http://lpdoc.blogspot.com/
Thursday, August 12, 2010
September is Peltier Month: Attend an Event Near You
September Calendar of Peltier Events
September 12
Celebrating Leonard Peltier
34 Years of Standing Strong
Honor Leonard Peltier for his 66th birthday
Help build the movement to bring about
Leonard's release from prison.
American Indian Education Center (AIEC)
749 Story Rd. (at Remillard)
San Jose, CA 95122
Program:
• Update on Leonard Peltier
• Statement by Leonard Peltier
• Sign birthday cards to Leonard
• Join us for a birthday meal & cake
Save the date! Bring your family & friends!
Sponsored by LPDOC Chapter - Silicon Valley, CA, USA. For more information, contact Donna (h) 408-293-4774 or (cell) 408-569-6608; also email: FreeLeonardPeltier@hotmail.com.
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Berkeley, CA: Peltier birthday event @ La Pena Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Avenue, Berkeley, CA - (510) 849-2568 - from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. Sponsored by AIM-WEST and the LPDOC Chapter - Northern California, USA. For more information: http://aimwest.info/.
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Albuquerque, NM: Birthday Party for Leonard Peltier sponsored by the Jericho Chapter of Albuquerque and the LPDOC Chapter - Albuquerque, NM, USA. 5:00 to 9:00 pm. @ Albuquerque Center for Peace and Justice, 202 Harvard, SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106.
It's a Potluck! Bring a dish to share and your "spare" coins for Leonard's commissary account.
Contact Paulette D'auteuil at albq.jericho@gmail.com or Peter Clark at lpsupport@whoisleonardpeltier.info for more information.
September 20-28
Bergen Community College, Paramus, NJ, and the LPDOC Chapter - Toms River, NJ, USA Present: Native American Heritage Week and Intertribal Pow Wow
Speakers:
Sep 20 - Clyde Bellecourt, Co-Founder, AIM
Sep 21 - Bill Means, International Indian Treaty Council
Sep 22 - Bruce Ellison, Leonard Peltier Legal Team
Sep 23 - Chief Duane Perry, Ramapough Lenape Nation
Sep 24 - V. Blackhawk Aamodt, Film Maker, The Ghost Riders
Pow Wow on 24-25 Sep 2010
For information, contact Raymond Rubiano, LPDOC Chapter -Toms River, NJ, USA at 732-644-1682 or Ray@allamericancrow.com.
More announcements to come or visit the LPDOC's Calendar of Events .
Date: Sun, 27 Jun 2010 09:41:59 -0400
Subject: Leonard's 2010 Statement
From: oglala_comm@yahoo.com
www.oglalacommemoration.com
June 26, 2010
Greetings,
I want to first say thank you - thank you for taking the time and making the commitment to come to this place - but thank you mostly for remembering. Sometimes I sit in this cage and I find myself wondering if anyone really remembers. Many days, remembering is all my mind allows me to do. So, again, thank you. Thank you for bearing witness and being a part of a living memory.
But maybe the most important thing I'd like to say is don't forget. Not ever.
You must be the historians who keep this lesson alive because this story isn't about one day, one event, one person, or even one lifetime. This is a story that goes all the way back to the day a misguided fool, whose name I won't even mention, led his troops in an attack on innocent people at the Greasy Grass, and in the process got himself and over two hundred of his troopers killed. And while the victors on that day had no choice but to defend themselves, we have been the victims of a genocidal revenge that continues until this very moment. So don't forget. Not ever.
It is vengeance that preoccupies the mind of the colonizer. It is this fervor to show us who is boss that led to the massacre at Wounded Knee, the theft of the Black Hills, the establishment of boarding schools, and the criminalization of our languages and traditional ways. It is vengeance that armed the GOON squads, killed our leaders, and surrounded our people at Wounded Knee again in 1973. Revenge is why they today prosecute Indian people for the crimes they know the government committed during their murderous campaigns of the last generation. Vengeance is what killed Joe Stuntz, Anna Mae Aquash, Buddy Lamont and so many others. Getting even is what keeps me in prison. So don't forget. Not ever.
