Are you?

Holding the Winning Hand

The Gift of Orgone Positive Energy

Lucky Charms

Insects Known To Bring Luck         

Lucky Bugs?

1. 

Crickets
A Cricket on the hearth has been a sign of household luck for thousands of years.
This belief could stem from prehistoric times, when a Cricket's chirping provided a kind of companionship.

In China and other Asian countries, the cricket served as a watchdog: at any sign of danger, the chirping will stop. In the Far East as well as across Europe, it is considered very bad luck to kill a cricket, even by accident.

Almost every Native American tribe believed the Cricket, a bringer of luck, and they thought that imitating it's chirp was disrespectful.

Images of Crickets appear on charms and amulets, particularly those intended to ward off the evil eye, in ancient cultures of the Middle East and Europe.

2. Ladybugs
The Ladybug is considered a harbinger of good luck and prosperity. It shall free you from day to day problems. Wearing a Ladybug amulet or having a live one land on you will brighten your day, give you patience with those around you, and most importantly, lessen your burdens.

Killing a Ladybug is considered bad luck.

If one lands on you when you are ill, it takes any illness away.

If a Ladybug lands on your hand and then flies away, it said to be good weather on the following Sunday.

Spots: If a Ladybug lands on the hand of a recently married woman, the number of dots on its back, is the number of children she will have. The number of spots on a Ladybug can also indicate the number of happy months that are ahead. And, folklore also suggests, if you catch a Ladybug in your home, count the number of spots, that's how many dollars you'll soon find.

3. Dragonflies
Dragonflies are another lucky insect.
As a creature of the wind, the dragonfly represents change. As a creature of the water, they represent the subconscious, or "dream" state.

Other symbolic meanings associated with dragonflies, are prosperity, strength, courage, peace, harmony and purity.

4. Scarabs
Scarabs date back to Ancient Egypt, when Scarabs were considered good luck beetles.
As a symbol of the rising sun and a protector from evil; the Scarab, is also a symbol of rebirth, regeneration and transformation.

Nature's Good Luck Signs

Ancient Folklore

5.

Acorns
In Norse folklore, both the Acorn and its bearer, the oak tree, bring good fortune.

The Vikings associated oak trees with Thor, the god who created thunder and lightning with his great anvil and hammer. Because the tree attracted lightning, it was sacred to Thor. Thus they believed that the Acorn, the fruit of the oak tree, was always spared the god's wrath, and so they began putting a lone Acorn on their windowsills to protect their houses from lightning's wrath.

6. Rainbows
Rainbows are considered lucky, because we all know, if we find the end of the Rainbow, there will be a pot of gold.

7. Eggs
In traditional folk religion, the Egg is a powerful symbol of fertility, purity and rebirth.
It is used in magical rituals to promote fertility and restore virility; to look into the future, to bring good weather, encourage the growth of crops and protect both cattle and children against misfortune, and ward off the evil eye.

In England, a gift of a white Egg is considered lucky, but a brown Egg, not only brings luck, but happiness as well. -(The Encyclopedia of Religion, 1987, p.37,"Egg")

Lucky Animal Totems

Sacred Animals

8.

Dolphins
Dolphins are considered lucky in many different cultures, including the Ancient cultures of Greece, Sumer, Egypt, and Rome.

For Christians and Native Americans, the Dolphin is a symbol of protection, and its image is said to bring good luck. The belief stems from the fact that ancient sailors who spent months or even years out of sight of land, found the sight of Dolphins swimming around their ships to be the first sign that land was near.

9. Pigs
German-natives have a saying "Schwein gehabt (had Pig)" which literally means "Good Luck is at Hand".

Good Luck tokens in the shape of Pigs are believed to bring Good Luck, as they are a Symbol of Wealth, Good Fortune & Prosperity.

Among the Chinese and the Europeans, charms in the shape of Pigs, are believed to have the power to bring Good Luck, as they are a symbol of riches and wealth.

The Pig in Chinese mythology is a symbol of honesty, tolerance, initiative and diligence.

