Story Published:
Sep 27, 2009
Story Updated:
Sep 25, 2009
It seems like someone ought to let the president know that an American Indian man fasted in front of the White House for one week. Someone ought to say this man sat on a bench in Lafayette Park, starving in a silent protest, not taking even water.
In my ignorance, I went to the park, expecting to find this person by seeing banners or signs, or a group of other Indian people around.
There were no banners. There were no signs. There was no literature to be passed to the public. In fact, I almost gave up. But, uncharacteristic of me, I asked a question of two people who were sitting next to an Indian-looking blanket. And yes, the person I was looking for just stepped away to talk to someone. I left some funds to help cover the cost of his physical journey.
It just seems like someone should tell the White House an Indian man is denying his body food and water, slowly denying his body the ability to sustain life, in a kind of parallel of another Indian man who has been denied his ability to live free.
But so few knew.
So at week’s end, the fast was complete and bread and water was taken.
The silent prayer was sent.
I do not bear witness well, but this seems to be all that is required of me. I am writing this because that is easier than just carrying the noble, but heart-grabbing memory of an Indian man in front of the White House sitting on a bench with the people coming and going, eating lunch, drinking coffee, playing chess, protesting various agendas, and all under the watchful eye of security guards ever circling on bicycles and SUVs, through the heat, the rain, sun and humidity.
Someone should tell the White House there was a Native American man starving for the freedom of Leonard Peltier on their front lawn.
– Ann Davis
Stephen Davis
Annandale, Va.
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CrowGoodMedicine said on Monday, Sep 28 at 5:15 PM
and the penalty for murder is ........... life in prision! surprise!
29805559Lydie Jones said on Monday, Sep 28 at 2:47 PM
I'm not a Native American and I knew about your protest Mr. Carnes thanks to a Native American friend of mine who takes the time to educate other people about Leonard Peltier and the Native American culture. I too wrote a letter to the President sending him along that great interview you posted on YouTube. It is not a lack of interest that Mr. Peltier's case faces, it is a lack of information and media coverage. Most people just don't know.
29796372H.R. Hudson said on Monday, Sep 28 at 1:30 PM
While I appreciate your protest in front of the White House, I just want to ask one question: If Leonard Peltier dies in prison, what does it say about America's responsibilities to our people?? Just asking.
29791659Richard Powers said on Monday, Sep 28 at 11:46 AM
Migwetch Mr. Carnes for your sacrifices. The bottom line is the 1868 Treaty IS THE LAW, yet this Treaty continues to be blatantly violated by the Americans/Obama. The Black Hills as well as other 1868 Treaty Lands are stolen property. Traditional Lakota,AIM and Peltier were and are involved in returning that and other illegally confiscated lands to Indigenous control. Coler and Williams were paid $$$$ to stop that kind of thinking among the Indian peoples,they're big payday came in June of '75.
29785834Warrior Woman said on Monday, Sep 28 at 11:45 AM
I honor this Redman of the Nations for his sacrifice. Had I known I would have joined him. This IS the way WE protest, as our ancestors taught us. We have nothing of true value, other then ourselves.
29785787Ben Carnes said on Monday, Sep 28 at 5:17 AM
Thanks to those for the kind comments. As for Darlene Nichols, her testimony is suspect, since the FBI had an informant who reported hearing Peltier say his gun jammed after the shoot-out. My fast was a personal prayer, not a blame, but maybe to see if the President was sincere in his campaign promises to First Nations people. The govt. admits it has no proof, and Peltier's parole was denied upon non-existent claims. Is this the type of justice you want for your future generations? I doubt it.
29773084Willy Duran said on Sunday, Sep 27 at 7:11 PM
Why is this man sitting in front of the White House? I don't feel sorry for him. What reason does he blame our president? President O'bama is doing everything he can to help the citizens of this country. Blame the other side. Like Russ and good buddie Glen.
29758422Barbara Jean said on Sunday, Sep 27 at 3:05 PM
Thank you Ben Carnes!!!! We all knew you were there, and we sure called and let the President know!! We THANK YOU!!! Many Blessings BJ
29749524LES WILLISTON said on Sunday, Sep 27 at 12:07 PM
the guilt it seems to me is yet to be determined as for bragging, people make meaningless boasts all the time."mission accomplished"?
29743422James Simon said on Sunday, Sep 27 at 10:46 AM
How ironic was it that a well-intentioned, spiritual man starved himself on behalf of a large (pushing 240 lbs.) unrepentant killer who once bragged about shooting Ron Williams in the face at point-blank range (www.jfamr.org/doc/kmtest1.html) and who gleefully watches his fellow Indians tear themselves apart on the issue of his phony claim of innocence?
29740934lk williston said on Sunday, Sep 27 at 10:19 AM
Should they care if a native starves to death out in front,seems like an easy way to get rid of another ndn. Get a sandwich and regroup.
29739942CarolSJ said on Sunday, Sep 27 at 10:13 AM
Mary, go here: http://www.whoisleonardpeltier.info/ They'll explain what you can do.
29739732Mary Hatten said on Sunday, Sep 27 at 3:53 AM
What can the rest of us do for Leonard Peltier now? Write more letterrs? Anything else?
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