All of these events are bound together, interrelated and interdependent. And quite clearly the lesson they intend for us to learn is don't defend yourselves. Don't stand up for what is right. Don't think for yourselves. Don't choose to be who you are. Don't remember your ancestors. Don't live in defense of the Earth. Don't you do it! Don't even think about it. If you do, this government - this mindset of control - will unleash an attack so vast it will even seek to destroy our genetic memories. So don't forget. Not ever.
In days past, some among our people were induced to become "scouts". For whatever reasons, these individuals made possible the treacherous campaigns that resulted in the deaths of countless innocent people. These days - sadly - there are still these types amongst us. The government preys on the weaknesses of these people, inducing them to turn against the rest of us. The government uses this treachery to cover up state sanctioned murder and terrorism. They do this and then tell us that what we remember didn't really happen at all, as though memory or truth is something to be shaped and molded to fit a preconceived outcome. So don't forget. Not ever.
We gather today after decades and generations of blood and trauma. We gather in defiance.
And we remember.
We remember not just one day or one event, because remembering what occurred on June 25 or June 26 - or any particular date - is important, but not as important as an understanding of the ongoing campaign of colonization. This is a continuing human drama of slaughter and uncontrollable bloodlust and we're still here, engaged in our running defense; praying for balance, peace and justice; and trying to make some sense of it all. Perhaps, in the face of such a menace, the most important thing we can do is remember. So teach your children. Pass this knowledge. Don't forget. Not ever.
Remembering is resisting and, if we remember, then we'll be free one day. Free of their mindset. Free of their theft. Free of their guns and their bombs. Free of their cages. Free to be who we are.
And free of their fear. That's the truest freedom of all and true freedom is what this is really all about, not the illusion of freedom they offer us.
So don't forget. Not ever.
In the Spirit of Crazy Horse,
Leonard Peltier
http://groups.google.com/group/alt.obituaries/
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2010/06/22/heaney-obit/
Gerald Heaney, influential Minn. judge, dies at 92
by Bob Kelleher, Minnesota Public Radio
June 22, 2010
Duluth, Minn. -- Retired federal appeals court Judge Gerald Heaney, a longtime DFL activist and an influential jurist, died Tuesday in his hometown of Duluth. He was 92.
One of Heaney's highest profile cases occurred in the 1980s, when Heaney helped draw up a plan to desegregate the St. Louis schools, creating the largest student transfer for racial balance in the United States.
Heaney was appointed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th circuit by President Lyndon Johnson in 1966, after being nominated by Minnesota U.S. Sen. Eugene McCarthy. Heaney lived in Duluth and served in that city, as well as in St. Paul and the 8th circuit's base in St. Louis, Missouri.
Heaney authored or helped write opinions that desegregated schools in Omaha, Neb., Little Rock, Ark. and St. Louis. The voluntary plan he helped craft for St. Louis has been modeled by several other districts.
"We have lost a very good person. I'm quite saddened by it," said Susan Uchitelle, who was appointed to run the St. Louis Metropolitan Voluntary Intra-district Transfer Program.
The program was voluntary for students, but the suburban school districts around St. Louis had to participate.
"So that African-American students in St. Louis would have the opportunity to choose, and go to one of 16 suburban school districts that had less than a 25 percent minority population," she said.
Heaney oversaw the desegregation plan for 20 years, often visiting St. Louis. Uchitelle says he always wanted to share dinner with inner city students who took classes in the suburbs.
Heaney also was key in a case involving American Indian activist Leonard Peltier, who was convicted of killing two FBI agents in a shoot-out on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.
While Heaney twice confirmed Peltier's conviction, he also urged clemency for Peltier to help heal the rift between Pine Ridge tribal members and whites.
Heaney was an outspoken opponent of the death penalty, and a champion for women's rights.
Before his appointment to the appeals court, Heaney was a longtime political activist. He grew up in Goodhue County, and spent 20 years practicing law in Duluth.
Along with leading Minnesota Democrats Orville Freeman and Hubert Humphrey, Heaney fought in 1948 to keep the Democratic Party from moving too far left, staying on the side of incumbent President Harry Truman over Henry Wallace.
