Best for the New Year

Dear Supporters:

Thank you for your continued support, and to everyone a wish for a healthy and happy New Year.

"In the Spirit of Coler and Williams"
Ed

PELTIER...the holiday and clemency

Dear Supporters:

Thank you for your continued support and all the best for a Merry Christmas, or whatever you may celebrate during the holiday season, and for a healthy and happy New Year.

This is the time of year when we try to set aside the turmoil around us and focus on positive thoughts for the holidays and hopes for better times ahead.

But sometimes that’s made more difficult when we’re reminded there is evil in the world that won’t go away.

In his December 20, 2012, “Holiday Greetings from Leonard,” Peltier mentions the horror of Newtown, Connecticut and then, as usual, segues that historically to the ghastly events of earlier Native America; Wounded Knee, Sand Creek and the Washita (and there were others he didn’t mention).

(Peltier’s gratuitous comments aside, our deepest prayers and sympathies are offered to the victims, their families and the Newtown community.)

So Peltier is equating the psychotic actions of a deranged homicidal maniac to the failures of the early government’s handling of what they considered the “Indian problem.” Yes, Manifest Destiny created a cultural abyss where many atrocities and violations of Native people’s basic human rights and broken treaties occurred. But, Peltier, and others, ignore that there was more than just a significant amount of Indian-on-Indian violence long before the white man’s arrival, and afterward. So it wasn’t all that peaceful before, when the white man’s lust for land and resources only made it much worse.

Ignoring his other irrelevant pleas, Peltier makes the expected transition to his real purpose, himself.  “You have given me hope again.” “…and hope that this will be the year that I will get to know freedom again…”

But let’s have a reality check. As always, Peltier seeks some measure of credit for appearing compassionate by even mentioning Newtown…it’s a false performance as witnessed by years of him speaking what he really means. Let’s then add one other horrific event to his counterfeit repertoire; Jumping Bull, Pine Ridge, South Dakota.

His innocence is as thin as tissue paper and he has proven his own guilt (far beyond his conviction and dozens of appeals) by his own words. Words that have been chronicled here many times and will be repeated regularly along with any other myths he may add in the coming years. (Like the one recently added by his own attorney.)

Peltier brags about the New York City concert that certainly didn’t have any significant impact with the usual suspects of those who are ignorant of the facts and blind to Peltier’s incessant crocodile tears of innocence. Claims based on a mountain of lies and fabrications; those who know the facts but don’t care because they have their own agendas; those who are clueless and think it’s a neat thing to do, in other words, along for the ride; and the abusers, those who use Peltier-the-pawn. Especially the “One Percenters,” like Michael Moore, who could give one whit about Peltier the person as long as it adds to his unsavory notoriety and red carpet dalliances. But Peltier isn’t completely stupid, from his concrete condo any publicity is good publicity, so he’ll take the good with the bad as long as it generates even one lame-brained Peltierite repeating his name. After all, that’s the goal and game he’s playing; divert them from the facts.

The reality and the prospects of commutation are even thinner than Peltier’s feigned innocence. The President will easily understand exactly what the legal history of Peltier’s case is all about and that for the last 37 years he has only reinforced what dozens of courts have already correctly concluded: Guilty as sin, “and if necessary, he’d do it again, because it was the right thing to do.” Yes, the President will really appreciate that bit of remorse and rehabilitation. Don’t believe so.

Peltier’s other major sin is his false prophet persona as a warrior for his “people,” an embarrassment to the true Native American chiefs and warriors and their proud and storied history, and a distinction that is not missed by the vast majority of Native America today. They are not fooled by Peltier’s spineless bravado. 

This makes Peltier’s actions at Jumping Bull no less heinous and obscene as those at Newtown. Both were the actions of undeniable cowards.

Admittedly this is not a cheerful holiday message. As Peltier grovels for his freedom, Jack Coler and Ron Williams’ families will endure yet another Christmas and New Year with the memory of the brutal slaying of their loved ones.

“In the Spirit of Coler and Williams”

Ed Woods

PELTIER: KUZMA Part II and CLEMENCY

Dear Supporters:

In the same blog-talk-radio interview on 11/3/12, Peltier attorney, Michael Kuzma had this to say about Peltier’s chances for clemency. (Footnote 1)

“Well if you read some of the recent articles, in fact there was, there were a couple of articles published within the past couple of weeks which indicated that President Obama has been the stingiest President since Reagan with respect to the granting of pardons and commutation of sentences, he’s actually been worse than Bush Two. Obama has been a disappointment in so many different ways. I know, David Geffen from Dreamworks was a big supporter of President Clinton and actually decided to back President Obama over Hillary Clinton because Bill Clinton didn’t commute Leonard’s sentence, you know, in spite of that support from Geffen and some of the Hollywood types. President Obama has made, you know, no indication that he’s gong to commute Leonard’s sentence any time soon.”

Peltier knows the only way he’s walking out of Coleman-1 is with a commutation of his sentence.

Based on his 2009 Lewisburg parole hearing his next hearing won’t be until July, 2024, at the age of 80, and a projected release date still many more years after that. Face it, parole is off the table.

In Kuzma’s interview he adds another insult to the President like Peltier did previously. Kuzma’s “Obama has been a disappointment in so many different ways,” was discourteous and inappropriate when they’re supposed to recognize that the President is the only one they need to convince. But, Peltier did the same thing; in another public interview when President Clinton didn’t cut him lose he said, “These politicians are such sleazebags that you just don’t know.” That was in 2000. Guess some people, or their attorneys it seems, just can’t grasp the concept of not insulting the people you most need to win over. But that’s been a brand mark of the entire Peltier campaign for decades. (Fn. 2)

As for President Clinton not granting clemency, we’ll have to leave it at this: There were several who came out publically and claimed credit for convincing President Clinton not to free Peltier (and as it turns out he was on the short list…even with some staffers at the White house Christmas party that year actually wearing “Free Peltier” buttons). But for those claiming credit it was just wishful thinking. Fact is that only three people know exactly why Peltier wasn’t released, President Clinton and two others. And the reason came down to a basic understanding that President Clinton recognized Peltier’s crimes were significant and freeing him would accomplish nothing.