10. Tortoises
Tortoises are considered a good luck symbol in Feng-Shui decorating. They are also one of the 4 sacred animals (among the Dragon, Unicorn, and Phoenix)

11. Turtles
Turtles are believed to have Power over all kinds of Bad Magic.
A Turtle symbolizes the primal mother and Mother Earth. Turtles are also said to symbolize Longevity and one's Hope and Wish for a long life.

Turtles are said to be a link between heaven and earth which made them a natural for use in divination.

12. Elephants
Due to its long life, Elephants are a Symbol of overcoming death.

Elephants are good luck in Feng Shui and the Ganeshsa is the Hindu God of Luck.
Elephant figurines placed on shelves or by doorways are said to ensure longevity and luck.

Elephants are a Symbol of Wisdom, Power, Loyalty, Intelligence, Strength and Solitude.

13. Red Bats
In China, Red Bats are symbols of long life, and amulets are worn as lucky charms to bring happiness.

The red bat is thought to ward of evil. Five red bats can also represent the "five good fortunes" of health, longevity, love, wealth and virtue.

14. Tigers
Tigers are considered lucky in Chinese astrology.
The Tiger is also considered a protector against certain evils, including theft and fire.

15.Frogs
The Frog has been a symbol of prosperity, wealth, friendship and abundance in many cultures and a symbol of fertility in others.

In the Native American culture of the Southwest, the Frog carries a piece of wood in its mouth, because the Mojave people believe Frogs brought fire to humans.

For the Romans, the Frog was a mascot believed to bring Good Luck to one's home.

The native Aborigines of Australia, believed that Frogs brought the thunder and rain, to help the plants to grow.

Frogs are also said to be effective in speeding up recovery from disease.

Among the ancient Egyptians and Greeks, Frogs symbolized inspiration and fertility.
In Egypt, Hekt, the Frog goddess, protected new-born babies, hence Frogs are symbols of fertility and birth.

The Frog is also said to attract true friends and to help you find long-lasting love.

Some parts of Animals are also thought to be Lucky...

16. A Rabbit's Foot The hind foot of a rabbit been a good luck symbol for the common man for ages.

Because of the rabbit's reputation in procreation, it is said to enhance the chances of the wearer to become a parent. When the rabbit's foot is worn by a man, he shall sire a child. When worn by a woman, she will become pregnant.
(and)
17. Alligator Teeth are said to bring luck to gamblers in Africa.

Icons Symbolizing Luck

Superstitions and Legends

18.

Chimney Sweeps
A Chimney Sweep is a sign of good luck, wealth and happiness.

The Chimney Sweep is said to be "the ultimate bringer of good luck".

One legend from old England says that one day King George was riding his horse in a royal procession, when a dog suddenly ran from the crowd, barking and nipping at the King's horse. The horse reared, and to the horror of the crowd, almost threw the King! A lone figure, dressed in rags and filthy, stepped into the road, caught the horse's halter and calmed the animal; a chimney sweep had saved the King!

19. Buddha
A Buddha charm or statue is thought of as being lucky, especially if you rub the Buddha's belly.

20.Kachinas
The Pueblo, Hopi and Zuni nations of the American Southwest, place great faith in the luck-bringing properties of these dolls.

Kachinas represent native spirits and each is dressed in elaborate costume. Although regularly used in tribal ceremonies, these dolls, are also used as playthings by children and displayed in homes as well as in sacred places. It is believed that by making the spirit represented by the doll a member of the family group, luck will come to that family in the form of good harvests and protection from natural disasters.

21. Saint Christopher
As the patron saint of travelers.

It is common for Catholics to have a Saint Christopher cross in their car.

Dreamcatcher

The Legend of the DreamCatcher

Antler Dreamcatcher with Raised Native American and Hanging Feathers

Amazon Price: $20.95 (as of 01/06/2012)

A spider was quietly spinning his web in his own space. It was beside the sleeping space of Nokomis, the grandmother. Each day, Nokomis watched the spider at work, quietly spinning away. One day as she was watching him, her grandson came in. "Nokomis-iya!" he shouted, glancing at the spider. He stomped over to the spider, picked up a shoe and went to hit it. "No-keegwa," the old lady whispered, "don't hurt him."

