Forty years ago on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, a major event in American history took place. It was so long ago that most people either don't remember it, or have never heard of it because they had not been born yet.
Two FBI agents, Jack R. Coler and Ronald A.Williams entered an American Indian reservation at Pine Ridge, South Dakota, for the purpose of arresting an American Indian by the name of Jimmy Eagle on robbery charges. At some point, for whatever reason gunfire was exchanged. Unfortunately the two FBI agents died that day from gunshot wounds.
There has been much controversy and varied opinions as to what actually happened that day at Pine Ridge in June of 1975 between the FBI and the members of the American Indian Movement (AIM). Eventually Leonard Peltier, the leader of AIM and two other American Indians, Bob Robideau and Dino Butler were arrested for murder. Although the prosecution had matching evidence against all three, Leonard Peltier was the only one to be found guilty of murder and was sentenced to two consecutove life terms. Robideau and Butler were acquitted upon the jury hearing evidence that was presented by the defense. The defense persuaded the Jury that a history of fear and violence at Pine Ridge may have led to what the defendants believed at the time to be self defense.
The presiding Judge in Peltier's case was Judge Paul Benson. After granting Peltier a change of venue, Judge Benson had the case sent to his home town of Fargo, North Dakota. An all- white jury of ten men and two women was selected. Judge Benson quickly gave the prosecutors some important victories. The judge ruled that any evidence of any possible improprieties at Pine Ridge by the FBI prior to June 26, 1975, would not be admissible in court. He did however rule that pictures of the slain FBI agents could be shown to the jury.
Many groups including Amnesty International as well as American Indian celebrities such as Robert Redford and the late Marlon Brando, have fought to have Leonard Peltier pardoned for the last forty years to no avail. The supporters of Peltier believe he did not receive a fair trial because of his leadership role in AIM. They also believe that because it was FBI agents that died that day, the U.S. Government had to find someone guilty, and that only left Peltier.We have all heard the phrase "You can't fight city hall." try fighting in Federal Court with a Judge who has already determined your fate.
On December 16, 2000 three hundred FBI agents marched on the White House to urge then President Clinton to reject clemency for Peltier. A reporter for a California newspaper stated that he or she found the news coverage on the march to be "slanted" in favor of the FBI.
On December 22, 2000 six days after the FBI march, the Chicago Tribune Published an article titled "No Clemency For Murderer Peltier". The Author (unknown) used very descriptive language such as "ambush", "gaping wounds" (referring to the IRS agents injuries). The Author also comments on how as the FBI agents died, as they were lying in the dust. Midway through the article the author also states that "What has not changed is that Peltier is as guilty as it gets".
On December 27, 2000 before leaving office, President Clinton stated that he would review the 1975 Peltier case as well as other clemency cases.
Leonard Peltier is still in prison in Lewisburg, Pensylvania. Is it possible that one or a series of "slanted" articles, elected officials, broadcasts, public outcries etc.,can determine the future course of how we live or don't live our lives?
......Cane Man
References: <http://law2.umkc.edu/faculty/projects/trial/peltier/peltieraccount.html>, <http://amnestyusa.org/our-work/issues/security-and-human-rights/leonard-peltier>, <http:www.chicagotribune.com>, <http://articles.latimes,com/keyword/leonard-peltier>
I've never heard of this case before; it is very unfortunate that these things happen. I also never knew that Robert Redford was indian. Having him fight fight for this man means a lot, he's putting his reputation as an actor on the line. Thanks for sharing!
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