First published in 1983, then updated in 1991, In the Spirit of Crazy Horse, written by Peter Matthiessen, shows clearly that the FBI was eager to find, derail and imprison any AIM leaders it could find – withholding evidence, intimidating witnesses, often acting contrary to American principles. Peter Matthiessen was convinced of Leonard Peltier’s innocence, and of the FBI’s war on the American Indian Movement (AIM), and that is why he wrote the book.
And Leonard Peltier is still in prison. He has been in prison since 1976. It is very unlikely he committed the crimes he is accused of – and in any case, would likely have been released by now, if he was anyone but a member of AIM. He has been in prison nearly 40 years, and is in bad health.
He has become a famous painter, and contributes his paintings to many groups, to raise funds for their causes, and for children on the reservations. He has been officially nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize in 2004 and 2007. Amnesty International long ago named him a political prisoner, and continues to push for his release, as do many other groups and individuals.
The Southern Christian Leadership Conference, National Congress of American Indians, the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Center for Human Rights, Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Afrida, Rev. Jesse Jackson, and the Dalai Lama also believe Leonard Peltier to be a political prisoner, and have called for him to be immediately released.
I talk to The Universe every day about releasing Leonard, and have been thus talking for over 10 years. And thank Peter Matthiessen’s Spirit for making all this real for the rest of us.
I am focusing my efforts and energy on President Obama pardoning him after the successful-for-Democrats 2014 election. I am holding the picture of this artist, spiritual teacher, writer and man of peace walking out of prison in early December, 2014, to spend the rest of his days and his nights with his people.
Namaste, Leonard. I do indeed salute the Divine within you.