 A Message From Leonard Peltier
(Now serving his 30th continuous year
in maximum-security federal custody, and approaching his September
12th birthday, Indigenous American political prisoner Leonard
Peltier wrote the following greetings to friends and supporters
who gathered in New York City on March 6, 2006 to remember and
honor this remarkable man. Wrongfully convicted of murdering
two FBI agents on South Dakota's Pine Ridge Reservation in 1975,
US Attorneys familiar with the case admitted years ago that they
don't know who killed the agents. Edited for length -- Editor)
Greetings My Relatives:
I say 'relatives' for we are all related
in some way. Sometimes sitting here in my cell, looking through
my glasses, they no longer take the blur away like they once
did. I think about the lifetimes I've spent behind these walls.
Sometimes for a prisoner, it's like you've died to your friends
and family, except you can talk with them on occasion.
I have spent my life trying to make a difference
in the world, for the better. Sometimes someone notices in some
way and says thank you for something I was involved with. However,
my greatest joy comes from someone saying that something I said
or was involved with inspired them to be better than they were
or seek for themselves to make the world a better place.
I remember in my youth that I had a hard
time expressing deep feelings, but after years of losing friends
and relatives who were very close to me, I have come to cherish
the opportunity to speak to you even though it be by letter or
some other way.
When you're 30, you can hardly imagine
dying. When you're 61, you know it's entirely possible and could
come anytime. Having said that, I want to say a few things from
my heart to your heart.
Seek the Creator in all the things you
do. Cherish your time with one another. Develop your personal
self-discipline, which is the key to all success. Develop a sense
of happiness within you that none can take away. Develop who
you are and remain true to your higher self, and your integrity
will be an inspiration to others.
Show your strength when necessary, even
if it is in being gentle or humble. Speak of others in private
the same way you would in their presence. Do your best to find
the good in all people, and stand and speak up against wrongdoing.
Respect the earth where you stand. Many
parts of Mother Earth are also held captive behind concrete and
steel. Do your best to recognize inspiration from the Creator
and avoid listening to your own, especially when you are tempted
in contradiction of your higher values.
We must each, in our own way, in our own
time, be part of the cure against the sicknesses of greed, wealth
mongering and nature destruction that faces all mankind.
Never be too proud to say you were wrong
or too fearful to stand up for what you know is right. Don't
expect to not get hurt by life, just because you've done your
best to do what's right. Especially, don't lose your sense of
humor, even when the laughter is at your own expense.
I want to thank all of you for remembering
me. Most of all I want to thank all of you who have chosen to
make a difference for the betterment of this world.
For more online information on Leonard
and the continuing campaign to win his freedom, email requests
to the Leonard Peltier Defense Committee at info@leonardpeltier.org.
You can write Leonard at:
Leonard Peltier 89637-132
USP Lewisburg
PO Box 1000
Lewisburg, PA 17837
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