A-Infos (en) NWLPSN Support for Vernon Foster

[Dale Pfeiffer <pfeif324@concentric.net>]

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Subject: NWLPSN SUPPORT FOR VERNON FOSTER
   Date: Thu, 28 May 1998 06:13:41 -0700
   From: arthurmiller50@juno.com (Arthur J Miller)
     To: pfeif324@concentric.net
    CC: arthurmiller50@juno.com




please spread widely

Revised Statement

NORTHWEST LEONARD PELTIER SUPPORT NETWORK
P.O. Box 5464
Tacoma, WA 98415-0464
e-mail, arthurmiller50@juno.com

STATEMENT OF SUPPORT OF VERNON FOSTER

Greetings,
  Vernon Foster, of the American Indian Movement-AZ,  has been charged
with "inciting a riot", by the San Carlos Tribal Council,  as a result
of
organizing support, upon request, for San Carlos Apaches who felt that
their voice was being suppressed. Part of the evidence being used
against
Vernon is an e-mail message that went out that stated that a man had
been
beaten to death because of the situation that was going on at San
Carlos.
Once it was found out that this death was not connected to the
situation,
Vernon issued a statement to that fact.

  I have been a journalist now for 31 years, and I find the charging of
Vernon Foster for
"inciting to riot", based upon the evidence being used against him, to
be
a direct threat upon free speech and freedom of the press. Vernon did,
like every newspaper, magazine, tv and radio news does everyday, based
his writing upon the information he was able to obtain from first hand
accounts. Given the situation at San Carlos,  the hiring of private
security personnel, the assault on Charles Vargas, spokesperson for Call

To Action and other incidents of violence, and the fact that the person
who died was an elder and member of Call To Action, the accounts did not

seem  unreasonable. Upon further investigation, people at San Carlos
found  that the death was not connected to the situation. Rather than
being what  the government is trying to portray Vernon as being, an
inciter, Vernon in issuing his second statement shows, beyond any doubt,

his credibility. The Tribal Council is attempting to create a double
standard in the case of Vernon Foster, for if this same standard was
applied to all other media people the prisons would be overflowing with
journalists.

   It seems what is really happening here is that the San Carols Tribal
Council is trying to send a message to all others who may attempt to
stand up for those whose voices are being suppressed, that such an
action
will be met with the iron heal of the law.

  The Call To Action was organized by San Carlos Apaches to voice their
differences with the Tribal Council on a number of matters. It is an
universally recognized human right for those that disagree with elected
officials to be able to voice their opposition. When Call To Action
found
themselves being suppressed for voicing their views, they requested
assistance of the American Indian Movement--Arizona and Vernon Foster.
It
was their responsibility, as outlined in the purpose of the American
Indian Movement, to honor that request.

 Placing the blame on Vernon Foster for the situation at San Carlos, is
nothing more than an attempt to cover-up the truth about who is really
responsible. When those in power seek to suppression the voice of a
non-violent  opposition with a private police force, police from outside

jurisdictions,  the use of attack dogs on people, and using the legal
powers of government, clearly the blame for the situation is with those
that are abusing their power. It is like blaming a rape victim for a
rape.

  The NORTHWEST LEONARD PELTIER SUPPORT NETWORK, which covers the
states
of Washington, Oregon and Idaho, stands in support of Vernon Foster,
Call
To Action and calls upon all of its members, supporters and all people
who believe in social justice to do likewise. We respectfully ask that
all charges against Vernon Foster be dropped now.

               In The Pursuit Of Justice

                Arthur J. Miller

                NWLPSN
Supporters, we have been asked to write statements in support of Vernon
Foster, please e-mail them to; TsalagiWmn@aol.com. Also, there is the
legal costs that are mounting, please send donations to; Vernon Foster,
6053 E. Hillview St , Mesa, AZ 85205. Please also send copies of your
statements to Vernon. Vernon's next court hearing is June 22, 1998. For
more information e-mail; mornstar@bellatlantic.net.  Call To Action
continues to stand strong with over 70 straight days of meetings and
rallies.  Remember, "an injury to one is and injury to all!". Please
take
the time to send support messages in this very important case. The
statements will be presented in court.




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