Congressional Hearings on COINTELPRO and the Pine Ridge "Reign of Terror"

President Barack H. Obama The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue Washington, DC 20500 (Insert Date) Dear President Obama: If you, as President, truly seek freedom and justice for all you must act to right the wrongs committed by our government in years gone by. Begin by granting Executive Clemency to Leonard Peltier. Leonard Peltier, an innocent man, was convicted for the 1975 shooting deaths of two agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. U.S. prosecutors have repeatedly admitted that they did not and cannot prove Peltier's guilt and the appellate courts have cited numerous instances of investigative and prosecutorial misconduct in this case. As late as November 2003, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals acknowledged that "…Much of the government’s behavior at the Pine Ridge Reservation and its prosecution of Leonard Peltier is to be condemned. The government withheld evidence. It intimidated witnesses. These facts are not disputed." The courts claim they lack the power to right this wrong. But, as President, you can. After careful consideration of the facts in Leonard Peltier's case, I have concluded that Leonard Peltier does not represent a risk to the public. First, Leonard Peltier has no prior convictions and has advocated for non-violence throughout his prison term. Furthermore, Leonard Peltier has been a model prisoner. He has received excellent evaluations from his work supervisors on a regular basis. He continues to mentor young Native prisoners, encouraging them to lead clean and sober lives. He has used his time productively, disciplining himself to be a talented painter and an expressive writer. Although Leonard Peltier maintains that he did not kill the agents, he has openly expressed remorse and sadness over their deaths. Most admirably, Leonard Peltier contributes regular support to those in need. He donates his paintings to charities including battered women's shelters, half way houses, alcohol and drug treatment programs,

It's time to end the repression of Native Americans. People no longer trust the government to do the right thing. Freeing Leonard Peltier, who was comvicted on manufactured evidence to stop the movement would be a step in regaining that trust.

These allegations must be investigated.

This has gone on way to long, being neglected for far to long. What if he was your son in prison ? What would you do then ? Do the right thing, and investigate this injustice.