PELTIER

(My response to a query by a Native relative on how I see the Peltier situation at this point. H. )

We certainly agree completely on Peltier's victimization.  It was his great 
misfortune to be tried in Fargo, before Judge Benson, and not in Cedar 
Rapids as were the other two and subsequently acquitted defendants.  North 
Dakota, on that kind of issue, is not Iowa.  I don't know if Peltier's 
defense forces, as they stood at that point, could have done more to block 
Fargo as the trial setting.

At various points over the years, I've talked extensively with some of 
Peltier's lawyers.  One of those was Bill Kunstler who I knew from the civil 
rights era where he represented me in several cases.  I think they have used 
every legal "angle" they could to either free him or get a new trial.  Bill, 
who died in '95, was an epitome of legal creativity -- and his sometime 
colleague, Arthur Kinoy, who I also knew, was tops in finding legal "pegs on 
which to hang a hat."

And Leonard has had, and still does to some extent, other extremely 
competent lawyers.

The problem, as we know, is Federal pressure -- especially from the FBI. 
And political cowardice as well.

Clinton should have pardoned Peltier, but didn't have the courage.  Obama 
doesn't appear to have any courage.

In the past, South Dakota politicos joined the FBI in opposing any pardon. 
The prime movers in S.D. were Janklow and Daschle,  The former is dead and 
the latter long retired.  But, of course, the FBI lives on.

Even Tim Giago, no friend of AIM or Peltier, has called for a new trial. 
This was several years ago.

While I see things every so often from Leonard's defense committee, the 
missives seem fewer and farther between.  At several points, the committee 
has had factional problems.

Frankly, I think the only chance for a pardon or new trial lies in pressure 
from "high level" individuals, nationally and globally.

Anyway, that's my take on a very sad and sorry situation.

Hunter Bear


HUNTER GRAY [HUNTER BEAR/JOHN R SALTER JR] Mi'kmaq / 
St. Francis Abenaki / St. Regis Mohawk 
Member, National Writers Union AFL-CIO

Check out our massive social justice website
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