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.
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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.
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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