"Nokomis, why do you protect the spider" asked the little boy. The old lady smiled, but did not answer.

When the boy left, the spider went to the old woman and thanked her for saving his life. He said to her, "For many days you have watched me spin and weave my web. You have admired my work. In return for saving my life, I will give you a gift." He smiled his special spider smile and moved away, spinning as he went. Soon the moon glistened on a magical silvery web moving gently in the window. "See how I spin" he said. "See and learn, for each web will snare bad dreams. Only good dreams will go through the small hole. This is my gift to you. Use it so that only good dreams will be remembered. The bad dreams will become hopelessly entangled in the web."

Lucky Objects

Tokens of Luck

22.

Dream Catchers
Dreamcatchers, from Native American culture, are considered good luck, because they catch the negative images from dreams. See The Legend of Nokomis (above)

23. Red Chinese Lanterns
These Lanterns are a symbol of luck in the Chinese culture.

24. Horseshoe
A Horseshoe symbolizes good luck, power of evil, good fortune and fertility.

Horseshoes have associations with the strength and dependability of the horse, and, in an upright position, it is also symbolic of the moon. Pointing downwards, it is symbolic of the womb. To the Greeks, it symbolized the crescent moon which was regarded as a symbol of fertility.

The Horseshoe protects one's house and land, to keep strangers away, when hung up on the wall of a home or above a doorway. The "U" shape will hold good luck inside forever. This tradition may stem from the 10th century Saint Dunstan. He trapped the devil using a Horseshoe and from that point on the devil would never enter a Christian home adorned with a Horseshoe over the door.

Some legends say, that a Horseshoe "'Pointing Up" will gather your Luck, whereas "Pointing Down" it will shower you with Luck.

25. Coins
"See a penny pick it up and all day long you'll have good luck. Leave it there and you'll despair."

Some even take the idea of luck to the other side of the coin, and believe that if the coin is face down that it's best to leave it on the ground. Luckiest of all, are Coins that are bent or have holes in them, especially if they turn up as change after making a purchase. The luck of such Coins is enhanced if they are carried in a left-hand pocket or worn around the neck.

Coins can bring luck in many ways.
- You will have good luck if you keep a jar of pennies in the kitchen.
- The first Coin you receive each day should be placed in an otherwise empty pocket and it will attract more.
- A Coin in a new jacket, handbag, or wallet will bring good luck.
- If you get pennies as change on a Monday, you will have good luck all week long.
- Many people consider it lucky to carry a Coin with their birth date.
- Some say that a Coin minted in a leap year will bring good fortune.

Coins also have a place in Feng Shui, as luck bringers.

READ MORE:  http://www.squidoo.com/goodlucksigns

Good luck charms, amulets, etc:  http://www.calastrology.com/good-luck-charms.html?gclid=COCvqo-3wK0CFQjd4AodcDA-Ag

What about all the things you said we were to gain ...

Dogs and seizures - Addison's Disease

ADRENAL HORMONES

The Adrenal glands are located just atop the kidney.

The adrenal gland is so named because it is located just forward of the kidney ("renal" means kidney). The center of the gland is called the "medulla" and the outer area is called the "cortex." While both areas produce hormones, Addison's disease concerns the hormones produced by the cortex; these hormones are called "corticosteroids."

The cortex is shown in yellow

Corticosteroids are the hormones that enable us to adapt physiologically to stress. The "Glucocorticoids" (such as cortisol and related synthetics, prednisone and dexamethasone and numerous others) act on the mechanics of sugar, fat, and protein metabolism. They gear the metabolism towards the preparation of burning (rather than storing) fuels so as the be ready for a "fight or flight" situation.
The "Mineralocorticoids" (such as aldosterone and related synthetic fludrocortisone acetate) influence the electrolytes: sodium and potassium. As a general biological rule, where there's sodium or salt, there's water. When the mineralocorticoids circulate as part of the "fight or flight" preparation, sodium is conserved in anticipation of blood loss so that there will be extra fluid in the vascular compartment (spare blood). When sodium is conserved, potassium is lost as part of the biological balance. This whole picture of fat mobilization, sodium conservation etc. which is part of the "fight or flight" preparation is far more complex than can be reviewed here but the bottom line is:

Corticosteroid hormones are needed to adapt to stressful situations and
without these hormones, even small stresses could lead to physiologic disaster.