The Statistics:

President Obama has pardoned twenty-two and commuted one sentence, while denying approximately one thousand others. It has been reported that President Obama takes his exclusive Constitutional authority very seriously and was troubled (as were many others, both in Washington and elsewhere) by President Clinton’s pardon of fugitive investor Marc Rich. (Fn. 3)

Of those pardoned, all had served their sentences, thirteen received sentences of only probation, and of the others who were incarcerated, averaged sentences of only 2.8 years. The shortest sentence was 30-days, and the longest, nine years, for relatively minor charges ranging from drug offenses to a liquor law violation and mutilation of coins. There were no terrorists, rapist or murderers on the President’s list. (F. 4)

The recipient of the commutation, a female, had served 10 of a 22-year sentence for selling crack cocaine, which was challenged by her attorneys based on a disparity of sentencing guidelines. She was also undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer. (Fn. 5)

However, if you recall, Mafia boss, John Gotti, sentenced to life in prison for murder and racketeering, died in prison from cancer. (Fn.6)

So the statistics do not bode well for any realistic chance Peltier would be considered for release and there are a number of factors the President would certainly consider in the process. And, of course, he has many more pressing concerns about the country at the moment.

More to follow….

“In the Spirit of Coler and Williams”

Ed Woods

Footnotes:

1) http://www.blogtalkradio.com/mountian-child/2012/11/14/leonard-peltiers-attorney-michael-kuzma  

2) http://www.noparolepeltier.com/speak.html

3) http://www.propublica.org/article/the-shadow-of-marc-rich

4) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_people_pardoned_by_Barack_Obama

5) http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/obama-commutes-sentence-of-alton-woman-in-cocaine-case/article_c30d817e-1523-11e1-8e09-0019bb30f31a.html 

6) http://articles.cnn.com/2002-06-10/us/john.gotti_1_paul-castellano-teflon-don-john-gotti?_s=PM:US 

PELTIER: KUZMA CLOSES THE CIRCLE & Much more

Dear Supporters:


“From what I understand it’s now been determined that the Mr. X. story was just concocted.”

Thanks to Peltier attorney Michael Kuzma the lie of Mr. X has been officially admitted by the Peltier organization.

On 11/3/12 Michael Kuzma (Kooz-Mah), 1893 Clinton St., Buffalo, New York 14206, (716) 822-7645, email, michaelkuzmaesq@gmail.com (In case anyone needs an FOIPA lawyer), participated in a 90 minute blog-talk-radio program. The organizers were somewhat unprofessional and disorganized at times and some of the questions posed by the moderators and those who emailed or called-in demonstrated a lack of understanding of the facts surrounding Peltier’s conviction or the function of the government for that mater. (Footnote 1)

Mr. X was the individual in the infamously fictitious red pickup, whom they all knew and was delivering dynamite to the camp that day. He was followed by the agents, engaged them at a distance, wounded them and then approached them both administering the final fatal shots to their faces. Or at least that’s how the legend was offered.

Mr. X, in a very real sense was the first, and then only alibi, offered by Peltier. In other words, where he claimed that he wasn’t responsible, was innocent for the agents’ deaths and someone else did it. It’s not that this was a casual remark easily dismissed, no, this one had legs and took on a long life of its own and permeated nearly everything that followed. For example, a brief review of Peltier’s alibis:

He was eating pancakes and drinking hot coffee in the AIM camp when the shooting started. He fired over their heads. In a CNN interview admitted for the first time firing at the agents. In a Leavenworth interview “I can’t say anything about that Darrin. I haven’t said anything about it for almost sixteen years.” “…because all the media have asked me about this, and it’s the same answer, I can’t say anything about it. I appreciate what he has done.” Robideau’s approximately six minute and fifty-two second detailed description of Mr. X’s actions in the film Incident at Oglala was followed immediately by Peltier’s admission “This story is true.” In the film and Mathiessen’s ITSOCH, both interviewed the phantom Mr. X.  Peltier, 50 said during a recent interview at the U.S. Penitentiary in Leavenworth, “I know I’ve said in the past who he is.”

No surprise that Peltier never mentioned Mr. X or the infamous red pickup truck in his autobiography, Prison Writings.

And, of course we will neither forget nor ignore that one of the three principals in this deadly saga, Dino Butler, came out publically in 1995 and said that the entire Mr. X story was not true (Fn. 2).

For a complete review of the Mr. X narrative and lie please see the three sections, “Mr. X the Movie,” “Mr. X the Interview,” and “Mr. X the Lie,” available from the No Parole Peltier Association home page. (This section will also include an updated addendum including Mr. Kuzma’s admission.)

The closest to any official acknowledgement (aside from Peltier’s own statements and Butler’s renunciation) came from the then Leonard Peltier Defense Committee (LPDC) on May 23, 2000, “Mr. X has long been a controversial topic, by both supporters of Leonard Peltier and those who oppose his release.” Only, controversial? (Interesting to note they include “supporters,” implying that even those on his side didn’t buy this lame fabrication.)

That is, until now, and thanks to the unfiltered public admission from Peltier’s attorney, it’s now painfully official. Mr. X was Peltier’s most significant alibi and it has always been nothing more than a lie. The truth though is that Peltier was the real Mr. X.

Thank you Mr. Kuzma.

Which begs the question, if Peltier can foster such a lie for so many years why should anyone believe his other claims or feigned cries of being a political prisoner and innocent?

Mr. Kuzma made a few other significant comments during the broadcast.

                   If all else fails, use the race card:

Mr. Kuzma called me a racist. Well didn’t actually say racist, but that’s certainly what he intended to convey.

During the podcast Kuzma mentioned a retired FBI agent who runs a website from Cincinnati and then editorialized with “the most segregated city in America.” The reference was obviously to this writer and this website. The implication being that someone living in a particular city he automatically assumes is a racist. Really? Let’s look at this attorney’s professional logic. So, someone gets transferred by his job to a city, buys a home, continues to raise a family, works there for a number of years, retires, starts a second career (another eleven years and still counting) and suddenly, in Mr. Kuzma’s mind that makes someone a racist. That would be like saying people living in Buffalo, NY must be Eskimos. Actually, in a recent study the ranking from least to most segregated cities were: Nassau-Suffolk (which is odd because they are counties comprising what most New Yorkers refer to as Long Island—that, according to native New Yorkers excludes Brooklyn and Queens, which are still part of the Island of Long but are firmly two of the five borrows of New York City proper. No self-respecting Brooklynite or Queens resident would consider themselves residents of Long Island. But, Nassau County’s north shore, The Gold Coast, and Suffolk County’s, The Hamptons are the Mecca of the very rich, the ‘one percenters’ who’s necks are presently on the proverbial chopping block. Kuzma didn’t comment whether they would be racists too.); then there’s, St. Louis, Cleveland, Miami, Philadelphia, Chicago, Newark, New York City, Milwaukee and at the top of the list, Detroit. Nope. No Cincinnati. So, without an ounce of proof, Mr. Kuzma makes a value judgment based on the city where someone happens to live. Maybe he ties that in some way with those who recognize Peltier’s unquestioned guilt. If you oppose Peltier’s freedom because he’s an Indian, perhaps, therefore, and because you happen to live in a particular city, you’re by his definition, a racist. Well, then, we’ll just have to ignore a couple of facts; Kuzma is not a Native American, and my great-grandfather was a full-blood. What this does though is establish a clear line of bias in Mr. Kuzma’s personality and thought process.

