Greetings from Occupy Poughkeepsie

Dec. 11, 2011 - PRLog -- Greetings from Occupy Poughkeepsie.  At this pivotal time we would like to discuss with you a bit about ourselves.  Like all branches of the Occupy movement we are united by common goals that go beyond any single issue.   While most Occupiers are in agreement on re-regulation of the financial sector and the problem of corporate personhood, these represent just two symptoms of deeper problems that have become entrenched in our society thanks to the undue influence of money over politics.  We seek to shine a light on these inequities.  What makes Occupy Poughkeepsie unique is that we are working in a predominantly blue-collar, ethnically diverse community that has been especially hard hit by the current recession.

   Since October 15th we have occupied Hulme Park in Poughkeepsie as a means of expressive speech and to establish a highly visible local forum.  Judging by the number of visitors over the past two months and responses from passersby, the community overwhelmingly supports Occupy Poughkeepsie, but the city administration has reacted as many others have--treating the Occupation as an intrusion rather than an expression of the community's own concerns.  Rather than establish a dialogue the city issued an eviction order on December 1st.  In the early morning hours of the 7th, police destroyed the encampment and seized our gear.  While unfortunate, this occurrence has not dampened our determination.  Elsewhere in the country we are seeing heartening examples of local governments working with activists to tackle our common issues rather than treating those who exercise their Constitutional rights as criminals.

   On December 5th, by a landslide vote of 18 to 1, the City Council of Cleveland passed Resolution 1720-11, addressing the pressing need for economic fixes on local and national levels.   The resolution recognizes the Occupy movement and supports its principles and its application of First Amendment freedoms.  It instructs the city administration and Congress to generate solutions to the cited financial problems.  Cities such as Los Angeles are also considering proposals regarding corporate personhood and other topics highlighted by our movement.  We encourage municipalities in the Hudson Valley to follow their lead and begin public discussion about the issues with mutual respect and honesty for all involved.

   It is an exciting time to be an Occupier.  Here in Poughkeepsie, Hulme Park will remain the focus of our efforts.  We are working with towns throughout the Hudson Valley from New York to Albany to strengthen the movement regionally.  Moving forward, we are solidifying new plans to address foreclosure and other symptoms of the economic crisis.  We welcome anyone with questions or concerns to visit us online or in person--you too are the 99%.

Occupy Poughkeepsie
http://occupypoughkeepsie.org
http://occupyhudsonvalley.org