Copyright © 1998 NLThomas
All Rights Reserved

Leonard sends you his best wishes and thanks you for all your hard work and dedication. We were able to let thousands of people know about the grave injustice being done by the United States against Leonard Peltier. The protests and Leonard's case were reported on by numerous news papers radio and television stations from every corner of the world. Thousands of flyers were handed out and many people saw our signs and banners. Each action is getting larger and more visible.

Here are a few of the reports that have come in to the Leonard Peltier Defense Committee office about the December 19th protest. Please send us your reports so we can let our supporters know how things went.

LAWRENCE, KANSAS

The Lawrence protest started at 3:30 at the corner of 9th Street and Massachusetts Street. It was a very cold day but over 75 people attended. The protest started with drumming and a prayer by Michael Yellow Bird. After the prayer Lisa Peltier, Leonard's daughter read his statement from prison. She has been meeting with him since the lock down was lifted and expressed is gratitude to all of those who were working for his release. Carolyn Mathews sang one of her songs about Leonard's plight. Candles were passed out and LPDC staff person Gina Chiala made a statement and called on everyone to join in a march down Massachusetts Street. All 50 candles donated by Waxworks in Lawrence were handed out and many other people held signs. The march was lead by the drum and the Lawrence police escorted the crowd down the main street of town down to the park across from city hall. There were some closing statements and the group hurried away because of the freezing temperatures.

WASHINGTON, DC

Hi. Just wanted to let you know that our rally and march in Washington, DC went well! Our estimate was 130-150. We met at the FBI and marched to the White House. We held rallies at both locations. We marched in Solidarity with the Stop the Bombing in Iraq group. Not only did this help our numbers slightly, but we were able to educate even more people about Leonard. No major problems although the police blocked us from marching in the street and forced everyone onto the sidewalk. This was after they had told us we could march in the street. The numbers were slightly less then we had expected, but still a good turnout. Oh, and the benefit show we did went well. We had around 70 people and raised some dollars. Will let you know an exact amount this week. Take Care,

Report two on Washington DC protest

Just back in Morgantown, WV from DC and the Peltier rally. Three of us are Morgantown Anarchist Group (AAC) members; the other a leftist foreign student. We all agreed the demo was too small: maybe 100 or 150. 200 would be pushing it. We expected 1,000. But it was a spirited crowd. We were angered by the cops refusing us access to the streets. Some of the organizers argued with them, saying they did have a permit to march in the streets. Who knows? So, we marched on the sidewalk chanting Peltier/Iraq slogans, from the FBI building to the White House. While we (MAGees) agreed, in theory and in the spirit of unity, that combining the issues of Peltier and the Iraq bombings was OK (even though we'd had no say in it) it seemed to us to be pushing it a little. There weren't enough Peltier signs nor speeches on Peltier specifically. And there had already been a march against the Iraq war on a previous night and there's to be another tomorrow (Sun. 12.20 1:00 PM at Dupont Circle then march to the White House). We got to meet anarchists/Wobs/punx from the DC area and Baltimore. A person from International Concerned Family and Friends of Mumia Abu-Jamal spoke angrily and passionately about Peltier, Mumia, Iraq. Mauri Salakahn - African American Muslim human rights/prison rights activist - spoke. A guy from Positive Force spoke about growing up white on an Indian reservation, fearing the American Indian Movement then later having them become his heroes. A fellow from the International Action Center spoke about Iraq and the harassment we were getting from the cops. We hadn't planned to engage in civil disobedience and if anyone there did, they weren't talking about it. We hope to hear lots more reports of Peltier actions around the world.
-A MAG member

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON
December 19, 1998, NWLPSN Report

Leonard Peltier supporters gathered together at the Federal Court House in Seattle where Jim McMahan spoke for the Seattle LPSG and Steve Hapy ,jr and Arthur J. Miller spoke from the Northwest Leonard Peltier Support Network. We then marched across downtown Seattle to Westlake Plaza where we joined up with a large anti-war rally. Arthur J. Miller of the NWLPSN was the first speaker at the anti-war rally where he denounced the bombing of Iraq and called upon people to resist all war, including the war at home. And then challenged people to work for peace by, not only by marching for peace, but also working to free the victims of the government's war policy at home such as Leonard Peltier and Mumia Abu-Jamal. We then marched in the anti-war march with our large Peltier banners. We handed out 400 fliers.