                            The Movie:

Kuzma provided a wonderful endorsement, encouraging everyone, especially the young (those who are uninformed about Peltier’s guilt or the history of his convictions) to watch Incident at Oglala. And for that we applaud and thank him for two reasons. It clearly depicts, because otherwise there would be no point or climax to the film, a hooded Mr. X with Mr. Redford narrating (and Robideau’s explicit description) how he engaged the agents, then shot them and drove off in the infamous red pickup. People should watch and listen carefully to this portion of the film and rampant Peltier folklore (That’s my alibi Leonard is telling us, someone else did it; honest to God it was someone else: and as he says in the film, “This story is true.”) Then let them remember, because we’ll remind them once again, Mr. Kuzma, putting the Mr. X lie exactly where it belongs, “From what I understand it’s now been determined that the Mr. X story was concocted.” So, folks, Peltier supporters or those who want to learn the real facts of what happened at Jumping Bull that day, you can ignore Mr. Concocted. But what you can’t ignore though is the twenty-year lie that Peltier and others proclaimed as the truth. Thanks again, attorney Kuzma.

                              Under the bus:

Not being shy about demeaning fellow bar members, Kuzma throws Elliot Taikeff (“one” of Peltier’s attorneys at his Fargo trial) and Eric Seitz, who handled Peltier’s 2009 parole hearing, under the proverbial legal bus. Kuzma does soften the blow a bit by saying it’s easy to Monday-morning-quarterback someone.

Kuzma tells us that Seitz was “out-maneuvered.” Gee, really, out-maneuvered; at a parole hearing? Seitz, who had represented Peltier since about 2000, did make some incredibly naïve (if that is the correct and most polite description) public statements after the parole hearing that "…they (the FBI and government) don't have any creativity, they don't come up with anything new. They don't have any greater ability to explain their justification for their position. It's a very wooden position, kill an FBI agent and live the rest of your life in prison. I don't think that's going to impress very many people who aren't already of the same opinion."

Brilliant conclusion. Yep, kill (actually two) FBI agents and spend the rest of your life in prison. Makes sense to most people. Besides, that wasn’t true, the government witnesses did introduce additional evidence, not the least of which was testimony from the 2004 trial of Arlo Looking Cloud where Peltier was quoted making some specific admissions about killing the agents. There was other information provided as well, public statements that Peltier himself has made which further support his conviction and solidify his guilt. (Fn. 3) Seitz’s Witnesses included Peter Matthiessen who has dug himself such a deep hole he can never climb out or overcome the severe criticism of In the Spirit of Crazy Horse by Alan Dershowitz that his tome is embarrassingly sophomoric and not only fails to convince but inadvertently makes a strong case for Peltier's guilt. Seitz’s other witnesses contributed little more, a philosophical argument, and a place to stay on the Reservation.

Seitz may well have been trying for Everest or Suribachi. He had a tough burden to overcome…but perhaps Kuzma was correct after all; he forgot his climbing gear. The decision was upheld on appeal as well.

The parole hearing itself has been a previous topic of discussion with Peltier making claims about what allegedly was said. Peltier was even challenged to put all the critics and naysayers in their place and post the hearing transcript on whoisleonardpeltier.info. Justice and the truth demand it. So it was very interesting, compelling really, to hear Mr. Kuzma say that he has a recording of the hearing that he received through the FOIA (presumably with his client’s permission), and that he has played the recording in public (presumably with his client’s permission), or at least at a monthly meeting of the Leonard Peltier Support Group in Buffalo, NY at the Burning Books book store (sounds charming). Kuzma didn’t say whether the recording was edited. Odds are that it was…but there’s no proof at the moment.

So, let’s ask Mr. Kuzma to do what Peltier wouldn’t, put the recording on the website. Let’s see how far Kuzma and Peltier are willing to go to make sure everyone hears what actually transpired, without the myth filter. Let President Obama and the rest of us hear what was offered by both sides so they can make their own decision about Peltier’s guilt. (If there isn’t a transcript, I will offer to transcribe the recording…free of charge…just send a copy.)

As for Elliott Taikeff, Kuzma is taking a cheap shot because he wasn’t alone at the defense table. He had plenty of help and support. Reading the transcripts, and listening to him in Incident at Oglala, attorney John Lowe was pretty aggressive. Matter of fact, as related in the Editorial Essay, Critical Witnesses Against Peltier (Fn. 4), it was difficult not to conclude that Lowe’s aggressiveness passed the decorum threshold reaching a level of sarcasm and unprofessional demeanor that I personally have never seen in a federal courtroom.

Then there’s Bruce Ellison, the sideshow mouthpiece who has some skeleton’s in his closet according to those who know much more about Annie Mae Aquash’s murder. Where was he during all this?

But to place this kind of criticism in its proper perspective the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals in a unanimous Direct Appeal judgment, Circuit Judges, Gibson, Ross and Stephenson summed it up best. “We have carefully examined the record in the trial court and on appeal, and have concluded that the defendant’s trial counsel were aggressive, capable and informed, and engaged in sophisticated trial decisions on strategy.” “The allegation of Peltier’s counsel on appeal amounts to no more than hindsight and second-guessing by one lawyer concerning the trial tactics used by another lawyer. Peltier was equally well-represented at trial and on appeal.” (Fn. 5)

                   If it fails again, play the conspiracy card:

As if the fog of folklore surrounding Peltier wasn’t thick enough, Kuzma adds this most bizarre and astonishing claim to the list:

“…because we’ve learned that after Judge Heaney, for example, started speaking out regarding Leonard and his case and how he really didn’t get a fair shake, he got a visit from the FBI. So if we could prove that during one of Leonard’s, say appeals, that Judge Heaney was improperly approached, now that might be something that would get a court interested in Leonard’s case…”

This is analogous to the shooter on the grassy knoll and begs to be examined in greater detail to demonstrate that Kuzma has not only taken a full measure of Peltier Kool Aid, as he criticizes other Peltier attorneys, but takes a giant leap off the cliff of reality and ignores the real history of this case.

