Leonard Peltier's birthday is on 12 September. Send cards and letters

[sub.theory]

28. I disagree

So, the argument is that he has the right to kill Federal agents because his ancestors were killed by Federal agents? So can African Americans kill white Americans since millions of African American ancestors were enslaved, brutalized, and killed with impunity by white Americans? I have no idea what your racial heritage is, but would this include you too? I'm of Irish heritage. The British government has historically committed war crimes and acts of genocide against the Irish. Do the Irish have the right to kill British soldiers, policeman, and politicians? It's alright so long as it is claimed to be for political purposes? Was the IRA right then? I say the IRA was a terrorist organization. Do you?

You're entering an impossibly slippery slope. Every group of people have been victimized and killed by some other group of people historically. History is full of monstrous crimes and it is important to remember them, and seek to create a world where they are not repeated. The concept of historical revenge, however, will just continue the conflict forever. I am not saying that Native Americans don't have very legitimate grievances even today against the American government, but they have absolutely no right to be killing Federal agents. Period. That goes the same for any other group.

As to Peltier's guilt, I accept the jury's verdict. I'm not opposed to giving him a new trial since he insists it was so unfair. I suspect he will be found guilty again. I think he is indeed guilty. If he is guilty, he doesn't deserve celebration anymore than any other murderer.