Peltier Update

[Communist]

received via email------->

______________________________________________
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*'``'*:-.,_,.-:*'``'*:-.,_,.-:*'``'*:-.,_,.-:*'``'*
If you want to be free, there is but one way; it is to guarantee
an equally full measure of liberty to all your neighbors. There is
no other.
*'``'*:-.,_,.-:*'``'*:-.,_,.-:*'``'*:-.,_,.-:*'``'*

* Parole Update *

As attorney Eric Seitz has said regarding parole, the Peltier case
is one of "original jurisdiction". That classification is the
result of a number of factors--including the seriousness of the
"offense," the fact that Mr. Peltier is serving life sentences,
and also because this is such a high-profile case.

Procedurally, this means the examiner made a recommendation sometime
following the hearing on July 28. The application for parole was
then forwarded to the regional commissioner apparently, who also
reviewed the case and made a recommendation (the same as a vote,
in this instance). The case was then forwarded to the four sitting
executive commissioners in Washington (or Chevy Chase, MD, right
outside of DC). The parole decision will be made by majority vote.

According to parole guidelines:

"Upon receipt of an original jurisdiction case, the National
Commissioners, where feasible, shall process the case within 21
days. Cases shall be voted on sequentially."

It isn't known when the National Commissioners received the Peltier
application for parole or when the 21-day clock began running.

It isn't known how many parole applications were received prior
to Peltier's application or if a backlog exists at the U.S. Parole
Commission.

It isn't known if all four National Commissioners are available
for the review and a vote at this time. It's August and,
traditionally, Washington pretty well closes down during the month
of August. Members of Congress return to their home districts for
the month and they and the President generally vacation during this
period. Government bureaucrats often do the same.

Our point: There are many unknowns. But this is something we
DO know. There is great potential here for there to be a delay
-- intentional or not -- with regard to the parole decision.
The words "where feasible," tell us so.

That's why everyone has to keep up the political pressure.

We know you've written letters, made calls, sent e-mails. First,
thank you. Thank you very much for all you do on Leonard's behalf.

But now you have to do it again. And again. And again. Please. Do
it and keeping doing it until Leonard Peltier is home with his
family.

Call the White House Comment Line: 202-456-1111 or 202-456-1112;

AND

Fax a letter to the White House: 202-456-2461;

AND

E-mail the White House: <http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/>.

Take all three actions every single day.

And the message?

Mr. President. Free Peltier NOW!

Again, thank you.

* Of Special Interest *

The clock is ticking ever faster for Leonard Peltier (with sample
letters to the Parole Commission)
<http://freepeltiernow.blogspot.com/2009/08/clock-is-ticking-ever-faster-for.html>

Peltier: His Life
<http://freepeltiernow.blogspot.com/2009/08/peltier-his-life.html>

A Refresher on American Indian History
<http://freepeltiernow.blogspot.com/2009/08/refresher-on-american-indian-history.html>

His Parole: An Exclusive Interview (with Leonard Peltier)
<http://freepeltiernow.blogspot.com/2009/08/his-parole-exclusive-interview.html>

*'``'*:-.,_,.-:*'``'*:-.,_,.-:*'``'*:-.,_,.-:*'``'*
"Never cease in the fight for peace, justice, and equality for all
people. Be persistent in all that you do and don't allow anyone to
sway you from your conscience." -- Leonard Peltier
*'``'*:-.,_,.-:*'``'*:-.,_,.-:*'``'*:-.,_,.-:*'``'*

----- Time to set him free... Because it is the RIGHT thing to do.

Friends of Peltier
http://www.FreePeltierNow.org (http://www.freepeltiernow.org/)
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[Communist]

"When you begin a great work you can't expect to finish it all at
once; therefore, you and your brothers [and sisters] press on and
let nothing discourage you until you have entirely finished what
you have begun."--Teedyuschung, Delaware

News from North Dakota, today, is that Leonard Peltier's parole has
been denied. He won't receive another full parole hearing until
2024, at the age of 79 years.

