After last month, we were afraid that our space at the Crafted Kup would be too small. But this showing of "The Corporation" was just about perfect in size, 30 people. This is a shot again before the movie started.

CVS
722 Dutchess Turnpike (opposite the Adam's Store)
Poughkeepsie

Background:

-We contacted the CVS store manager by letter and then I talked to her by phone.

-She repeated that store managers cannot dictate what is sold at their stores, but agreed to contact her district manager about the sale of Dead Sea products by CVS.

-I said that we would do a boycott action at the beginning of February. Dutchess Peace decided on Saturday, Feb. 4.

Here is why we think that CVS should stop carrying these products:

The word Ahava may mean love, but Ahava cosmetics represent anything but.  They’re manufactured in Israel's illegal* West Bank settlement of Mitzepe Shalem and made with minerals literally stolen from the Palestinian people. Selling products produced in illegal settlements helps finance the destruction of hope for a just and peaceful future for both Palestinians and Israelis.

CVS should stop selling Ahava, as well as other products made in Israel's illegal settlements. These include L'Oreal's Natural Sea Beauty, Dead Sea Salt Foot Soak, and Swisa Beauty Esensuals. Ask this CVS store manager to contact corporate headquarters about these products. Or make a call yourself to 401 765-1500 (request Customer Relations). You can make a difference in bringing peace to the Middle East.

* Under international law, it is illegal for an occupying power (like the Israeli government) to move its citizens onto the land it is occupying and to exploit for profit that land’s natural resources.

Fred

Packed crowd at the Crafted Kup...

A packed house watched The People Speak, a movie inspired by the work of Howard Zinn. Amazing that we fit about 45 people in this small space. There were no complaints either, even when we had to change films at the last minute due to a defective DVD.

We also collected over $100 for Occupy Poughkeepsie.

This picture was taken about 15 minutes before the film started when we ran a brief slide show about Dutchess Peace.

Showing of "Inside Job" is big success

We had about 30 people at our latest film. A good discussion followed and we collected $110 for Occupy Wall Street. Afterwards, many in the crowd went over to support the occupation which was under a 11:00 pm evacuation order from the city. Over 200 supporters of Occupy Poughkeepsie stood around the perimeter until about 12:30 am.

We take part on Occupy Wall Street: Poughkeepsie

Members of Dutchess Peace have been visiting Occupy Poughkeepsie during the last week. Several of us marched in a Saturday rally. Fred and Eli spent Saturday night, a interesting and rewarding experience. If you want to know what the next generation's democracy looks like, visit the encampment to talk, or to spend the night. Bring some food and a willingness to talk about grassroots political change.

Pumpkin Festival in Beacon

We had a windy but very busy day in Beacon. Many stopped and talked. We handed out many cards, flyers, etc. The dock is a great area, since most people taking the boat go right by our table. Thanks to those who came out to help us.

Fred

Dutchess Peace and the Adriance Library

Dutchess Peace donates to the Adriance Public Library and

gets a plaque near the section on peace studies. Pat and

Jim (a World War II vet) stand under our plaque.