Heaney helped organize Hubert Humphrey's 1948 U.S. Senate campaign.
Heaney was also a war hero, landing in Normandy on D-Day, 1944, and fighting across Europe during World War II, earning the Silver and Bronze Stars.
In a 2006 interview with Minnesota Public Radio, Heaney explained how his life influenced his decisions from the bench.
"My life experience -- for growing up in a small town, a kind father, serving the Army, representing the labor movement, being involved in politics -- and so finally when you get a hard case, a tough case that people can reasonably disagree on, it comes down to really what you think is best for our country in the long run," Heaney said at the time.
Remembrances of Heaney are pouring in from top Democrats.
Minnesota U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar said Judge Heaney was one of the most influential legal minds in Minnesota's history.
Former Vice President Walter Mondale called Heaney one of the truly remarkable Minnesotans and Americans in modern history.
"I personally think he should have been on the Supreme Court," said Mondale. "Before he went on the bench he was a leader in DFL politics. He was very close to Hubert [Humphrey], and to Gene McCarthy, John Blatnik -- almost to everybody ... [He was] a wonderful, wonderful human being with a marvelous record."
U.S. Rep. Jim Oberstar, who represents Minneesota's 8th Congressional District, said he talked with Heaney just last Friday. Oberstar said Heaney's mind was alert and keen, and his sense of humor was intact -- as was his passion.
Heaney retired from the appeals court in 2006. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Eleanor. Services are pending.
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(c.)2010 Google
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[In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. section 107, this material is distributed without profit or payment to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving this information for non-profit research and educational purposes only.]
http://lpdoc.blogspot.com/2010/06/opening-ceremony-us-social-forum.html
LEONARD PELTIER: STATEMENT FOR THE OPENING CEREMONY U.S. SOCIAL FORUM-DETROIT
June 22, 2010
Welcome to the traditional lands of my people, the Anishinabe... Greetings, my brothers and sisters. Greetings also to my relations from the many different Indigenous Nations who now call this place "Home". Thank you for your warm welcome.
Hello to all the people of conscience in attendance at the US Social Forum. Thank you for taking the time and expense to attend an event that people will talk about for years to come. I know if you focus and believe, this event can be a major step in the development of a new society - one that turns away from fossil fuels, war and the rampant destruction of our universal home and, instead, focuses on the betterment of all... as opposed to the enrichment of a select few.
I ask that you work this week, in particular, toward full recognition of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as an essential component of a just and honorable U.S. human rights policy. As many of you may know, the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was developed over many years with the participation of thousands of Indigenous Peoples. It is consistent with human rights principles as contained in international law, as well as the U.S. Constitution. And, yet, two nations with the largest Indigenous populations - Canada and the United States - have failed to endorse the Declaration. We call upon the United States government to finally endorse the Declaration in its entirety - without qualifications or exceptions - and to work in full partnership with Indigenous Peoples, Tribal governments and Nations to ensure its implementation.
I am Leonard Peltier, an American Indian political prisoner who fought against some of the same ideas and mechanisms many of you are fighting against today. Perhaps it was in a different way and a different time, but many years ago we were warning against the very realities many of you face today. The energy companies were raping Indian Country years ago... long before the oil spills, the mining disasters, and the poisoned waters America has come to know so well. So perhaps you can spare a few minutes to listen to the admonitions of an old man, an old warrior whose wisdom has come at a very high price.
I encourage you to find unity in your various causes, because all of your struggles are linked. Actually, you don't just find unity, you create it... each of you individually. Create unity within your specific organizations. And between them. Link your efforts and find ways to network and maximize those efforts.
Making change has never been more important. Make the most of every second, for time is growing short, as so many prophecies have foretold. Educate others about the realities you are struggling for and against. Especially focus on educating the young people who will further your efforts tomorrow. Know that your sensibilities are a gift from Creator intended to wake up and shake up the world so that we may improve how we treat the Earth and each other.