As sad as we all are, we are steadfast, undefeated. We will not
go away. We will not be quiet.

Take a moment to reflect. Just a moment. But then put your
disappointment behind you. Gather your strength. There's much
work to be done.

* Action Item 1: Contact the Attorney General *

On June 23, 1995, Amnesty International submitted a letter of concern
about the Peltier case to the then U.S. Attorney General. There
was no response. Write to Eric Holder, Attorney General. Ask him
to conduct an executive review of the case and to finally right
the wrongs of the past. Tell him it's never too late to find the
truth. Justice delayed is justice denied.

Eric A. Holder, Attorney General
U.S. Department of Justice
950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20530-0001

Or call the Office of the Attorney General at 202-353-1555.

And while you're at it, ask Mr. Holder why more than 140,000
documents from a 30+-year-old case are still being withheld by the
Federal Bureau of Investigation. Tell him America has a right to
know what occurred over 30 years ago and demand the release of all
documents related to the Peltier case.

* Action Item 2: Contact Members of Congress *

Use all the resources at your disposal to contact your Members of
Congress and continue urging them to support freedom for Leonard
Peltier. That support should be formally expressed in correspondence
to President Obama.

Also demand a full congressional investigation into the Reign of
Terror on the Pine Ridge Reservation during the '70s. It's long
past time for the truth to be told. See:

<http://www.freepeltiernow.org/call.htm>
<http://www.freepeltiernow.org/write.htm>

Do you use Twitter? Try using this service to quickly and easily
reach your Members of Congress: <http://tcxs.net/>.

You also can sign the petition:

<http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/Pine_Ridge/>.

Congress will not be in session for most of August. This is a good
time to meet with your Members of Congress in their home offices.
Make the appointment now. You can find locations, telephone numbers,
etc., via our congressional directory:

<http://www.freepeltiernow.org/congressmaster.htm>.

* Action Item 3: Call the White House *

Call the White House comment line to express your outrage at the
outcome of the parole hearing. Demand that President Obama free
Peltier now. Call:

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

You also can send an e-mail to the White House. Go to
<http://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/>.

If you prefer, mail or fax a letter:

President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20500
Fax - (202) 456-2461

Better yet... Do all three.

-----



Time to set him free... Because it is the RIGHT thing to do.

Friends of Peltier
http://www.FreePeltierNow.org (http://www.freepeltiernow.org/)
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[Communist]

*'``'*:-.,_,.-:*'``'*:-.,_,.-:*'``'*:-.,_,.-:*'``'*
"When the water starts boiling it is foolish to turn off the heat." --
Nelson Mandela
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* Clemency *

Sign the petition:

<http://freepeltiernow.blogspot.com/2009/08/clemency-petition-online-sign-now.html>

Obama is said to read five letters daily from plain ol' folks
like us. So, write a letter. Mr. President, Free Peltier Now!
The address:

President Barack Obama
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20500

Or fax the letter: 202-456-2461.

Also call the White House Comment Line at 202-456-1111 or
202-456-1112.


* September 12 *

Saturday, September 12, is Mr. Peltier's 65th birthday. Due
to the political nature of the Peltier case, a high level
of public awareness is critical if new legal efforts are to
succeed. The best birthday gift you can give to Mr. Peltier is
to educate your community about his case. See the suggestions at
<http://www.freepeltiernow.org/educate.htm>. If you host an event,
let us know the details (info(AT)FreePeltierNow.org (http://mail01.mail.com/scripts/mail/compose.mail?compose=1&.ob=39a5806eecf531129a39a09e5867e1be2c54e891&composeto=info%40FreePeltierNow.org)). We'll help
promote your ACTivities on behalf of Leonard Peltier.

Of course, please send cards and letters to:

Leonard Peltier #89637-132
USP-Lewisburg
U.S. Penitentiary
PO Box 1000
Lewisburg, PA 17837

You may arrange for paperback books to be sent to Leonard (hardbound
books are prohibited). He may receive no more than several books
at a time, and they must be received directly from a retailer
or publisher.

You may send photographs, but Polaroid images are not allowed.

