This is the story behind the story of President Biden’s decision to release from prison a man who received two consecutive life sentences for two murders committed a half-century ago.
Thanks for reading, Cheryl. There are so many fine reporters and writers in IWC now that I feel fortunate whenever one of the other writers reads my work.
I covered the AIM trials in Cedar Rapids’ federal court as a pup reporter. First was for Leonard Crow Dog, Stanley Richard Holder and Carter Camp, all convicted for crimes related to the takeover. Second was the murder trial of Darelle Butler and Bobby Robideau, the two acquittals mentioned in this piece. Oglala at the trial had deep concerns, then, about how the government handled Peltier but also the assassination of Anna Mae Aquash. The AIM-related murder trial was an amazing spectacle. William Kuntsler was the defense attorney. Then FBI Director William Kelley and Sen. Frank Church, who had chaired the Senate Select Committee to Study Governmental Operations with Respect to Intelligence Activities, testified about government surveillance of people perceived to be domestic enemies — Nixon’s enemies list.
Comedian Dick Gregory and Marlon Brando attended the trial. Brando mumbled nothing interesting at one press gaggle but Gregory was impressive and eloquent talking about how he had heard in court that his government was saying on him and trying to discredit him.
As you can see, these events from 50 years ago left an impact. I came to appreciate the Oglala people and what they experienced, if only from a white person’s distance.
Good column. It does a good job of explaining the cultural history that exists, which is important in this era of trying to, no pun intended, bury parts of history those in charge if government would like Americans to ignore.
Thank you for this excellent piece on the history of this egregious wound inflicted on the people who first occupied this land. My husband and I have followed the outrageous treatment of Leonard Peltier from the beginning and have always been puzzled why he wasn't released long ago.
He was, and maybe still is, an incredible artist. We have one of his prints hanging in our front room - Protector of the Woods. His artwork was sold so he could get the medical treatment he needed while imprisoned.
The history of this country is strewn with similar atrocities and will continue with the current billionaire dominated administration.
Thank you for reading, and for your comment. This case has sharply divided a lot of people. I don't think there's any middle ground. I hope you continue to enjoy my work. I will warn you: It is extremely varied in content -- everything from personal essays to public affairs. Most of the public affairs columns, however, are deeply researched with considerable historical perspective.
Thanks for reading, Cheryl. There are so many fine reporters and writers in IWC now that I feel fortunate whenever one of the other writers reads my work.
This was long overdue.
Thanks for reading Tim. Appreciate your taking the time to comment.
I covered the AIM trials in Cedar Rapids’ federal court as a pup reporter. First was for Leonard Crow Dog, Stanley Richard Holder and Carter Camp, all convicted for crimes related to the takeover. Second was the murder trial of Darelle Butler and Bobby Robideau, the two acquittals mentioned in this piece. Oglala at the trial had deep concerns, then, about how the government handled Peltier but also the assassination of Anna Mae Aquash. The AIM-related murder trial was an amazing spectacle. William Kuntsler was the defense attorney. Then FBI Director William Kelley and Sen. Frank Church, who had chaired the Senate Select Committee to Study Governmental Operations with Respect to Intelligence Activities, testified about government surveillance of people perceived to be domestic enemies — Nixon’s enemies list.
Comedian Dick Gregory and Marlon Brando attended the trial. Brando mumbled nothing interesting at one press gaggle but Gregory was impressive and eloquent talking about how he had heard in court that his government was saying on him and trying to discredit him.
As you can see, these events from 50 years ago left an impact. I came to appreciate the Oglala people and what they experienced, if only from a white person’s distance.
Good column. It does a good job of explaining the cultural history that exists, which is important in this era of trying to, no pun intended, bury parts of history those in charge if government would like Americans to ignore.
Thank you for this excellent piece on the history of this egregious wound inflicted on the people who first occupied this land. My husband and I have followed the outrageous treatment of Leonard Peltier from the beginning and have always been puzzled why he wasn't released long ago.
He was, and maybe still is, an incredible artist. We have one of his prints hanging in our front room - Protector of the Woods. His artwork was sold so he could get the medical treatment he needed while imprisoned.
The history of this country is strewn with similar atrocities and will continue with the current billionaire dominated administration.
Thank you for reading, and for your comment. This case has sharply divided a lot of people. I don't think there's any middle ground. I hope you continue to enjoy my work. I will warn you: It is extremely varied in content -- everything from personal essays to public affairs. Most of the public affairs columns, however, are deeply researched with considerable historical perspective.
Thanks for bringing this issue to light.