Solidarity with Leonard Peltier

Solidarity with Leonard Peltier
Published in 2005, Adapted from a statement by Arthur J. Miller
Source URL: http://www.FreePeltierNow.org/solidarity.htm


Long ago, in 1976, Indigenous activist Leonard Peltier was arrested and illegally imprisoned for a crime he did not commit. Why should you care about this case? The very same government tactics used to bring about Peltier's wrongful conviction are being applied today—not for the sake of "national security," as is claimed, but simply to quash dissent.

Despite the obstacles, we must achieve solidarity... to get beyond... [oppression and greed]... to create a better world for The People and live in balance with Mother Earth. Although it is essential that there be movements that organize around the different aspects of human suffering seen around the world, as well as the plight of Mother Earth, it also is essential that we understand that all things are connected and... act upon that understanding in unity and solidarity.

There are few clearer examples of the connections between the struggles of humankind than the case of Leonard Peltier.

Leonard’s case is all about war and conquest, an issue of real peace and the anti-war struggle. How can we hope to end the U.S. wars in other lands without acknowledging the long war of conquest in this land?

Leonard’s case is all about government corruption and falsehoods. How can we create truth in government without being honest about what has been done to the Indigenous People of this land? And how can we seek justice and well-being for those who have suffered in great natural disasters in recent years without also doing the same for the Indigenous People who have suffered under an "unnatural" disaster since the days of Christopher Columbus?

Leonard's case is about greed and the abuses of multinational corporations. How can we speak of today's abuses without also speaking of the same type of abuses that Indigenous People have suffered and continue to suffer?

In these dangerous times, we are all concerned about the repressive nature of "Homeland Security" types of legislation worldwide, where a great tragedy has been used as an excuse to strip people of their rights. But how can we speak of our concerns about this problem without also speaking about the repression of dissent in the 1970s, in general, and that of Indigenous Peoples, in particular? How can we address this problem without also speaking about Leonard Peltier?

Supporting Leonard Peltier is not just about supporting the man, although that is a good reason to support him. It is not just about supporting the long continuous struggle of Indigenous People, although that, too, is a good reason to support Leonard Peltier. Rather, Leonard Peltier is a global connecting point of all of the struggles of The People and all resistance to oppression, exploitation, and organized violence perpetrated by nation states.

We do not ask people to put aside their activism in the different social struggles of our time. Rather, we encourage people to learn about and understand the connections between all such struggles, and include Leonard Peltier as a part of all of their efforts.

Women—Join us!
We need your vision, intelligence, and stamina.

Men—Join us!
We need your heart and fortitude in support of our brother.

Young People—Join us!
We need you to take up where we leave off.

Children—Join us!
We need your joy, laughter, and wisdom.

Our Latin Brothers and Sisters—Join us!
We need your spirit, warmth, and strength.

All People of Color—Join us!
We need your experience and determination.

All people who work hard for a better world and who believe in human rights, social justice, and preservation of the environment—Join us!
We need your passion and energy for our struggle.

We ask you to actively support Leonard Peltier for yourselves, your families, and for the future generations. We ask that while you continue your important social activism for peace, justice, the healing of the wounds of The People and Mother Earth... as you work to create a better world... that you join with us to call for freedom for Leonard Peltier. It needs to be clear to all that this better world we seek is meant for all. There can be no separate peace.

Demand the world's attention and that of President Obama. September 12th is Leonard Peltier's 65th birthday. Supporters worldwide will hold vigils on 11-12 September 2009 in conjunction with a 7-day fast at the White House, sponsored by the Leonard Peltier Defense Offense Committee (www.whoisleonardpeltier.info).