Prison Writings - Leonard Peltier

Prison Writings - Leonard Peltier

Written by craig coffman

This book is highly recommended by a friend of mine. It was stated to be one of her top three, so I figured I would read it. Wow. I am extremely surprised by this book and what it reveals.

Firstly, let me say that I knew almost nothing about Leonard Peltier prior to reading this. I knew he was a Native American and seen by many as a Political Prisoner held (more than) unfairly. The depths to which this is almost an obscene understatement is staggering.

While I am not intending to turn this into some rant about Peltier, I am horrified at the treatment he has received at the hands of our government over the years. He is clearly angry about his current situation, but that is not the focus nor intent of the book.

This book is different from what I had expected in that it really just serves to inform. Peltier rarely goes into any sort of 'I was wronged' or 'Poor me' stance. Instead, he accepts where he is and draws on an inner power. This is where he focuses his anger: internally to make him stronger. His Sun Dance.

Obviously he is angry about being incarcerated for 30 years. But he lets you, the reader, feel his frustration and see with your own eyes the injustices going on here. With numerous references to Judges, lawyers and even FBI officers admitting publicly they essentially railroaded him, he still sits in his cell. All sitting Presidents have the ability to free him, but NONE of them have really even tried, even with the above information being (now) public knowledge.

This is not a book you should read because you are simply interested in Peltier (although it is good for that). This is a book everyone should read to become aware and alarmed at the lack of compassion our country shows towards people. This should be read by anyone looking for a wake-up call to the nature of the Judicial system. I would strongly suggest everyone read this, if for nothing else to see behind-the-curtain of our country's laws and how unfairly people are treated.

You should visit the Official Site for his defense, or follow more links discussing him as a Native person and a political prisoner. All of these sources do a much more indepth look into the man than I ever could. I simply ask you to read the book and try to not be enraged by the injustices leveled upon him. Then ask yourself if you think he is the only one.