HYPOADRENOCORTICISM (ADDISON'S DISEASE)

In animals with Addison's disease, there is a deficiency of the corticosteroid hormones. It is unusual to discover the direct cause of this deficiency unless the patient is taking medications that disrupt adrenal balance (like ketoconazole, lysodren or trilostane) but, fortunately, the disease can be managed with the administration of corticosteroid hormones even if the cause of the deficiency is unknown.

Standard poodle Bearded collie

CLINICAL SIGNS
Patients are usually young (age 4-5 years) dogs but any age dog can be affected. (This disease occurs in cats but is very rare.) There is a genetic predisposition for Addison's disease in the Standard poodle and Bearded collie. Female dogs are affected twice as often as males.

At first signs are very vague - listlessness, possibly some vomiting or diarrhea. The pet just does not seem to feel right but not in an obvious way and may seem more or less normal most of the time as symptoms wax and wane with stress. Ultimately, the disease results in a phenomenon known as the "Addisonian crisis." The animal collapses in shock due to its inability to adapt to the caloric and circulatory requirements in stress. Blood sugar may drop dangerously low. Potassium levels soar and disrupt the heart rhythm because there is not enough conserved sodium to exchange for potassium. Heart rate slows, arrhythmias result. The patient may not survive this episode.

Approximately 30% of dogs with Addison's disease
are diagnosed at the time of an Addisonian crisis.

Approximately 90% of the adrenal cortex must be
non-functional to before clinical signs are observed.

MAKING THE DIAGNOSIS

Because of the numerous symptoms Addison’s disease can be present with, Addison’s disease has earned the medical nickname “The Great Imitator.” One would think that one could simply look for an increase in potassium and/or a drop in sodium on a basic laboratory blood panel, but it turns out spot checks of electrolyte values like this are not reliable enough for a diagnosis of Addison's disease.
Veterinarians are typically presented with a young animal in shock. There is usually no history of trauma or toxic exposure so general treatment for shock is initiated. This consists of rapid administration of fluids (usually lactated ringers solution which has little potassium and a moderate amount of sodium) plus some glucocorticoids. By coincidence, this also happens to be similar to the specific treatment for Addison's disease so that often the patient simply recovers without the veterinarian really knowing why.

The blood panel will come back showing elevations in the renal parameters (BUN and Creatinine) and thus with the elevated potassium is suggestive of acute renal failure, a condition with an extremely poor prognosis. The veterinarian may become suspicious of another diagnosis as the patient will respond well to fluid administration and most renal failure patients do not respond as well.
Addison’s disease may present in more unusual ways. Inability to maintain normal sugar levels (ultimately manifesting as a seizure disorder) may be strongly suggestive of an insulin-secreting pancreatic tumor but before a major abdominal surgery is planned, it is important to test for Addison’s disease.

Similarly unexpected, regurgitation of undigested food due to abnormal nerve function in the esophagus (a condition called “Megaesophagus”) can be caused ultimately by Addison’s disease.
The only definitive test for Addison's disease is the ACTH stimulation test. The patient receives a dose of ACTH, the pituitary hormone responsible for the release of corticosteroids in times of stress. A normal animal will show an elevation in cortisol in response to ACTH while an Addisonian has no corticosteroids to respond with. This lack of response is diagnostic for Addison's disease; however, a false positive may be obtained if corticosteroids have been used in the treatment of the crisis prior to the test. Of all the commonly used corticosteroids, only dexamethasone does not interfere with the assay for cortisol; if any other steroid has been used, the test will not be valid for at least a couple of days.