First, Kuzma would be challenged to produce anything, other than his own ramblings, that there is one scintilla of proof that Judge Heaney was improperly approached by the FBI. Kuzma’s first response, presumably, would be that the proof is being withheld by the FBI and Department of Justice by not releasing all the contested documents. Perhaps Kuzma imagines a memo, teletype or FD-302 stating that Eighth Circuit Court Judge Heaney was visited by FBI agents and told to back-off from his public statements that seem to support Peltier. But that’s not what Kuzma claims…he states that they already have it; proof that something like this actually happened. Kuzma says, “because we’ve learned.” So, put it up for all to see, what exactly have you learned and from what source? If you can’t, or won’t, then we’ll have to plant this little seed of folklore-lie somewhere on the grassy knoll where it belongs.

Judge Gerald Heaney was a member of the Greatest Generation. As an attorney during WWII he could have opted for a safe stateside assignment, but instead became an Army officer, participated in the D-Day invasion and other campaigns and later became a respected jurist.

The key Eighth Circuit decisions and a timeline regarding Judge Heaney in the Peltier case follows:

Direct Appeal; September 1978, Judges, Gibson, Ross and Stephenson
Remand; April 1984, Judges HEANEY, Ross and Gibson
Appeal of Hearing; September 1986, Judges, HEANEY, Ross and Gibson
Movie; Incident at Oglala, 1991, in which Judge HEANNEY appears
Letter; From Judge HEANEY, April 1991 to Senator Inouye.
Changed Theory; July 1993, Judges, McMillan, Friedman and Arnold
Letter; From Judge HEANEY, October 2000 to Senator Inouye
Rule 35; December 2002, Judges, Hansen, HEANEY and Arnold

Let’s start by noting Peltier’s conviction and sentence have never been overturned.

Trying to follow Kuzma’s logic here is like doing a Rubik’s cube in the dark. At what point would Judge Heaney, according to Kuzma, been compromised (threatened, intimidated, coerced) into not ruling against Peltier? Judge Heaney was part of the three-judge panel and authored one of the arguably most critical decisions against Peltier; the appeal of the evidentiary hearing in 1986. Judge Heaney, as he clearly explained in the 1999 film Incident at Oglala, that his decision was based on the law, the Bagley test. Notwithstanding, he had some strong personal feelings about the treatment of Native Americans and their history in general, he nonetheless decided on the law, which wasn’t a technicality as Peltier folklore would want us to believe.

In April 1991 Judge Heaney wrote a letter to then U.S. Senator Daniel Inouye on the Select Committee on Indian Affairs.

One would have to assume that this would be the time that Kuzma fantasizes about the FBI’s move against Judge Heaney.

But then what happens? Judge Heaney writes a follow-up letter to Senator Inouye dated October 24, 2000, referencing his first letter from 1991. (That’s nine years later if Kuzma is counting.)

And, in yet another appeal to the Eighth Circuit in December 2002, Judge Heaney, in another unanimous decision, rules against Peltier…again…on the facts and the law.

So what happened to Kuzma’s revelation that “we’ve learned” that the honorable judge was “visited” by the FBI? Under other circumstances most would dismiss Kuzma’s outlandish allegation as simply frivolous, but since it has no basis in fact, or logic based on the timeline, it’s just plain dimwitted.

Besides, Judge Heaney never implied that Peltier didn’t get a “fair shake.”

Judge Heaney's letter listed several mitigating reasons why he believed Peltier should be afforded some consideration of leniency: "At some point, a healing process must begin," he said. Something he obviously felt very strongly about.

He added, "My thoughts on these other aspects result from a very careful study of the records..." but throughout this letter Judge Heaney never suggested that Peltier was innocent. Quite the contrary, he had this to say on the issue of Peltier's guilt: "Third, the record persuades me that more than one person was involved in the shooting of the FBI agents. Again, this fact is not a legal justification for Peltier's actions, but is a mitigating circumstance." (Fn. 6)

And, in an offhanded remark, it was Mr. Kuzma during the program who said the FBI is engaging in a major disinformation campaign about this case. Really? Kuzma ought to know about his own disinformation; he has a pretty good handle on that process. This is a coffee and kettle scenario for sure.

                         Frank Deluca, aka Frank Blackhorse:

Kuzma spent much time on what appeared to be a compulsion about the Jewish-Italian wannbe Indian who seemed to be on every law-enforcement radar yet kept dodging confinement. Devoting, apparently, much time using his FOIA skills, Kuzma is trying to determine whether or not Frankie was “one of their guys” (the FBI), of which Kuzma had no doubt. “Walks like a duck, quacks like a duck…I think he was a fed.” By “Fed” Kuzma must mean an FBI informant who he suspects of infiltrating and instigating the noble aims of AIM (no pun intended). Frankie is arrested, not prosecuted, does this and that and gets away with it. The “guy just vanished” and that Kuzma just “might learn the truth about this character.”

Much of what Kuzma repeats comes straight from the Peltier playbook, namely, Matthiessen’s, In the Spirit of Crazy Horse and it’s no secret that that Deluca was arrested with Peltier in Canada.

With all the angst Kuzma expresses over who or what Deluca was or wasn’t and why he is still roaming free above the 49th Parallel, he omits that Peltier himself knew who gave him up to the Canadian authorities. (According to Rogue Duenas via Matthiessen) “And finally we moved him (Peltier) over the mountains to Alberta, to Smallboy’s camp, way out in the bush. Black Horse was with him and there was another guy there, too, but we don’t work with him no more. Because they got there on a certain night, and the very next day the Mounties were right on top of them. (ITSOCH, p. 251) And identifying this other guy, ““Peltier himself says that “the person who was responsible for our arrest was the old man Yellow bird who we learned later was paid for his work by the R.C.M.P.; because of this traitor, Smallboy’s camp nearly split up.”” (ITSOCH, p. 403)

Nowhere throughout Kuzma’s ranting about the activities of Deluca does he connect him with Peltier and the murder of Coler and Williams. It’s like he’s spun-off in several different directions at once. But Kuzma knows, as we all do as well, that Deluca—for whatever he may eventually turn out to be, wasn’t at Jumping Bull on that most critical day. It was Peltier, Robideau and Butler, among other AIM members, not including Deluca, who first mortally wounded both agents and that Peltier (which was the government’s argument of the case and one that many people believe is true), fired the final fatal shots to the faces of Coler and Williams. (Further, I would personally want to know which of the brave warriors—an oxymoron in this instance—rolled the mutilated bodies over to face the ground. Maybe it was Joe Stuntz after he stole Coler’s jacket and put it on giving Peltier a smile.)

And, throughout the 90-minute discussion, Kuzma failed to mention anything pointing to Peltier’s alleged innocence in all this. Not one single word to support the notion that Peltier is not as guilty as sin.