We Indian people like to say "we are all related". I pass that truth on to you now. Each and every one of you and the work you are doing are related. Let that be your greeting between groups and persons, as well as an ethic... the very spirit of what gatherings like this are intended to be. Practice thinking and saying it until it is automatic. We are all related, so put aside whatever differences you may have and make solidarity a new and constant reality. Remember, this is not your struggle. It is for everyone.
I thank you for taking the time to remember an old activist and perhaps learn from the experiences of another people from another time.
Now go out and change the world! Make it a place you'll be proud to hand to the next seven generations!
Doksha.
In the Spirit of Crazy Horse,
Leonard Peltier
Date: Tue, 08 Jun 2010 14:37:01 -0400
From: "Luis Morago - Avaaz.org" avaaz@avaaz.org
Subject: Who cares about forests?
Dear friends around Europe,
Right now European institutions are deciding on legislation that would ban illegal timber, which devastates forests and enriches organized crime. But certain member states with large timber industries are blocking negotiations. Sign the petition to ban imports of illegal timber and save our forests.![[]](http://avaazimages.s3.amazonaws.com/timber_thumb.jpg)
Within days, the European Union could ban illegal timber from entering the market -- but powerful companies are blocking discussions.
Forests are the habitat and life source of many peoples and are essential in preventing climate change, but while there is high demand for timber, illegal logging thrives, killing species, and fuelling corruption and organized crime.
The European Parliament has just voted for harsh penalties and criminal sanctions for importers of timber that was harvested illegally in other countries, but now the EU Council and the Commission have their say, and some member states with large timber industries are threatening to water down the crucial controls.
Let's build a massive citizens' outcry to get the Council's approval. Sign the petition below, and forward this email to all your friends. Together, we can urge the EU to end illegal timber imports and save our forests. Take action now:
www.avaaz.org/en/eu_stop_illegal_timber/?vl
20-40% of the global timber market is estimated to be illegal. That's roughly 10-15 Billion Euros a year which is stolen and funnelled to criminal syndicates. The US has already approved strong laws against illegal timber -- but the EU is one of the world's leading timber importers and as long as it does not ban the trade, it is directly responsible for around a 3 billion Euros share in this black market.
The social and environmental impacts of this industry are truly devastating and it is inciting money laundering, corruption and violence. Mismanaged deforestation drives global climate change and robs both indigenous peoples and animals, who rely on the forests, of crucial natural resources.
Last year the timber companies beat the ban, working with timber import countries to delay European legislation. But this year the Parliament has proposed even stronger laws and some sectors of the timber industry as well as the UK, Denmark, Belgium and Spain have come out in favour of an outright ban.
Let's not let the companies which fuel misery and destruction win again. Together, we can tackle illegal logging and protect our forests and their peoples. Sign the petition -- then spread the word:
www.avaaz.org/en/eu_stop_illegal_timber/?vl
Forests are a vital resource and our first line of defense on climate change, but they are being destroyed across the planet. When the EU imports this timber we become accomplices to the devastation and environmental crime that criminal networks inflict. Let's tell our leaders it's time to stop.
www.avaaz.org/en/eu_stop_illegal_timber/?vl
With hope,
Luis, Iain, Ricken, Alice, Graziela, Pascal, David, Veronique, Ben, Milena and the rest of the Avaaz team
SOURCES:
See WWF's report on Illegal logging and the EU -- click on the link to download the PDF version: www.avaaz.org/wwf_illegal_timber_report
More on the Parliament vote and Council stand-off:
• http://uk.oneworld.net/article/view/165086/1/5795
• www.europarl.europa.eu/news/public/story_page/064-74282-127-05-19-911-20100507STO74261-2010-07-05-2010/default_en.htm
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Avaaz.org is a 4.9-million-person global campaign network that works to ensure that the views and values of the world's people shape global decision-making. ("Avaaz" means "voice" or "song" in many languages.) Avaaz members live in every nation of the world; our team is spread across 13 countries on 4 continents and operates in 14 languages. Learn about some of Avaaz's biggest campaigns here.
To contact Avaaz, write to us at www.avaaz.org/en/contact or call us at +1-888-922-8229 (US).
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[In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. section 107, this material is distributed without profit or payment to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving this information for non-profit research and educational purposes only.]
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