TREATMENT

The most important aspect of treatment for hypoadrenocorticism is the replacement of the missing mineralocorticoids hormones. One way to do this is with oral fludrocortisone (Florinef^®). Florinef is given usually twice a day at a dose determined by the patient's sodium and potassium blood tests. At first, these electrolytes are monitored weekly. When levels seem stable, these blood tests are repeated 2-4 times per year. Often with time, it will be found that the dose of Florinef needed to control the Addison's disease will increase. This is unfortunate as the medication is relatively expensive. Since Florinef has glucocorticoid activity as well as mineralocorticoid activity, it is usually not necessary to use additional medications for treatment. Using a compounding pharmacy may be helpful in managing the costs of this particular medication, especially in a larger dog.

Another way to treat this condition is with an injectable medication called “DOCP” (brand name “Percorten-V”). This treatment is given approximately every 25 days. Electrolytes are measured prior to injections at first but testing can usually eventually be tapered to once or twice a year. There is some feeling among experts that DOCP produces better regulation of electrolytes than does oral Florinef. Some dogs however, do require glucocorticoid supplementation (such as a low dose of prednisone).

WHAT IS "ATYPICAL ADDISON'S DISEASE?"

Approximately one dog in 42 will have a special form of Addison's disease. To understand this form of Addison's disease, we have to add some more details about the adrenal cortex. We have already explained that the adrenal cortex makes corticosteroids: the glucocorticoids that control sugar, fat, and protein use during stress and the mineralocorticoids that control electrolytes (mainly sodium and potassium) during stress. The adrenal cortex has three layers: the zona fasciculata, the zona reticularis, and the zona glomerulosa. The inner two layers make the glucocorticoids and the outer zona glomerulosa layer makes the mineralocorticoids.

Most dogs get Addison's disease when all three layers of the adrenal gland are destroyed and no corticosteroid hormones of any kind can be produced. With Atypical Addison's disease, the problem is limited to the layers that produce the glucocorticoids. This creates a patient who cannot regulate blood sugar normally but who is not at risk for an Addisonian crisis. Diagnosis is still by ACTH stimulation test. Treatment consists of supplementation of glucocorticoid hormones, such as prednisone. It should be noted that often these patients ultimately progress to the more typical Addison's disease complete with electrolyte imbalance.

A similar deficiency in glucocorticoids (but not mineralocorticoids) results when a pet has been on long term oral glucocorticoids (such as prednisone) and medication is discontinued too abruptly. Long term glucocorticoid use leaves the outer layers of the adrenal cortex with nothing to do (and no stimulation from the pituitary gland since pills or shots are providing the body with more than enough glucocorticoids. Once the medication is withdrawn, the body is back to relying on its own adrenal glands for glucocorticoids but the gland has atrophied from lack of stimulation. This creates a deficiency in glucocorticoids similar to Atypical Addison's disease and is the reason why steroid hormones are typically tapered off rather than abruptly discontinued. True Atypical Addison's disease can be distinguished from overuse of medication by a plasma ACTH level (very high in Atypical Addison's disease and very low with medication overuse).

WHAT IS "PACIFIC RIMISM"?

Akita Shiba Inu Jindo

Dog breeds originating in the Pacific Rim, such as the Akita and Shiba inu, commonly have elevated potassium levels on blood tests. This can be very confusing when a patient has symptoms that suggest Addison's disease. These patients will have normal ACTH Stimulation test results if they do not have Addison's disease.

Adult Whipworm

WHIPWORM INFECTION?
Whipworm infection has been known to create a syndrome nearly identical to Addisonian crisis, complete with abnormal sodium and potassium values. These patients will have normal ACTH stimulation tests but because whipworms only periodically shed eggs, fecal testing may not detect whipworm infection. If there is any question about whipworm infection, treatment should be instituted. See details on whipworm infection.



http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_addison_s_disease.html

Workaholism

How can workaholics break the cycle of addiction? The first step is recognizing the problem. Debra Weaver, a pastor's wife and mother of four who teaches part time at her children's school, recently made the decision to step down as director of women's ministries at her church after she recognized the toll her busyness was taking on her relationships at home.