“In the Spirit of Coler and Williams”

Ed Woods

References:
1) A co-host actually made the statement referring to President Obama that “…he ..should get bolder…and would not be so accommodating to the far right?” Really, has the co-host paid any attention to the campaign over the past year?
2) http://www.noparolepeltier.com/lie.html
3) http://www.noparolepeltier.com/debate.html#paroledenied
4) http://www.noparolepeltier.com/debate.html#critical
5) USCA, 8th Circuit, 585 F.2nd 314, 1978, September 14, 1978, Fn. 5.
6) http://www.noparolepeltier.com/debate.html#birthday
    http://www.noparolepeltier.com/heaney.html

PELTIER: "CROSSFIRE" LIE RETURNS...CONCERT & CLEMENCY

           

Dear Supporters:

On whoisleonardpeltier.info, under “Facts about the case,” and “The Shoot-out” is this statement:

“For unknown reasons, a shoot-out began. A family with small children was trapped in the cross fire. Throughout the ranch, people screamed that they were under attack and many of the men present hurried to return fire.”

Aside from the obvious flaws: A family caught in the crossfire?

Would it be too kind to call this statement disingenuous, or perhaps a fabrication, another nugget of myth, an element of folklore, or what it really is, a shameful lie?

There is ample proof this is not true and never happened, Yet here it is, again.

First a little history: on December 15, 2001, the NPPA challenged a statement on the former LPDC website made by (another) former Peltier attorney, Jennifer Harbury. Harbury’s erroneous statement was contained in paragraph #5 of a long list of equally feeble  allegations.

But, a review of—those often pesky—details relating to whether or not a family was caught in any kind of crossfire between the initial assault on Agents’ Coler and Williams and AIM members at Jumping Bull, can be easily disproved.

The family this refers to is Angie Long Visitor, her husband Ivis and two children.

 While washing dishes (at the Jumping Bull house) her first awareness of a problem was when she heard “firecrackers or something.” She walked out onto the bluff to have a look and saw in the distance two white men in separate vehicles; obviously lawmen, she knew, because of their new condition and the antennas. Approximately a hundred yards away from the other two vehicles Long visitor noticed a white over red Chevrolet van parked on the dirt roadway by the Y-fork. She did not see anyone around this van at that time but knew it was used by Leonard Peltier. Long Visitor said she saw three Indian males (Robideau, Stuntz, and Brown; known to her at the time as Bob, Joe and Norman), firing at the agents.

Long visitor and her family fled south along the edge of the plowed field, and then cut across toward Highway 18. On the way they met a few AIM Indians from the camp down in the woods, who were running uphill toward the houses.

Before a Federal Grand Jury, Long Visitor testified under oath that “Me and my husband and kids ran across the field and went down to the little dirt road that goes to the highway. There were a lot of cop cars going by.”

Another observation was from Norman Brown (who, in the film Incident at Oglala, describes how he could have shot Agent Adams in the head, but instead shot out his tires forcing Adams and two BIA officers out of range and back onto Highway 18). Brown also saw Leonard Peltier lying down by a row of junked cars near the woods, rising up to fire, lying prone again.

The point here is that although it was a dangerous situation that morning, there was no “family with small children trapped in the cross fire.”

It’s not true, it never happened that way and you have the person involved describing what actually occurred and what she saw and did.

For a thorough review (along with maps and references) of the ”family caught in a crossfire” please see Editorial Essay #13, entitled “Paragraph #5.” http://www.noparolepeltier.com/debate.html#13

So, WhoisLeonardPeltier anyway? In reality, just another cold-blooded murderer who is entertaining himself (through his surrogates) into believing what they have invented, all the while denigrating a proud Native American history and culture. The fact remains that the vast majority of Native Americans recognize that Peltier and the American Indian Movement of the 1970s contributed nothing to the well-being and welfare of those on the Reservations. AIM contributed chaos at the least, and theft, destruction and murder at the most. Peltier’s continued claims of innocence are overturned at every corner, mostly from his own contradictions of what he allegedly claimed happened. He hopes the general public can’t read and understand the history of his case or somehow suffer from collective amnesia and fail to remember those contradictions from year to year.

Concerts:

Leonard Peltier and the LPDOC must be giddy with excitement that some popular names are holding “An evening of music and learning,” which is a great opportunity to learn about Native American culture and music, but its title to “Bring Leonard Peltier Home in 2012” will do nothing in terms of learning the facts surrounding Jumping Bull. Ticket prices range from $35 to $125. I’ll spring for one and will be there but expect to only hear the same tired rhetoric that’s been passed out for decades. The music may be worth it however. Peltier will learn that this is not…repeat not…a popularity contest and besides those who do ignore the facts and do adore him, his reputation within Native America is almost non-existent. Aside from the record of Peltier’s case, which has stood on its own through countless appeals, his own words have repeatedly convicted him again. His innocence and philanthropy is a sham. (Perhaps we should ask where some of the proceeds are going, but that’s always been another well-kept secret.) Maybe I’ll buy an extra ticket and sit next to Mr. X.

Clemency:

Peltier also hopes, and no doubt prays, that the President will somehow believe the Peltier folklore is real or that Peltier’s release will somehow heal any wounds caused to Native Americans and their history at the hands of the government. Nothing could be further from reality and the President, an attorney, certainly understands the law, the weight of the evidence against Peltier and the level of scrutiny this case has received throughout the long and detailed appellate process. As the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals succinctly concluded “…the direct and circumstantial evidence of Peltier’s guilt is strong…”

The President will also not be impressed with Peltier’s February 6, 2010 statement that “I never thought my commitment would mean sacrificing like this, but I was willing to do so nonetheless. And really, if necessary, I’d do it all over again, because it was the right thing to do.”

Yes, Mr. President, Peltier believed it was the right thing to do; two mortally wounded federal agents who were summarily executed in the line of duty. Peltier’s release would be a stain on the service of every law enforcement officer in this country who willingly place themselves in harm’s way to protect its citizens and uphold the law. Peltier’s release would certainly denigrate a proud Native American culture that Peltier has adulterated with his incessant claims that on June 26, 1975 he did something noble for his people. Peltier is a charlatan and an unrepentant murderer who should serve the remainder of his two life sentences along with the seven consecutive years for his armed escape from Lompoc Penitentiary.

To quote Peltier’s own claims of innocence (Prison Writings, p.15):

“I state to you absolutely that, if I could have possibly have prevented what happened that day, your menfolk would not have died. I would have died myself before knowingly permitting what happened to happen. And I certainly never pulled the trigger that did it. May the Creator strike me dead this moment if I lie.”

