Life in Antrim

Politics in a small town...

The big controversy after this months town meeting was how the moderator wouldn't allow a recount after the defeat of an article. If I caught it right, it only takes 25 signatures to get an article considered, and the cause célèbre this year was Leonard Peltier. Mr. Peltier even thanked folks for their (failed) efforts (taken from the March 25th Monadnock Ledger):

Thanks to all who worked toward article asking to free Peltier

To the editor:

I wish to thank all those in Antrim who worked toward the town warrant requesting clemency for myself. It is always encouraging to know people are still out there working not just on my behalf, but for a country interested in righting wrongs against Indian people.

Having said that, I must be clear that Indian issues are all people's issues. If Indians can be denied justice and freedom, then so can anyone. If Indian people can be forcefully relocated, then so can anyone. If Indian women can be sterilized, then so can any woman.

We cannot blindly trust our goverments to faithfully acknowledge our rights. Sometimes we have to stand up and fight for them. There are lots of ways to fight. We fight by becoming educated. We fight by being active in our communities. We fight by educating and caring for others. And we fight by holding our governments accountable.

I look forward to the day I can meet each and every one of the supporters who kept the faith and assisted me in my struggle for freedom.

Leonard Peltier
Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary
Leavenworth, Kansas

Whether or not Leonard Peltier is guilty, what he writes is good advice...