You may send a photocopy of a newspaper article, but not the news
clipping itself.

Do not send postage stamps or self-addressed stamped
envelopes. Leonard must purchase stamps and stationary from the
prison commissary.

Please also do not send gifts of any kind as they will be
rejected. Also note that tobacco ties and the like are prohibited.

If you wish to send funds for Mr. Peltier's commissary account,
send those funds to the following address and in accordance with
the directions provided below:

Federal Bureau of Prisons
Leonard Peltier
#89637-132
Post Office Box 474701
Des Moines, Iowa 50947-0001

The deposit must be in the form of a postal service money order
made out to: Leonard Peltier #89637-132. The Bureau of Prisons
will return funds that do not have valid inmate information to the
sender provided the envelope has an adequate return address. Personal
checks and cash are not accepted for deposit. The deposit envelope
must not contain any items intended for delivery to Mr. Peltier. The
Bureau of Prisons will dispose of all items included with the funds.


* Events *

8/29 Philadelphia: 100 Blacks in Black for Mumia & All POWs
(Including Leonard Peltier)
<http://freepeltiernow.blogspot.com/2009/08/829-100-blacks-in-black-for-mumia-all.html>

9/12 NYC: Happy 65th Birthday, Leonard Peltier; Free the Cuban 5; Puerto
Rico Libre
<http://freepeltiernow.blogspot.com/2009/08/happy-65th-birthday-leonard-peltier.html>

9/12 Running Down the Walls (Various Locations throughout the U.S.,
This Year in Honor of Leonard Peltier)
<http://freepeltiernow.blogspot.com/2009/08/peltiers-parole-denial-running-down.html>

9/12 NYC: Rolling Down the Walls (an offshoot of Running Down the
Walls). 8-mile bike ride from Grand Army Plaza to Ft. Tilden Beach
<http://freepeltiernow.blogspot.com/2009/08/rolling-down-walls.html>


* Other Items of Interest *

Amnesty International: Open Letter to the Parole Commission
<http://www.freepeltiernow.org/LEGAL/uploads/AIparole20090707.pdf>
(See other statements of support at
<http://www.freepeltiernow.org/statements.htm>)

Listen to the Democracy Now interview of 24 August with Attorney
Eric Seitz at <http://www.freepeltiernow.org/audio.htm>.

Message from Ben Carnes, Leonard Peltier Defense Offense Committee
<http://freepeltiernow.blogspot.com/2009/08/msg-from-ben-carnes-lp-doc.html>


*'``'*:-.,_,.-:*'``'*:-.,_,.-:*'``'*:-.,_,.-:*'``'*
"Never cease in the fight for peace, justice, and equality for all
people. Be persistent in all that you do and don't allow anyone to
sway you from your conscience." -- Leonard Peltier
*'``'*:-.,_,.-:*'``'*:-.,_,.-:*'``'*:-.,_,.-:*'``'*

-----





Time to set him free... Because it is the RIGHT thing to do.

Friends of Peltier
http://www.FreePeltierNow.org (http://www.freepeltiernow.org/)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Communist]

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*'``'*:-.,_,.-:*'``'*:-.,_,.-:*'``'*:-.,_,.-:*'``'*
"Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our
inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter
the state of facts and evidence."-John Adams
*'``'*:-.,_,.-:*'``'*:-.,_,.-:*'``'*:-.,_,.-:*'``'


* Working Smart *

The greatest challenge before Peltier supporters is being heard by
those in power--by President Obama, in particular.

We've been reporting that the president reads 5 letters from the
public every single day. In point of fact, we were wrong about that.
President Obama actually reads 10 letters a day! That's good news.
It increases our chance of being heard. Right? Except...

The White House receives over 10,000 letters and 20,000 e-mails
every single day. How do we ensure our concerns don't get lost in
the shuffle?

Read part 1 of our new Working Smart series:
<http://www.freepeltiernow.org/WHLetters.htm>.


* September 12 *

As you know, Saturday, September 12, is Mr. Peltier's 65th birthday.