Careful, Leonard, better watch what you wish for.

But he continues, placing his feigned sympathy into perspective. “I cannot see how my being here, torn from my own grandchildren, can possibly mend your loss. I swear to you, I am guilty only of being an Indian. That is why I am here.”

For now Peltier can bounce that myopic rhetoric off the concrete walls, and then when the time comes, offer it himself to the Creator. The Creator knows exactly what happened that day, and the myth, folklore and lies won’t pass His test.

“In the Spirit of Coler and Williams”

Ed Woods

PELTIER UPDATE: Worthington, Canada, Columbus Day, Belgium, and ...Users...

Dear Supporters:


October 27, 2012, The Toronto Sun, by Peter Worthington:

“The Americans, god bless them, are consumed with the concept of “freedom” — as are people who come from countries where individual liberties are repressed.” “But the world’s oppressed people, refugees, and those in danger in their birth countries, invariably look to America as salvation for their despair. It’s where they seek to go to for the sake of freedom.” “Without America being what it is, our world today would be a more perilous and dangerous place.” “I forget who said it, but United States is the kindliest country in the world.” “Can anyone imagine a world in which there is no United States?”

The Peter Worthington article was entitled “Why the U.S. Matters: Worthington.” Leading this editorial was a photo of Mitt Romney and Paul Ryan standing in front of their campaign aircraft and included “…what happens in the U.S., and what that government decides, affects the world and can be of incalculable importance to free countries like Canada.” It seemingly was an endorsement of the Republican candidates and certainly America. Thank you for that.
So what’s the point you ask? What does this have to do with Peltier, Jumping Bull and the murder of two FBI agents?

Well, a lot actually. Not the least of which is that Canada, our longtime democratic ally and neighbor to the North, with their small but highly skilled and professional military has been side-by-side with American armed forces in every major conflict for freedom and democracy for many decades, especially those perilous days on the Normandy beaches and of late, Afghanistan.

But Peter also said in the same editorial “I think tolerance towards extremists that advocate terrorism is a form of insanity that threatens the 21st century.” He’s certainly astute on that point. But what of the 20th century extremists, homegrown in the U.S., that under the guise of helping correct wrongs of the past created more anguish for their people and accomplished nothing in the process except death and destruction and a sham of ideology? Yes, we’re talking about the American Indian Movement (AIM), and Leonard Peltier.

On the LPDOC website recently was another Worthington article entitled “Leonard Peltier’s Sole Crime Was His Heritage,” within which he provided some patently erroneous information.

So how can someone who apparently has such a broad worldview be so myopic and fact-less when it comes to one homicidal U.S. inmate? Peter regurgitates the Peltier boilerplate without one ounce of proof to support his, or Peltier’s claims.

It would take some time to respond to all of Peter’s claims so we’ll just debunk a few of them, a few that a serious journalist could verify himself if the blinders and the uncomfortable and unprofessional adoration were removed.

“60 Indians were murdered – with no arrests or convictions.” Try this for starters: http://www.noparolepeltier.com/response.html#7, and by the way…there’s always Anna Mae Aquash for your consideration. A murder by AIM. (“which was once a more radical rival to the NCAI” you say. Really? Just radical? Discuss that concept with her family or the two in prison for her murder. Actually, the jury may still be out on that as well, considering the implications of Peltier putting a gun in her mouth and rampant suspicions that he at least had some tacit involvement).

Regarding Peltier’s extradition from Canada:

“Myrtle Poor Bear testified she witnessed Peltier shooting the agents…” Well, would it come as a surprise that at Peltier’s trial: “Indeed, defense counsel, anticipating that she would be called as a witness for the government, described her in his opening statement as a ‘witness whose {F.2d 333} mental imbalance is so gross as to render her testimony unbelievable.’” (http://www.noparolepeltier.com/585.html, II.B.2.b.i, if you want to look it up.) So if she was that critical why were Peltier’s attorneys so afraid of her testimony?

But the final word comes from Peter’s own government:

In a four page letter dated October 12, 1999 (not ancient history, but recent to the Peltier debate), from A. Anne McLellan, Canadian Minister of Justice to U.S. Attorney General, Janet Reno, who reviewed the entire Peltier extradition matter stated:

"As I indicated above, I have concluded that Mr. Peltier was lawfully extradited to the United States." "The record demonstrates that the case was fully considered by the courts and by the then Minister of Justice. There is no evidence that has come to light since then that would justify a conclusion that the decisions of the Canadian courts and Minister of Justice should be interfered with." The entire letter can be read here: http://www.noparolepeltier.com/canadaletter.html

It’s amusing, ironically really, that Peter references the acquittal of Butler and Robideau on the basis of “self-defense.” So, essentially ambushing two federal agents and then blowing their faces away wouldn’t be viewed as murder in Canada? I think it would. And have you followed at all how deeply Robideau placed himself and Peltier at the scene of the crime? Geesh, please do some serious research. Mr. X would be a great place to start and while you’re at it, it was Robideau who said, “They died like worms.” And he ought to know, because, by his own admission, he was there. I suspect if someone said that about dead Royal Canadian Mounted Police Officers, it would not be well received up North either.

Visiting Peltier three times in Leavenworth was a cute anecdote; guess the Kokopelli charmed you on that one. I visited him in Lewisburg, but it was a more serious occasion telling the parole-hearing officer all the things that Peltier has said over the years. I was neither charmed nor impressed by the bloated felon sitting next to me.

And the charitable acts, model prisoner, Nobel Peace Prize nominee is just so much hogwash; if you have that expression up there. Take a look at where some of his awards and charitable activities really come from:
http://www.noparolepeltier.com/debate.html#fraud

Although, Peter does have a sense of humor by pointing out Peltier’s alleged anguish when learning his recent cellmate was a serial killer. “Peltier was genuinely shocked that he’d have to share a cell with someone who was a dangerous criminal.” Really? That is funny. We heard of a compelling different anguish that the serial killer didn’t want to be stuck in a cell with a phony, self-possessed, narcissistic, make-believe Indian warrior Chief wannabe. That’s being facetious, of course, but probably not too terribly off the mark. Peltier only has two murders to his credit. That we know of.

Summing it up Peter puts this fine-point on the Peltier matter, that he was an activist who got caught up in the politics of the times and has been a scapegoat.

