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Dear Family:
When I met with Leonard at Leavenworth in November of 1999 his first words to me were "how are the people"? Knowing him to be a true warrior of our people, I'm sure that is his greatest concern today.
I spent Saturday morning with my three grandchildren: wrestling, playing kissing. They said to me "I love you Pap" As I awaited word of Leonard's pardon my thoughts were that soon he will be enjoying his family much as I am. I was so sure he would soon hold his grandchildren and hear similar words. I took Leonard's grandson a ride on my Harley several years ago in Tulsa. It was no big deal at the time, but now it takes on a whole new meaning as I reflect back.
If we are to incorporate the words "Mitakuye Oyasin " into our lives I believe it is imperative to remember, our children are Leonard's children. Our grandchildren are Leonard's grandchildren and his are ours. Sunday I will reflect, curse, plot, maybe even mourn a bit. When the Creator lifts the Sun on Monday morning I will rejoin our family of the 7th generation in a celebration of determination and gratitude and resume the journey to liberate our brother and in doing so liberate my own soul to better serve our people. Please join me...we are still strong!
Matt Sherman Madadje
Moniga
Rep. National Field Office
American Indian Movement
Dennis J. Banks, Director
Matt--
Noble words! I concur absolutely and with renewed dedication. Thanks for your inspiration. Monday morning "when the Creator lifts the Sun," as you say, Matt, the struggle resumes...Leonard WILL be free...and so will his People!
I am heartened that the U.S. Army has just borrowed for their own slogan Leonard's words "Be an Army of One!"...those words from his book have become one of the mantras of our movement for justice and equality in America. Even the U.S. Army recognizes the strength in Leonard's heart...and in ours. We share the warrior's spirit...and they are welcome to Leonard's inspiring and transformative words.
What IS an "Army of One"? Here are Leonard's words from his book...they lay out a program of action that is up to EACH of us...
"People often ask me what my position is, or was, in AIM--the American Indian Movement. That requires an explanation.
AIM is not an organization. AIM, as its name clearly says, is a movement. Within that movement organizations come and go. No one person or special group of people runs AIM. Don't confuse AIM with any particular individual or individuals who march under its banner--however worthy or unworthy they may be. AIM is the People. AIM will be there when every one of us living today is gone. AIM will raise new leaders in every generation. Crazy Horse belonged to AIM. Sitting Bull belonged to AIM. They belong to us still, and we belong to them. They're with us right now.
One other point I want to make about AIM. There are no followers in AIM. We are all leaders. We are each an army of one, working for the survival of our people and of the Earth, our Mother. This isn't rhetoric. This is commitment. This is who we are."
Then later he states:
"We're in this together, my friends, the rich, the poor, the red, the white, the black, the brown, the yellow. We're all one family of humankind. We share responsibility for our Mother the Earth and for all those who live and breathe upon her. Our work will remain unfinished until not one human being is hungry or battered, not a single person is forced to die in war, not one innocent languishes in in prison, and no one is persecuted for his or her beliefs.
I believe in the good in humankind. I believe that the good can prevail, but only with great effort. And that effort is ours, each of ours, yours and mine.
WE MUST EACH BE AN ARMY OF ONE in the endless struggle between the goodness we are all capable of and the evil that threatens us all from without as well as from within. Yes, we can each be an army of one. One good man or one good woman can change the world. Are you that man or woman? If so, may the Great Spirit bless you. If not, why not? We must each of us be that person. That will transform the world overnight. That would be a miracle, yes, but a miracle within our power, our healing power.
We can do it. Yes, you and I and all of us together. Now is the time. Now is the only possible time. Let the Great Healing begin."
Hey, Matt--the Great Healing begins tomorrow morning!
JUST AS I'M ABOUT TO SEND THIS LEONARD CALLS!! (9:05pm)...I read him Matt Sherman's email above...I told him the struggle resumes tomorrow AM and will continue larger than ever until he's free. He says, "Tell everyone...I was down for a couple of days there...but now I'm UP! Tell them we may have lost a battle but we WILL win the war! Tell them to get together and stay together and work together... Don't stop now...we're stronger than ever!"
I told Leonard we're still with him...every step of the way...
He really laughed when he heard the US Army has adopted his "Be an Army of One" motto...
"That's what we need to do, too," he said, "Advertise...publicize...get the attention of EVERYone! Don't EVER let them forget those of us in here... And, hey, Bro, tell'm all I love them, every one of them...make sure you tell them that!"
"AN ARMY OF ONE!"
Revised October 26, 2002