“I was constantly on the phone or on the computer, and as a result, I was constantly getting mad at my kids,” she recalls. “I knew it was time to give it up. For me, it was a matter of trusting God: Do I really believe that if I invest my time where God wants me to invest it — in my family — He will bless my ministry?”


Rebecca Robeson, a self-admitted workaholic, is not yet free of her workaholism. But she is becoming aware that she has a problem. Whenever she finds herself caught in the destructive cycle of work addiction, she thinks of a friend and mentor named Brenda. “Brenda has learned to say no,” Rebecca says. “It irritates me, because she refuses things I wish she'd agree to do. More often than not, though, she says no to something good in order to say yes to something better — her family and her relationship with the Lord.”


Whether we're bona fide volunteeraholics or simply over-functioning moms who have taken on too much, we need to ask ourselves: In our drive to create an illusion of self-worth that's based on what we accomplish, are we doing irreparable damage to our children, family and friends? If so, what are we going to do about it?

    

10 steps to finding balance

• Acknowledge you have a problem.
• Be accountable to someone for your schedule.
• Cut out half of your outside involvement.
• Don't add a new activity to your schedule without eliminating another.
• Allow time in your schedule for doing nothing.
• Set a time budget and live within it.
• Forget quality time — it's quantity time that counts.
• Cherish the time you have with your children now. It can never be reclaimed.
• Maintain your perspective. There's a time for everything; maybe it's just not now.
• If you're a workaholic, get help before it's too late.

Symptoms of workaholism often mask deeper emotional problems such as depression or low self-esteem. Consider getting outside help, either from a trusted pastor or counselor.

Copyright © 1999 Elaine Minamide. Used by permission.

http://www.focusonthefamily.com/lifechallenges/relationship_challenges/workaholism.aspx

https://focusonthefamily.webconnex.com/donate-giving?refcd=OLZZXD

Leonard Peltier - DefenseCommittee

Leonard Peltier, Activist

Leonard Peltier -- a great-grandfather, artist, writer, & indigenous rights activist -- is a citizen of the Anishinabe and Dakota/Lakota Nations who has been unjustly imprisoned since 1976.
A participant in the American Indian Movement, he went to assist the Oglala Lakota people on the Pine Ridge Reservation in the mid-70s where a tragic shoot-out occurred on June 26, 1975. Accused of the murder of two agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Peltier fled to Canada believing he would never receive a fair trial in the United States.


On February 6, 1976, Peltier was apprehended. The FBI knowingly presented the Canadian court with fraudulent affidavits, and Peltier was returned to the U.S. for trial.


Key witnesses were banned from testifying about FBI misconduct & testimony about the conditions and atmosphere on the Pine Ridge Reservation at the time of the shoot-out was severely restricted. Important evidence, such as conflicting ballistics reports, was ruled inadmissible. Still, the U.S. Prosecutor failed to produce a single witness who could identify Peltier as the shooter. Instead, the government tied a bullet casing found near the bodies of their agents to the alleged murder weapon, arguing that this gun had been the only one of its kind used during the shootout, and that it had belonged to Peltier.


Later, Mr. Peltier’s attorneys uncovered, in the FBI’s own documents, that more than one weapon of the type attributed to Peltier had been present at the scene and the FBI had intentionally concealed a ballistics report that showed the shell casing could not have come from the alleged murder weapon. Other troubling information emerged: the agents undoubtedly followed a red pickup truck onto the land where the shoot-out took place, not the red and white van driven by Peltier; and compelling evidence against several other suspects existed and was concealed.


At the time, however, the jury was unaware of these facts. Peltier was convicted and sentenced to two consecutive life terms. He is currently imprisoned at the U.S. Penitentiary in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania.

---

Leonard Peltier, Artist

Leonard Peltier’s self-taught style is an outgrowth of drawing and carving lessons he received as a child from tribal elders.


Leonard began working with pastels in 1983, proving he had talent to put what he saw on paper. His spirit began to know a freedom he had never before experienced.


