Copyright © 2001 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

The criticism of Bill Clinton's handling of pardons should include questions concerning why he did not grant clemency to those who truly deserved it. For example, why didn't Clinton commute the sentence of Leonard Peltier, whose case more than any other would have demonstrated the proper use of the clemency power?

Leonard Peltier has been wrongfully imprisoned for 25 years. Peltier was convicted of murder after a shoot-out on the Pine Ridge Reservation, which resulted in the lives of two FBI agents being lost. An American Indian man's life was also lost, however, his death was never investigated.

Peltier, who had long been under surveillance by the FBI for his association with the American Indian Movement (AIM), was found guilty at a trial where it was discovered later that; witnesses had been coerced, which resulted in false testimony being introduced as evidence, and ballistics tests proving his innocence had been withheld from the defense, so could not be introduced into evidence during the trial.

Today the U.S. Prosecutor admits, "we can't prove who shot those agents." The appellate court found that Peltier might have been acquitted absent the FBI abuses, but denied a new trial on a legal technicality. This appellate judge expressed firm support for Peltier's release through executive clemency.

After investigating the facts of this case, Amnesty International declared Leonard Peltier a "political prisoner" who should be "immediately released."

An executive clemency granted for Peltier would have exemplified, not only a proper use of the clemency power, but an honorable decision to correct a terrible injustice and take a historical step toward healing relations between the U.S. Government and Native American Indian People.

Instead, January 20, 2001 marked yet another betrayal of the First People of this land, by a government who has yet to grant reparations for the many atrocities that have been and continue to be committed against them.

Former President Clinton's legacy is the abuse of power of the highest office in this land, the United States of America, shown not time after time while he held office, and exemplified by his actions as he was leaving office. The abuse of the clemency process just confirms that Mr. Clinton is a man without honor and this is reflected in both the pardons he granted, as well as, in those he did not grant.

A statement made by Robbie Robinson at this years Grammy's, just before presenting an award in the newly created Native American category, says it all. Mr. Robinson mentioned the fact that Leonard Peltier was not granted clemency and then stated the reason, Roberson said, "I guess he wasn't Marc Rich enough."

It is more than sad that an innocent man will continue to suffer due of the lack of honor in others. Leonard Peltier, for now, continues to be a glaring reminder that the U.S. Government's shameful treatment of Native American Indian People is far from ancient history.