Leonard Peltier has been scheduled for his next parole review hearing as required every two years by federal law: Leavenworth Penitentiary, Leavenworth, Kansas, July 1, 2002. Updates to follow.
What follows is a sample letter that can be sent to the U.S. Parole Commission:
United States Parole Commission
5550 Friendship Boulevard, Suite 420
Chevy Chase, MD 20815-7286
RE: Leonard Peltier #89637-132
Dear Commissioners,
I would urge the Commission not to consider parole for Leavenworth inmate Leonard Peltier. It is apparent that Peltier supporters would like the Commission to believe he is a model prisoner. A brief review of his background would disclose his previous armed escape from Lompoc Penitentiary, for which he is serving an additional seven years, and during his fugitive status his armed confrontation with an Oregon State Trooper. Both of which certainly show his additional potential for violence and risk to the community.
Mr.Peltier would also like the Commission to believe that he is a benefactor and role model for young Native Americans. Although Mr. Peltier raises what he describes as tax-deductible donations, much of what is raised in all likelihood is earmarked for other activities. Mr. Peltier offers no accounting for the actual contributions raised for charities versus those spent on political-action-committee type activities.
Mr. Peltier's health is problematic and is indeed unfortunate. However, Jack Coler and Ron Williams never had the opportunity to grow old and face the health problems that we all must endure at some point. They never had the opportunity to live with their families or raise children and grandchildren. Their young lives were ended much too early, and any suggestion by Peltier supporters that Leonard Peltier was not involved in their deaths simply ignores both the voluminous court record and Peltier's own public statements since his conviction.
I respectfully urge that you not grant parole to this inmate.
Sincerely,
Download sample letter in Word format