Support Leonard Peltier! And Navajo Nation Victory

Call to action from Racewire:
Leonard Peltier, a member of the American Indian Movement, was wrongfully convicted in 1977 of killing two FBI agents in Pine Ridge, South Dakota. He is an artist, poet, writer, Nobel Peace Prize nominee, and activist. After serving more than 30 years in jail, he will go before the U.S. Parole Board on Tuesday, July 28, 2009.

Leonard is now more than 60 years old and is struggling with various medical issues that clearly indicate he does not pose any threat to society. Releasing him is not just a humanitarian issue, it’s true justice.

You can show your support for Leonard’s parole by signing the parole petition here.

Find out more about Leonard Peltier and other actions in support of his parole here.

Also, Commondreams reports that historic legislation took place this week when the Navajo Nation Council voted to create the Navajo Green Economy Commission:

Reportedly the first green jobs bill among the First Nations, the Navajo Nation Green Economy Commission will create the infrastructure to qualify for federal money already earmarked for green job development, and focus on small-scale, community developments for a more sustainable and green economy.

The vote on Tuesday took place after a remarkable 14 month green march by green jobs advocates, after the original bill was tabled last spring. According to the Navajo Green Jobs Coaltion, supporters from across the reservation gathered in front of the Navajo Nation Education Building and peacefully marched a quarter of a mile in green "Green Jobs" shirts to the Navajo Nation Council Chambers in Window Rock, AZ. Supporters greeted Council Delegates while filling up the front row seats of the council chambers. Multi-generational supporters sat in to encourage and ensure that their community representatives pass the legislation.

With a reservation unemployment rate at 44 percent, and the median family income at $11,885, the green jobs initiative couldn't have come at a more timely moment.

"A green economy is not a new concept to Navajo. There are many green business opportunities that fit perfectly with our culture. We must once again hearken to such processes to truly build our own economy that puts high value on our tradition - old and modern economic pursuits. In this way, we will build a vibrant economy for the future generations while honoring our great ancestors. Today's decision is a critical first step towards making this dream a reality," said Tony Skrelunas, the former Executive Director of the Navajo Nation's Division of Economic Development and a member of the Coalition.

"The passing of this legislation is monumental because it is a catalyst for economic development on the Navajo Nation with Navajo traditional values & community at it's core," says David Johns of the Dine' Haatali Association Vice-President (Navajo Medicine Men Association).

Read the full article here. Read more about Navajo Green Jobs here.

From the Sentencing Project

Last week, I participated in an historic event convened by the Congressional Black Caucus on the 25th Anniversary of the Sentencing Reform Act.

Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, before a standing-room-only audience of federal judges, public defenders, members of Congress and formerly incarcerated persons, eloquently and forcefully advised Congress to fix the broken system of federal mandatory minimum sentences.

Attorney General Eric Holder addressed the forum and called for reform of federal crack cocaine penalties "this year." He also detailed the priorities of a new Sentencing and Corrections Working Group charged with creating a system that:

* protects the public
* is fair to both victims and defendants
* eliminates unwarranted sentencing disparities
* reduces recidivism, and
* controls the federal prison population.


I don't have to tell you that these are principles The Sentencing Project has been advancing for more than two decades. We applaud the commitment of the Attorney General and the Obama Administration to enact these necessary reforms.

I want you to know that The Sentencing Project will be working to ensure that policymakers have the information and analysis they need about the impact of criminal justice policies, and understand that Americans are counting on them to fix the broken system of justice that has been damaging communities and families for far too long.

We can create criminal justice policies that are based on facts and evidence about what will improve public safety, and that will ensure fairness and justice for all.

You can help us continue to fight for a justice system that's worthy of each and every one of us. Please consider making a secure, online contribution to The Sentencing Project today.

Thank you for your support.

Marc Mauer
Executive Director

p.s. You can read my commentary to the Attorney General's proposals on the University of Pittsburgh School of Law's blog here.

From the Sentencing Project

Dear Friend:

Yesterday, U.S. Senator Jim Webb (D-VA), took a bold step toward a more fair and effective criminal justice system. He introduced a bi-partisan bill with Senator Arlen Specter (R-PA) that would create a blue-ribbon commission to conduct an 18-month review of the nation's criminal justice system and offer concrete recommendations for reform.

"America's criminal justice system has deteriorated to the point that it is a national disgrace," said Senator Webb. "With five percent of the world's population, our country houses twenty-five percent of the world's prison population. Incarcerated drug offenders have soared 1200% since 1980. And four times as many mentally ill people are in prisons than in mental health hospitals."

We agree with Senator Webb's assessment of the criminal justice system. Since his election in 2006, The Sentencing Project has been working with Senator Webb to provide information and analysis on sentencing and drug policy, along with recommendations for reform.

We commend Senator Webb for his leadership on this issue, and look forward to working with his office, and other leaders in the House and Senate to advance sentencing reform, examine racial disparity and improve the juvenile justice system.

You can help The Sentencing Project continue to advocate for a more fair and effective criminal justice system by making a contribution to our work today.

Every day, support from individuals like you is making a difference in The Sentencing Project's work to change the way Americans think about crime and punishment.

Thank you.

Sincerely,
Marc Mauer
Executive Director