So, setting the Peltier mythology aside for a moment and that fundamental jurisprudence both here and North of the 49th Parallel is based upon the presumption of innocence, please point to anything that supports Peltier’s claims, and yours, that he’s innocent.
                                                                        * * *

Columbus Day: Peltier’s Columbus Day message was repeated boilerplate with more of an edge this year. Hard to argue with the concept that celebrating Columbus Day (I would assume by the vast majority of Native Americans) rings hollow for the devastation that followed while the number of Europeans (and their descendants) increased as the relentless Manifest Destiny pushed westward unabated. Calling it Indigenous Day may not be all that bad of an idea (except certainly to Italian Americans). And that’s where most of the problem rests; too much classifying and categorizing…but we’re a long way from the melting pot and getting, it seems, further away all the time. But Peltier, true-to-form wants to take some credit for the change with, “…if in some way my incarceration and sacrifices for our People…” Afraid not, your people are the ones in the adjacent cells, in the chow hall and in the yard, the fellow ‘dangerous criminals’ you have lived with for many years now. Those other people, Native Americans, you failed miserably.
                                                                       * * *

Means: Peltier’s rather short epitaph for the recent death of AIM founder Russell Means was cautiously worded, walking a fine line between all that is known about him; the somewhat good things along with the secrets and hypocrisy. You “couldn’t ignore him,” Peltier says, and he was “an inspiration for all of us younger guys at the time.” Apparently he was a lot smarter too, living in both worlds, conniving one and being enriched by the other, and not spending his entire life behind bars. Peltier says, “so I know I will see Russell again.” Maybe, but not so fast: Before either of you face each other The Creator will have a few questions. And when that time comes, all the excuses, alibis, fabrications and outright lies won’t pass that test. It may be a cold day in Hell indeed before Peltier and Means may meet face to face again. Besides, just how many times did Russell visit Leonard in prison anyway?
                                                                       * * *

Belgium: There’s a simple answer to this question. “Good News from Belgium,” was a recent LPDOC post proclaiming support by a parliamentarian for Peltier adding that “recognizing the fact that the American justice system has structural shortcomings.” Really? Belgium folded to the Nazi onslaught in 18 days but was liberated and allowed to return to freedom by the United States. That doesn’t minimize the bravery of the many Belgium’s who fought gallantly alongside the Americans, British and (for Peter), the Canadians. Belgium’s government and society is segmented along cultural, language, and strong religious divides, but no matter how any Belgian’s may feel or are mistaken and confused about Peltier facts, the short answer is, Who Cares? It’s simply none of their business and all it does is make Peltier think he’s more important than he will ever be. (Elsie, you still out there?)
                                                                      * * *

The Users; Peltier has been plagued with supporters; genuine believers, those who have no clue about the facts beyond what Peltier has spoon-fed them, those who hate the United States (but still remain here nonetheless…ever wonder why no one is trying to escape from America) and use him as just another anti-American tool (the Jericho Movement is a prime example), and those who, without latching onto Peltier’s notoriety, would remain what they are, losers. Those who have joined the club, brandish their membership cards and have neither the facts nor a clue about what Peltier is all about; those who have floated around and accomplished nothing. They pretend they are something that they never have been; like marginal musicians who hit the big venues like a Tap room, guitar shops and cigar bars and are largely ignored as the chatter continues in the foreground. Those who adopt Indian sounding names believing that in some way it will connect them to the make-believe Peltier world and increase their own failing existence. Like those who try to make a tribute to the famous and only embarrass themselves. (For a further related reference, see the Rezinate blog: http://rezinate.wordpress.com/2012/11/04/the-goose-that-lays-the-golden-eggs/#comment-3670)

But these are the good cronies. The kind Peltier cherishes because they are cut of the same cloth; mindless foul-mouthed followers of the rhetoric that won’t be confused by the facts. These are the Peltier supporters who turn-off the ones who just might consider coming into the Peltier camp, but witnessing these antics instead head for the flap to get out of the tent.

All this though is a benefit for Peltier as it just makes other inmates envious. Those souls spending minutes that pass like hours with no end in sight, watching Peltier pick up his bundle during mail call. But even with that false adoration from the outside, the concrete walls aren’t getting any further apart.

We’ll leave Peltier with this to contemplate, his very own words as it turns out: “There’s an ever-present background chorus of shouts and yells and calls, demented babblings, crazed screams, ghostlike laughter. Maybe one day you realize one of those voices is your own, and then you really begin to worry.”

Listen, and be worried.

“In the Spirit of Coler and Williams”
Ed Woods

Not the only place in town....

where Peltier's alleged innocence is dismantled.

Recently posted to Rezinate by the NPPA:

When launched on April 30, 2000, the NPPA was the only website, to my knowledge, (aside from the FBI Minneapolis Office that had a RESMURS section), to challenge what was the dominance of the LPDC on the Internet. The initial reaction was rabid and rapid. It started with a “guest book,” (admittedly naively) believing that there could be some meaningful debate. After about six months of trying to reason with Peltier supporters (with the record and facts) it became a diversion…perhaps their intention…because every time it came down to specifics, the response was to segue into the ether of irrelevance, or the old standby, Cointelpro. So it was shut down. In the meantime the “Debate Continues” section continued with Editorial Essays laying out the facts and responding to every-single-one of Peltier’s shallow claims of innocence. Much of this was shared with him personally in July 2009. All the questions have been answered and the material speaks for itself; now the periodic Blog is sufficient to bring current issues up to date. I have neither the time nor the patience to reargue points with people who’s minds are closed or with those obstinate ones who don’t have the proverbial dog in the fight, or that it’s in their nature just to be annoying. Although, some personal debates have resulted in Peltier supporters changing their opinions about the folklore they had accepted as fact; the out of touch with reality Swearingen being one of them. The many others I have kept in confidence. And, to be certain (because the evidence was there years ago that the LPDC was keeping important matters…from…Peltier), that every time something is posted on the website, Peltier, initially at Leavenworth, then Lewisburg, and now at Coleman, receives a hard copy in the mail. And as for clemency, and for whomever cares what anyone in Belgium has to say on the matter, we’ll just remind those who will contemplate his freedom what he said not very long ago, “I never thought my commitment would mean sacrificing like this, but I was willing to do so nonetheless. And really, if necessary, I’d do it all over again, because it was the right thing to do.” And, of course, the old standby of Peltier watching as Joe Stuntz put on the dead agent’s jacket, and smiling. Peltier wasn’t in Seattle that day. I’ll leave the exposure of AIM to those, like Rezinate, LBW and others, who have studied, experienced it, and know the facts about the damage AIM has done to the ’cause’ of Native American rights. The NPPA will concentrate on Peltier, exposing his lies and fabrications, ensure he remains where he is, while continuing to honor the memory and sacrifice of two young men who died a brutal death at his hands.