It's not too late. Please send cards and letters to:

Leonard Peltier #89637-132
USP-Lewisburg
U.S. Penitentiary
PO Box 1000
Lewisburg, PA 17837

Ben Carnes, spokesperson for the Leonard Peltier Defense Offense
Committee, will begin a 7-day fast in front of the White House
beginning this Saturday in the hope of obtaining a meeting
with President Obama. For details on this action, please visit
<http://www.whoisleonardpeltier.info (http://www.whoisleonardpeltier.info/)>. Supporters are asked to
hold vigils on the September 11 and 12, as well.

Some supporters will fast in solidarity with Ben, we hear.
Be advised that certain ailments and/or the medications used to
treat them may be adversely affected if you fail to eat and/or drink
regularly. Please consult your physician before participating in
an extended fast.


* Shout Out to Canada *

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper is scheduled to visit with
President Obama on September 16, 2009. Please contact PM Harper and
remind him that the U.S. government violated Canada's sovereignty
with its illegal extradition of Leonard Peltier. Ask the Prime
Minister to intervene on Mr. Peltier's behalf.

You can send your comments to PM Harper by e-mail: pm(AT)pm.gc.ca. (http://mail01.mail.com/scripts/mail/compose.mail?compose=1&.ob=c55092e12ad9f4b63f45868b47957488a48438cf&composeto=pm%40pm.gc.ca)

Or contact the Prime Minister's office:

Office of the Prime Minister
80 Wellington Street
Ottawa K1A 0A2 ONT
CANADA
Phone: (613) 992-4211
Fax: (613) 941-6900


* Upcoming Events *

9/12 Lewisburg, PA: Vigil for Leonard Peltier at the corner of
Route 15 and Wm. Penn Boulevard beginning at 7:00 a.m.

9/12 NYC: Happy 65th Birthday, Leonard Peltier; Free the Cuban 5; Puerto
Rico Libre
<http://freepeltiernow.blogspot.com/2009/08/happy-65th-birthday-leonard-peltier.html>

9/12 Running Down the Walls (Various Locations throughout the U.S.,
This Year in Honor of Leonard Peltier)
<http://freepeltiernow.blogspot.com/2009/08/peltiers-parole-denial-running-down.html>

9/12 NYC: Rolling Down the Walls (an offshoot of Running Down the
Walls). 8-mile bike ride from Grand Army Plaza to Ft. Tilden Beach
<http://freepeltiernow.blogspot.com/2009/08/rolling-down-walls.html>


*'``'*:-.,_,.-:*'``'*:-.,_,.-:*'``'*:-.,_,.-:*'``'*
"Never cease in the fight for peace, justice, and equality for all
people. Be persistent in all that you do and don't allow anyone to
sway you from your conscience." -- Leonard Peltier
*'``'*:-.,_,.-:*'``'*:-.,_,.-:*'``'*:-.,_,.-:*'``'*




Time to set him free... Because it is the RIGHT thing to do.

Friends of Peltier
http://www.FreePeltierNow.org (http://www.freepeltiernow.org/)

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[MarxSchmarx]

Appeals like this really make us think. I mean, let's look at a couple premises that underlie this petition.

1. Obama does, in fact, read 5 messages.
2. Obama gives a shit about these messages.
3. Obama acts on what he cares about.
4. Obama's activities based on his beliefs are effective.
5. Obama would give enough of a shit about Peltier to act on it.

I think all five are debatable to say the least. In fact, while I might be willing to grant 1, I have absolutely no reason to believe 2, 3, 4 are even remotely credible.

Even if they were all true, isn't there a real question about whether our letters, therefore, shouldn't be about EFCA or the Afghan War or single payer?

This gets at our point of choosing our battles wisely. Let's suppose that all points 1~4 were credible. I very much doubt 5 is at all true, even under the extremely unlikely case that assumptions 1~4 were true.

I'm sorry I had to single this one out. But calls like these happen all the time on the left and we have to step back and think twice about what their implications are.