LANSING, MICHIGAN

This week was very busy with numerous demonstrations around the state protesting the renewed bombing of Iraq. Major actions took place in Lansing, Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Grand Rapids. People in other cities also began to organize for future protests. For many of us, these activities culminated on Saturday, December 19th with a Peltier/Mumia rally in Lansing, on the capitol steps.

People began arriving at noon. At the most, there were approximately 100 people in attendance. Organizations represented included AIM, the Michigan Mumia Support Coalition, and the IWW. The rally began with an invocation and pipe ceremony. This was followed by speeches about Leonard Peltier and Mumia Abu-Jamal, the reading of a statement from Michigan political prisoner Ali Khalid Abdullah, and statements from Leonard Peltier. Other speakers addressed the bombing of Iraq.

Once all were given a chance to speak, there was a march to the nearby Federal Justice building where everyone (including a three- year-old child) engaged in civil disobedience by chalking the sidewalks around the building. A few bold people ventured onto federal property, and someone wrote on the side of the building, "AIM was here."

Afterwards, everyone marched over to the diocese of Lansing, where refreshments were served in the Madonna Room. There, while taking off the winter chill with hot tea and coffee, people broke into two groups to brainstorm and network on Leonard and Mumia. Virtually everyone from the rally attended the conference, and there was a general exchange of information (email addresses, telephone numbers, and addresses). The potential for coordinating future actions seems quite excellent. Everyone finally parted at 4pm and went their separate ways.

Resistance organizing in this state is accelerating. Kudos especially to the high school students who are taking part in these actions.

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK

GREENFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA

The Demonstration for Leonard Peltier was a great event. Here is a article from the San Francisco Examiner that explains. Because of the Bombing in Iraq our Committee decided to march to the Iraq demonstration after our rally at UN Plaza. The rally had numerous speakers including Augustine Cebada of the Aztlan Liberation Organization/Brown Berets, OJ, former Political Prisoner and representing the FREE Wolverine Campaign, Gloria La Riva, National Peoples Cambering, Karen Pickett, Earth First, Bobby Castillo, International Spokesperson for the Leonard Peltier Defense Committee, Adam Villogomez, North Coast American Indian Movement, and many more. The event was led with a prayer by Leonard Aunt and the Native Brotherhood Drum sand the Peltier song. the drum also led the entire walk of both demonstrations. The LPDC would like to thank Gloria La Riva and Dick Becker of the National Peoples Campaign for their cooperation and support in combining the Peltier Rally with the great demonstration they organized for the people of Iraq.
LPDC

City boils with all-purpose protest, By Michael Dougan
Home of the Examiner Staff News
Sunday, December 20, 1998

Causes include anti-bombing, pro-Peltier and anti-impeachment

About 500 demonstrators marched through San Francisco Saturday to protest the bombing of Iraq -- and, while they were at it, the imprisonment of Leonard Peltier, the impeachment process and the labor practices of the Walt Disney corporation.

Some demonstrators chanted about Turkey's policy toward Kurdistan while others handed out flyers protesting actions of the Mexican government. Signs bobbing above the crowd touted a bewildering variety of causes:

"No blood for oil."
"Free Leonard Peltier."
"Return the Presidio to the Ohlone Nation."
"Israel Out of the West Bank."

The anti-bombing rally swelled in size when it merged with a demonstration against the continued imprisonment of Indian activist Peltier (convicted of the murder of two FBI agents).

"Leonard Peltier's heart goes out to the Iraqi people today," said speaker Bobby Castillo.

After a rally at the BART plaza at Mission and 24th streets, demonstrators marched toward U.N. Plaza downtown, blocking one lane of Mission Street traffic as several dozen police officers looked on.

