Statement of Leonard Peltier

Wednesday 19 April 1995

Greetings My Friends and Supporters,

The weather is not the only thing heating up these days. Unfortunately, so is the political right. I do not have to explain to you what the disastrous results of the Contract With America and the Crime Bill will be. We are already beginning to see it as youngsters are being denied school lunches and their parents refused affordable housing, as their brothers are marched off to jail.

What are we building for our children? Not schools or playgrounds, not safe and adequate housing, not systems to clean the air and water. We are allowing the government to rip these rights from our childrens' hands. We are letting our elected officials build prisons in which they will store our young people until they are old enough to grow angry over the system they are forced to live within.

They are trying to tell you that this is not only what America wants but what America needs. How long will you let them patronize you and lie in your face? Just over 30% of the population voted last election day. The simple conclusion is that this is NOT what the majority of citizens want, but they were too lazy to say so.

Now is the time to make amends for past inaction, because if we wait on the sidelines it will be too late. The Constitution is being breached. Your rights are dwindling away. This is not a police state, but apathy will ensure that it becomes one. I ask you please to take action now and let those in Washington, D.C. know you will not stand for their inane political hyperbole. You can take them out of office by voting. You have that power. I encourage you to contact the National People's Campaign on page 4 of this newsletter. (Typists note: The mentioned article appears at the end of this letter.)

I also ask that you make every attempt to join us once again in Washington, D.C. for Peltier Weekend. Amnesty International has offered to co-host an event that is shaping up to be both powerful and enlightening. If you are interested in attending, simply contact my LPDC for additional information as the organizing continues. We must make our impact felt in the nation's capital. It is imperative if we are to succeed in our efforts.

Finally, I want to thank those of you who continue to participate in the Executive Clemency Campaign. Your work has been vital to keeping my case on the President's mind. Your support means the world to me as I wait for my freedom. You keep hope alive!

In the Spirit of Crazy Horse,
Leonard Peltier