Although limited by the prison environment, Mr. Peltier has emerged as a master of Indigenous Art.
Leonard’s artwork reflects his beliefs and commitment to Native American culture. It is The People’s struggle to survive and his desire to portray their cultural beauty that inspires Peltier to paint.
In 1986, Leonard suffered a stroke and lost about eighty percent of his sight in his left eye. "My eye problem has slowed me down considerably, but I am still inspired."


Leonard’s paintings are collected by such noted personalities as Oliver Stone, Peter Coyote, Jane Fonda, Val Kilmer, Michael Apted, Shep Gordon, and Oliver Shanti, as well as many other international celebrities & luminaries.

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Leonard, the Writer

Doing time creates a demented darkness of my own imagination; doing time does this thing to you. But of course, you don't do time. You do without it. Or rather, time does you. Time is a cannibal that devours the flesh of your years day by day, bite by bite.

-- Leonard Peltier

Prison Writings:
My Life Is My Sun Dance

This book was written from behind the cold prison bars of Leavenworth Penitentiary by Leonard Peltier, who has been called America's Nelson Mandela. Peltier is serving two life sentences for crimes the U.S. government has admitted they can't prove were even committed by Peltier. He is considered by Amnesty International & many other humanitarian organizations to be a political prisoner.


According to prison officials, Peltier's plight has attracted the attention of luminaries such as Britain's Queen Elizabeth. In February 1999, the European Parliament approved a resolution calling for Peltier to be freed. France's former First Lady Danielle Mitterand, who is president of the French human rights organization, France Libertés, has called for the release of Leonard Peltier.


The book's editor, Harvey Arden said, "Leonard Peltier's powerful memoir, a Native American spiritual testament, will shake the conscience of the nation... & the world. It's a flaming arrow aimed at the circled wagons of American injustice."


Archbishop Desmond Tutu calls it: "A deeply moving & very disturbing story of a gross miscarriage of justice & an eloquent cri de coeur of Native Americans for redress & to be regarded as human beings with inalienable rights guaranteed under the United States Constitution. We pray that it does not fall on deaf ears. America owes it to herself."

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Leonard, the Nobel Peace Prize Candidate

Leonard Peltier Nominated for 2004 Nobel Peace Prize

Feb. 11, 2004
Last week we posted the call for support from Ward Dossche and Harvey Arden about nominating Leonard for the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize. The deadline for the 2004 NPP nominations was February 1st. But even though there was little time left, Ward Dossche reports that three people - a university professor from Texas; another university professor from Belgium; and Bart Staes, member of the European Parliament and IPF signatory - sent in their nominations in time.

Leonard Peltier Nominated for 2007 Nobel Peace Prize

On April 3rd, 2007, the LPDC has received confirmation of Leonard Peltier's official nomination for the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize. This year 181 candidates have been registered. The name of the Prize recipient for 2007 will be announced in mid-October.

We want to thank the people who nominated Leonard for this prestigious award.
Respectfully,
Leonard Peltier Defense Committee


Note:
We ask that supporters NOT send letters of support or recommendation to
the Nobel Peace Prize Committee as only selected individuals can nominate for the Nobel Peace Prize.

---

Leonard’s Human Rights Achievements

Advocate of peaceful resolution of all issues that deal with Native Americans; always taking a non-violent approach and argued for respect for rights of others.


Has helped several prisoners rehabilitate themselves by advocating drug and alcohol free life styles while encouraging pride and knowledge in their cultures and traditions.


Has been key in getting people from different tribes, with a history of animosity, to come together in peace.


Has worked with Dr. Steward Selkin of New York (ear, nose, and throat specialist) on efforts to restructure health delivery systems on reservations. A pilot program on Rosebud was undertaken in order to document needs and requirements for delivery and care. This is known as the Leonard Peltier Health Care Reform Package, and the ultimate intent is to fundamentally alter health care delivery on reservations throughout the US. Substance abuse programs are an important part of this program.
Has worked with professor Jeffery Timmons on a job creation/job training program to stimulate reservation based economics and investments in Native American business enterprises.
Also worked with Professor Timmons on a youth entrepreneur program for reservation kids to teach them to learn how to establish and run their own businesses.


