Washington DC--

January 18th: RAIL attended the Anti-War rally/march, handed out hundreds of copies of MIM Notes, Collected signatures for the Free Memik and Defend the Democratic Rights of Jose Maria Sison petitions, sold a large number of "Imperialism Kills" stickers, and put out an internationalist anti- imperialist message that was in general sorely lacking. Organizers of the March said that at least 200,000 attended the rally, countering the bourgeois news, which estimated a mere 30,000. (1)

In general, the message put out by demonstrators was a perfect fit for the interests of the parasitic Amerikan labor aristocracy. Signs such as "Money For Jobs, Not War" emphasized the typical Amerikan so- called "leftist" rhetoric that attempts to subtly (or not so subtly!) legitimize the tremendous influx of super-profits that makes Amerikan living conditions so cushy. The logic is that the labor aristocracy should have more of a say of where the imperialist booty goes. Fittingly enough for this line, the overwhelming majority of speakers focused on the impact that a war would have on Amerikans, downplaying that the point should be the effect it has on the Iraqi people and other oppressed people of the world.

RAIL saw several signs saying such things as "What Happened to Osama?" and "Forget Saddam, What About Osama?" These types of signs attempt to legitimize imperialist terrorism in some situations while condemning it in others. Aside from the obvious point that both the U$ actions in Afghanistan and throughout the world in the so- called "war against terrorism" on the one hand, and the sanctions and possible heightened assault on Iraq on the other are all part and parcel of imperialist war against the world's majority, it should also be kept in mind that attempts to blame Osama for 911, if in fact he was involved, ignore the fact that 911 itself was an example of the "chickens coming home to roost."

An excessively erroneous focus was placed on the role of individuals and individual leaders, ignoring the systematic nature of imperialism and the economic and political reasons underlying all wars. For example Ramsey Clark's speech had as its main point, the role of Bush in the war drive. He emphasized the need to impeach Bush, for going against "international law," for "stealing the elections," etc.

RAIL does not mean to imply that all people are at the same level of political maturity; but those claiming to be leaders, or claiming Vanguard status, have no excuse for putting out a message that is the equivalent of a soggy noodle.

RAIL was pleased to hear a few speakers, such as the Free Palestine Alliance, and the Muslim Students Association focus on the issue from an internationalist perspective, highlighting the relationship between imperialism and war, as well as the relationship between Iraq and movements of other oppressed nations such as Palestine. Imam Mousa of Masjid Al-Islam pointed out that what we need is not a regime change, but a "system change," which he explained means revolution.

RAIL also witnessed signs of "feel-good" activism among participants. Many speakers seemed to be more concerned with congratulating attendees for "braving" the cold weather, than they were with saying anything of substance. Some "Marxist-Leninist" groups were intent on giving a sales pitch like "join us- we have just begun to fight," instead of accurately assessing the balance of forces. Their message was that an increase in numbers at rallies means revolution is just around the corner: a line that may draw in eager youth in the short- term, but will end up with incorrect practice. These so- called "revolutionaries" are more interested in clichés and left- sounding phrases then they are with being scientific Marxists. (2)

Contrary to most organizations present and most "leaders," RAIL does not take the "masses are asses" line. Instead of engaging in motivational speaking and watering down our message to get the "middle forces," RAIL was not afraid to elaborate on MIM's line on the labor aristocracy when asked questions by rally attendees about the difference between MIM and the RCP. Likewise we did not talk about the effect an attack on Iraq would have on well-fed Amerikans, but focused on the question from the internationalist viewpoint.

Despite above-mentioned shortcomings, one of the most positive points of the march was that a lot of people were interested in hearing a revolutionary analysis of war and imperialism as well as learning about Maoism. People eagerly took copies of MIM Notes, approved of RAIL's presence, and showed their awareness of MIM.

Notes:
(1) Thousands Rally in U.S. Against Iraq War, Calvin Woodward, Associated Press Writer, January 18th 2003
(2) See for example Voice of Revolution, Publication of the U.S. Marxist-Leninist Organization,, January 18th edition