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*'``'*:-.,_,.-:*'``'*:-.,_,.-:*'``'*:-.,_,.-:*'``'*
"Facts are stubborn things; and whatever may be our wishes, our
inclinations, or the dictates of our passion, they cannot alter
the state of facts and evidence."-John Adams
*'``'*:-.,_,.-:*'``'*:-.,_,.-:*'``'*:-.,_,.-:*'``'


* Working Smart *

The greatest challenge before Peltier supporters is being heard by
those in power--by President Obama, in particular.

We've been reporting that the president reads 5 letters from the
public every single day. In point of fact, we were wrong about that.
President Obama actually reads 10 letters a day! That's good news.
It increases our chance of being heard. Right? Except...

The White House receives over 10,000 letters and 20,000 e-mails
every single day. How do we ensure our concerns don't get lost in
the shuffle?

Read part 1 of our new Working Smart series:
<http://www.freepeltiernow.org/WHLetters.htm>.


* September 12 *

As you know, Saturday, September 12, is Mr. Peltier's 65th birthday.

It's not too late. Please send cards and letters to:

Leonard Peltier #89637-132
USP-Lewisburg
U.S. Penitentiary
PO Box 1000
Lewisburg, PA 17837

Ben Carnes, spokesperson for the Leonard Peltier Defense Offense
Committee, will begin a 7-day fast in front of the White House
beginning this Saturday in the hope of obtaining a meeting
with President Obama. For details on this action, please visit
<http://www.whoisleonardpeltier.info (http://www.whoisleonardpeltier.info/)>. Supporters are asked to
hold vigils on the September 11 and 12, as well.

Some supporters will fast in solidarity with Ben, we hear.
Be advised that certain ailments and/or the medications used to
treat them may be adversely affected if you fail to eat and/or drink
regularly. Please consult your physician before participating in
an extended fast.


* Shout Out to Canada *

Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper is scheduled to visit with
President Obama on September 16, 2009. Please contact PM Harper and
remind him that the U.S. government violated Canada's sovereignty
with its illegal extradition of Leonard Peltier. Ask the Prime
Minister to intervene on Mr. Peltier's behalf.

You can send your comments to PM Harper by e-mail: pm(AT)pm.gc.ca. (http://mail01.mail.com/scripts/mail/compose.mail?compose=1&.ob=c55092e12ad9f4b63f45868b47957488a48438cf&composeto=pm%40pm.gc.ca)

Or contact the Prime Minister's office:

Office of the Prime Minister
80 Wellington Street
Ottawa K1A 0A2 ONT
CANADA
Phone: (613) 992-4211
Fax: (613) 941-6900


* Upcoming Events *

9/12 Lewisburg, PA: Vigil for Leonard Peltier at the corner of
Route 15 and Wm. Penn Boulevard beginning at 7:00 a.m.

9/12 NYC: Happy 65th Birthday, Leonard Peltier; Free the Cuban 5; Puerto
Rico Libre
<http://freepeltiernow.blogspot.com/2009/08/happy-65th-birthday-leonard-peltier.html>

9/12 Running Down the Walls (Various Locations throughout the U.S.,
This Year in Honor of Leonard Peltier)
<http://freepeltiernow.blogspot.com/2009/08/peltiers-parole-denial-running-down.html>

9/12 NYC: Rolling Down the Walls (an offshoot of Running Down the
Walls). 8-mile bike ride from Grand Army Plaza to Ft. Tilden Beach
<http://freepeltiernow.blogspot.com/2009/08/rolling-down-walls.html>


*'``'*:-.,_,.-:*'``'*:-.,_,.-:*'``'*:-.,_,.-:*'``'*
"Never cease in the fight for peace, justice, and equality for all
people. Be persistent in all that you do and don't allow anyone to
sway you from your conscience." -- Leonard Peltier
*'``'*:-.,_,.-:*'``'*:-.,_,.-:*'``'*:-.,_,.-:*'``'*




Time to set him free... Because it is the RIGHT thing to do.

Friends of Peltier
http://www.FreePeltierNow.org (http://www.freepeltiernow.org/)

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