Leonard -- how do you know him, for how long, etc. Write about his character, and his accomplishments both before and during imprisonment. Discuss improvements made since being incarcerated such as education and his philanthropic work. Discuss Leonard's positive attitude and, despite his innocence, the fact that he has openly expressed remorse and sadness over the deaths that occurred on June 26, 1975.

Finish your support letter by telling the Parole Board how you will support Leonard once he is granted parole. Your support might be financial, such as a place to live, use of a vehicle, or help finding job offers. Your support can also be emotional such as providing advice and encouragement.

IMPORTANT NOTE TO ALL SUPPORTERS: When you write a letter in support of Leonard's parole, mail the letter directly to the U.S. Parole Commission, but also please send a copy of your correspondence to the Peltier Legal Team, c/o LP-DOC, P.O. Box 7488, Fargo, ND 58106.

Call Every Day

Call the White House and tell President Obama you support freedom for Leonard Peltier.

Do it and keep doing it.

(202) 456-1111 or (202) 456-1112

2009... It's time!