The protest parade took on the feel of a marathon competition when leaders veered off Mission Street and led marchers on a circuitous - and seemingly endless -- route up Fillmore Street and then east on Haight Street.

Many protesters, unable to endure a forced march, dropped out en route. Fewer than half arrived at U.N. Plaza on Market Street more than two hours later. Although the march was scheduled to end there, it didn't. Demonstrators stomped through the plaza and on Market Street, tying up traffic as they proceeded toward the Ferry Building. As last-minute Christmas shoppers, arms loaded with bags, looked on, the protesters chanted:

"Stop your shopping! Bombs are dropping." A handful of shoppers did join the march.

The long hike finally came to a close at Market and Sansome Streets, where speakers standing in the bed of a yellow pickup truck lectured the crowd on the evils of bombing Iraq.

The Saturday morning House vote to impeach President Clinton was on the minds of many demonstrators, who argued that it was the right idea for the wrong reason.

"It's ludicrous what he's being impeached for," said Joanne Heisel, 48, of San Francisco. "But I definitely consider (the bombing) a high crime and misdemeanor."

Several times, demonstrators chanted: "Clinton, Clinton, you can't hide. We charge you with genocide."

Dick Becker, of the International Action Center, an anti-intervention group that organized the march and was formed during the Gulf War, echoed many of the speakers who called the bombing "racist imperialism."

Although uniformed police, in squad cars and on motorcycles, tailed the protesters, they did not interfere with the march. No incidents or arrests were reported. By the time the march was over, the bombing was, too. During the afternoon, Clinton announced that the air strikes had ended.
©1998 San Francisco Examiner

COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA

Activists handed out flyers and held banners out side the main shopping mall in Costa Mesa.

RENO, NEVADA

Because of the freezing, and better than average cold wether, nobody from the campus green party showed that said they would show. They said they were going to post copies of the LPDC poster all over the campus. I took their word for this and assumed they did. But, I only had some walk-bys inquire within the 6 hours I stayed at the vigil site.

Reno News & Review claimed they would cover this NDP for Leonard and Mumia, but no one ever showed up. And, this after they were given notice weeks in advance of the plans.

I handed out the fact sheets on Leonard and Mumia as well as the comments by the historian Zinn. The banner reading : STOP THE EXECUTION OF MUMIA was placed on the metal picnic table. I displayed three glass vigil candles with the following slogans I had painted on them with enamel paint :

FREEDOM FOR LEONARD AND MUMIA NOW!

ALL POWER TO THE PEOPLE! (WITH A PEACE SIGN)
this had 'U.S. GET OUT OF IRAQ AND STAY OUT!'
on the other side.
STOP REPRESSION (WITH A NO TO POLICE STATE AMERIKA SLOGAN).

LINCOLN, NEBRASKA

Hi Gina and Pat, Here in Lincoln we didn't feel organized enough for Civil Disobedience as we learned about it late. What we did do is make over 1000 xmas cards with information on Leonard's case and put them on windshields at shopping Malls. I another Civil Disobedience were to be planned for say 6 months from now, we would gladly be active in it. We, of course, would prefer that Mondo and Ed Poindexter (former Black Panther Party members ) as well as all Political Prisoners be included in the focus. Either way, we will help. Tekla, Matt, Mary and other members of the activist community-Nebraska

ONTARIO, CANADA

Civic Square in front of City Hall-Sault Ste Marie-7-9PM

ROCHESTER, NEW YORK

Liberty Pole at 2 PM - Justin Dewyea
Phone: (716) 225-4037
Email: free-chiapas@hotmail.com

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA

The Anarchist Black Cross Melbourne supported the action.
The event occurred all day from 10am at the American
Consulate which is situated at 553 St Kilda Rd, Melbourne.
E-mail: madwog@xchange.anarki.net

Contact the anarchist black cross:
P.O. BOX 199 BRUNSWICK EAST VICTORIA AUSTRALIA 3057
E-mail: abc@xchange.anarki.net

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