This petition calls for the immediate full pardon and release of an aged, blind, native American indian Vietnam Veteran who has allegedley been abused in the Texas Prison System.
We, the undersigned, call for the immediate pardon and release of Vietnam Veteran and Veteran Advocate IRON THUNDERHORSE from the Texas State Prison System.
Myself and many other concerned veterans are reading credible reports of this brave war hero being sytematically abused and / or neglected while being incarcerated in Livingston Texas. There are reports that he was shot in the arm at point blank range in 1992 and no longer has the functioning use of that limb. We have also read that he is aged, blind, and has a variety of other health problems that require immediate and compassionate medical treatment. It is our sincere wish that our fellow veteran be allowed to be placed into the immediate care of his wife and be allowed to seek medical treatment at a facility of his own choosing.
Furthermore, we call upon President George W. Bush, the Congress of the United States of America, and the governor of Texas to initiate a swift congressional investigation made up of members of Congress from outside of the State of Texas as well as including a representative sampling of Congressmen from within the State of Texas to fully look into this matter in regards to blatent assault on a helpless prisoner while in custody, neglect of his physical and mental care, and other concerns such as reports of interference or denial of his freedom to practice his Native American Religious Customs.
We pray on this Memorial Day, May 30th, 2005, that those who govern our great nation would show compassion on the suffering of our fellow vet as a sign of good faith between our elected officials and the brave men and women active duty and veteran personnel of this great nation.
In closing, we also call for the overturn of the FERES DOCTRINE which has victimized countless active duty and veteran personnel by limiting their ability to seek justice or recourse when they are adversely affected by government sponsored events. We feel that active duty soldiers and veterans should never have the rights afforded to them by the BILL OF RIGHTS be denied them in any way, shape or form ; neither while in the line of duty, nor as veterans.
May GOD Bless America, it's citizens, and it's veterans !
And May The Holy Spirit Be With IRON THUNDERHORSE, and grace him with a peace that surpasses all understanding.
AMEN.