In 1992 he established a scholarship at New York University for Native American students seeking law degrees.


Instrumental in the establishment and funding of a Washington (state) Native American newspaper by and for Native young people.


Has been the sponsoring father of two children in Childreach, one in El Salvador, and the other in Guatemala.


Has worked to have prisoners’ artwork displayed around the country and the world in art galleries in hopes of starting art programs for prisoners and increasing their self-confidence.
Has sponsored several clothing and toy drives for reservations.


Distributes to Head Start and halfway houses, as well as women’s centers.


Every year he has sponsored a Christmas gift drive for the children of Pine Ridge, SD. Organized and emergency food drive for the people of Pohlo, Mexico in response to the Acteal Massacre.
Serves on the board of the Rosenberg Fund for Children.


Donates his artwork to several human rights and social welfare organizations in order to help them raise funds. This most recently includes the ACLU, Trail of Hope (a Native American conference dealing with drug and alcohol addiction), World Peace and Prayer Day, the First Nation Student Association, and the Buffalo Trust Fund.


By donating his paintings to the Leonard Peltier Charitable Foundation, he was able to supply computers and educational supplies such as books and encyclopedias to libraries and families on Pine Ridge.


By donating his paintings to the LPCF, he was also able to raise substantial supplies for the people of Pine Ridge after last year’s devastating tornado hit and caused a multitude of damage on the reservation.


He has been widely recognized for his efforts and has won several human rights awards, including the North Star Frederick Douglas Award, Humanist of the Year Award, and the International Human Rights Prize.

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Leonard, Presidential Candidate

Political Prisoner on the Ballot in California

Lawrence, Kansas, February 11, 2004 Kevin Shelley, Secretary of the State of California has announced that Leonard Peltier will be on the primary election ballot as a candidate for the Peace and Freedom Party's Presidential nomination.
Leonard Peltier is deemed as a political prisoner by Amnesty International and has been unjustly incarcerated for nearly 3 decades. Peltier was convicted of committing the crime of murdering two FBI agents, even though the prosecution has since admitted in open court (Oct. 15, 1985) that the government did not have proof of who killed their agents. The courts have also admitted (10th Circuit Court of Appeals) that "the prosecution of Mr. Peltier is to be condemned; they withheld evidence, coerced testimony. These facts are undisputed".


Leonard Peltier is an advocate of peaceful resolution of all issues and has been instrumental in getting people from different tribes with a history of animosity to come together in peace. He has piloted the Leonard Peltier Health Care Reform Package whose intent is to fundamentally alter health care delivery on reservations throughout the US. Peltier has established a scholarship at NYU for Native Students seeking law degrees, has implemented job creation/job training programs and is the sponsoring father of two children in ChildReach. Peltier has sponsored clothing, emergency food and toy drives and distributes to Head Start, halfway houses and women's centers. Peltier serves on the board of the Rosenberg Fund for Children and donates his artwork to several human rights and social welfare organizations, including the Leonard Peltier Charitable Foundation. He has been widely recognized for his efforts and has won several human rights awards, including the North Star- Frederick Douglas Award; Humanist of the Year Award and most recently, is a nominee for the Nobel Peace Prize.


Mr. Peltier's choice as Vice-President is Barry Bachrach, lead counsel for Peltier. Mr. Bachrach is a Litigation Partner with extensive experience in managing and handling a wide variety of litigation. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Maine, School of Law, has authored several legal publications and is currently co-authoring a book about the Massachusetts Constitution. Bachrach has bar admissions in the states of Maine, Massachusetts and Minnesota and in the United Claims Court, Federal Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Court of Appeals for the 1st Circuit.


Mr. Bachrach has been with the Defense Committee for 3 years and believes that Leonard's campaign will offer hope to the oppressed, bringing back the principles that this country was founded upon, regaining the soul that this country has lost. Bachrach believes that Native Americans are the foundation of this country, spiritual people who cherish the earth, not strive to own it.


In the Spirit of Crazy Horse


http://www.leonardpeltier.net/theman.htm

Charm

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