"In the Spirt of Coler and Williams"
Ed Woods

PELTIER....Other observations of myths & lies...

Dear supporters:

Breaking with NPPA tradition, we will now periodically (with permission) post blogs from other websites that help further define the fabrications surrounding the Peltier folklore.

“In the Spirit of Coler and Williams”

Ed woods

Re-posted from “Rezinate,” October 10, 2012:

http://rezinate.wordpress.com/2012/10/10/just-for-the-sake-of-discussion-pt-3/

Strewn across the net in various videos, articles, and statements made by Peltier are these cautionary considerations he voices-conflicting statements  like he doesn’t know who so and so is “but” if he did he wouldn’t say, or  that yes he did fire upon the agents, but not at them, just in their general direction-among the many other examples is the one quoted below….below where he contradicts other statements once again in saying he was SHOOTING AT THEM.

These qualifications are much the same as a wink and nod-and Peltier invariably says he if wants to get out of prison he can’t say certain things-and there is the wink-he’s letting you in on a secret.

In his desire to be the myth, to be a warrior, other than a sniveling coward,  he is compelled to dangle the carrot-to keep hope alive for those who have chosen him for their fantasy team.

He embellishes this with self flattery like:

“…people on my reservation know about what happened that day. They know who fought  hard and they know who was courageous and they know who was the hero. They know I  fought very, very hard. I was not afraid. I stood there (unintelligible)  enemy as a warrior should when he is victorious. I wasn’t afraid. I wasn’t afraid any of those times. I can’t get up here and say, tell the world I was a courageous warrior. Especially in this system, I can’t tell the system I was shooting at their police officers THAT WERE TRYING TO ARREST ME.

But foot in the mouth does it again in the final words I have capitalized-his belief  that they were coming to arrest him for that Wisconsin warrant-none of what followed resulted from anything other than that.
 
So Peltier is correct-he can’t tell the true story because the moment he does it is over for him.

In a question about warrior traditions among plains tribes he is asked if it was common once an enemy had fallen did people come up to touch them or take items, and did that occur related to Williams and Coler? 

Peltier immediately seeks to cover his ass by saying:

“No. I never got close to them.”- A lie he admits to in subsequent interviews when being advised that Robideau has placed them there.

When asked if any other people did he replies-”I think some of the other people  might have, yes.”

When asked if some of the items taken from the agents would be a part of that tradition he responds: (But if these “other” people did all the taking and Peltier wasn’t even present  to see it how does that account for one of the agents handgun being found in the  RV during the Oregon stop with Peltier’s fingerprints? Yeah, I know the predictable response to that “somebody might have given it to him”-uh huh, and “somebody” supposedly saw Annie alive after her murder.)

“Part of the old way. I think some of the other people might have come, too. That’s  why you might have heard some of the people say they were down by the cars. They  wanted (unintelligible), traditional ways, old ways to strip your enemy of everything  he has, strip him completely. Yeah. I can’t say if I did or not. I know I didn’t but even if I had, I can’t say these things. I can’t tell you actions I did to hold back those forces from capturing my people? You know how much gunfire I laid out, stuff like this, I can’t do it. I just can’t. I’m going to be hurting myself. If they read that they’re going to be twice as angry.

The public would love it. Sale would jump up. I’ll have to consider that down  he road when I find out.”        (Find out ,meaning if he is released at some point).
 
 When you get out, publish the new revised edition? He is asked, and he responds:
“Right, yes. “

He fought to ” hold back those forces from capturing my people”. 

Exactly what forces-two agents? And who was trying capture his people-which people  specifically? Peltier’s statement of  “his people” amounts to nothing more than himself-but even the agents didn’t know he was there-they were after Jimmy Eagle to serve multiple warrants that went beyond the “boots” lie LPDOC has floated, and included assault and unlawful detention, which  amounts to kidnapping.

“Yeah. I can’t say if I did or not. I know I didn’t but even if I had, I can’t say these things.”
 
Always the mantra, always the cover story-the wink and the nod -Peltier in his desperation to be seen as “traditional” warrior can’t resist dangling the carrot, or even recognize that each time he does he reveals himself a little more.

By any estimation, any metric, this is a stupid man. But more than that an egotistical pathetic excuse for a human being.

PELTIER....CRITICAL POSTINGS

Dear Supporters:

Ed Woods and FBI Misconduct was publicly posted to the Internet on October 6, 2012 by Leonard Peltier through his surrogate, the Leonard Peltier Defense Offense Committee (LPDOC), as well as distributed to an email list.

Leonard Peltier is individually responsible for the content of this posting which breaches the standard of slander and libel.

Aside from the slander and libel, this is actually a compliment to the NPPA and an admission of failure by Peltier and the LPDOC.

Peltier unsuccessfully tries to tie together and denigrate with disparate allegations that have no relevance, except to demonstrate the success of the NPPA that Peltier is unable to refute the folklore and myth that the NPPA website documents.

This writer will not spend the time discounting all the voluminous errors of Peltier’s allegations, the vast majority of which relate to unreliable, questionable and shallow sources.

 A very minor example being, Anthony J. Pellicano, who is serving fifteen years for a combined 78 counts of criminal activity including wiretapping, racketeering and wire fraud.  He previously served time for illegal weapons possession and was dumb enough to act as his own attorney at one trial. Pellicano is due to get out on his birthday in 2019 from the Federal Prison in Big Spring, Texas. A fabulous source for sure. And this doesn’t even scratch the surface.

Each time Peltier and the LPDOC repeat a myth or promotes a new one, or misstates the facts, the NPPA challenges and corrects those statements with verifiable facts and findings, documenting them with identifiable sources such as: the court records and trial transcripts, Mathiessen’s, “In the Spirit of Crazy Horse, Peltier’s, “Prison Writings,” Miramax’s “Incident at Oglala,” whoisleonardpeltier.info, and most significantly, co-conspirators, Bob Robideau and Dino Butler, and of course to a great extent, Leonard Peltier himself.

Peltier’s and the LPDOC’s approach remains to segue from the facts, remain unresponsive to challenges to prove any aspect of Peltier’s claims of innocence and to cower when a direct challenge has been lodged against them.

The LPDOC has been uniquely unsuccessful in maintaining either its management and leadership network or a posse of consistently loyal supporters; hence, the constant cry for more funds, which still have never been accounted for.

The end result of this rare attack will have effect only on those few remaining supporters who cannot see beyond the myth or are unwilling or unable to explore and understand the facts. But these are exactly the kind of followers Peltier needs and wants.

“In the Spirit of Coler and Williams”

Ed Woods