For some who do not know Leonard Peltier is a Native American who is in prison for murder,that is yet to be proven and that he declairs he is innocent of. There is a new trial set for him after all these years. It is scheduled to be in St. Louis Missouri. They' re moving his trial from the original state to here. In the time I have know of Leonard , He has spoken only of love , peace and people getting along.... I pray for his highest good that the truth come out. Vivian ~Lady Manitou

Date:   3/16/2006 6:44:26 PM ( 18 y ago)

MESSAGE FROM LEONARD PELTIER


Greetings My Relatives:

I say relatives for we are all related in some way. Each year I make
statements commemorating the Oglala incident or the anniversary of my
imprisonment. 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. The only difference
is that you can talk to them on occasion and sometimes see them.

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.

This is the second statement I've written today. My first was quite
political in nature but after thinking about it I realized most of you get
to read the same papers, watch the same news channels that I do. 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 strengths 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 wrong doing.

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. 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.

Life is a learning place. Existence is forever. Challenges are only
challenges because life has given you an opportunity to grow in an area of
your fear or weakness. Perhaps I've talked too much, eh? 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.

I know we don't all have the same capabilities or resources and I know
from experience and history that there will always be those who would
commit injustice against others. I know this is the way of things in the
past and it will continue in the future. But I also know that if has
touched our hearts to do so, 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. We can't individually
stop it or even collectively, however, we can sure slow it up and, pray
to the Creator that his intervention will prevail.

Seriously, know that I love you and that you will be in my prayers.
Thirty years ago on February 6th, or March 6th, I would hardly have been
able to express these feelings. I thank you for your patience, your
time, your support, and your loyalty and for allowing me to share this
existence with you. As someone once said, we are all climbing the same
mountain, just from different sides.

In the Spirit of Crazy Horse,
Mitakuye oyasin!
Leonard Peltier

 

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