LEONARD PELTIER FOR PRESIDENT

I have filled out my ballot, but have yet to cast it. I can mail it, but I'd have to risk the unlikely possibility that it wouldn't get to its destination by 8 pm on Tuesday. I have the option of simply delivering it to a polling place, which I will do.

Ralph Nader wasn't on my ballot, though I understand I could have written him in. I probably would have voted for him because I'm in a safe state, he has a chance to get millions of votes, and his running mate is Camejo. But I'm not convinced that the Green Party safe states strategy is completely wrong. I think it depends on the circumstances, and too many folks jumped on that bandwagon too quickly. Now, with two days before we vote, and not much time left for strategy, it may be the right choice in some states to vote for Kerry as an anti-Bush vote. What is sad is that the Greens didn't decide to challenge the two-party system early on, endorse Nader, and ignore the lesser-evil argument. This is the most important election of my lifetime so far, which is exactly why there was never a more important time to challenge the Republicrats. There wasn't such a challenge - at least not one that was adequate - so it is hard to endorse any of the 3rd party campaigns as a mere protest vote in swing states.

Why Kerry? Because it is likely that he will appoint some Supreme Court justices and because I don't think the movement will die with him as president. There is potential that the movement (meaning the growing movement against war and globalization and for human rights) will continue to grow. The lesser-evil argument has taken hold, which I hate, but at least it's explicit and widespread. In other words, groves of people will vote for Kerry, not because they like him or his policies, but because they really hate Bush and his. Those same people will not stay home on an International Day of Action because they don't want to make Kerry look bad; those same people will not be opposed to protesting a visit from Kerry if the war in Iraq continues, or the occupation of Palestine continues its course. If the movement continues to grow with Kerry in the White House, it is the best possible scenario. A presumably liberal leader confronted with agitation from the left. I don't think a Kerry administration would be able to ignore protests of millions the way the Bush administration did leading up to the war.

In my opinion, all of the arguments in the previous paragraph would be trumped if there was a viable and strong 3rd party candidate. But there isn't. However, if you're in a safe state, I think progressives should vote their conscience. I voted for Peltier on the Peace and Freedom Party line. Here is his statement:

Statement by Leonard Peltier

I am a Native American who has suffered nearly 28 years in prison, even though government attorneys and courts acknowledge that the government withheld evidence, fabricated evidence, and coerced witnesses to fraudulently convict me. But the courts say they have no power to correct the wrongs of our government. If the Courts do not, who does? I will ensure that all peoples receive justice. Environmental protection is paramount for our survival. The earth is our sacred Mother who nourishes us. Our government is destroying the earth by allowing its usurpation for greedy purposes. I will protect the environment. All minorities must be allowed to maintain their languages and traditions with dignity. I personally suffered the indignity of being deprived of speaking my native tongue and following Lakota traditions. This country has engaged in genocidal policies to exterminate virtually every minority, especially those who express dissent and seek equal justice. Now is the time to end the continuing injustices of this government and ensure liberty and equal health care to all. Luther Standing Bear, a Sioux Chief, stated: "Out of the Indian approach to life became a great freedom -- an intense and absorbing love for nature; a respect for life; enriching in a supreme power; and principals of truth, honesty, generosity, equity, and brotherhood as a guard to mundane relations." That statement exemplifies the basic truths of life. I will represent all people, not the entrepreneurs who care only how much money can be stuffed into their pockets