From MIM Notes 112
International Wimmin's Day March 8 1996
RAIL CELEBRATES INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY WITH RALLY AGAINST ROTC
Los Angeles, March 8--The Revolutionary Anti- Imperialist League (RAIL) celebrated International Women's Day by leading an informational rally outside the headquarters for UCLA's Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC). RAIL was there in part to demonstrate that, as one of its signs read, "All issues are women's issues." As at least two armed, plainclothes pigs looked on, activists gave passers-by copies of CALRAIL and a flier promoting the rally and explaining its purpose. The flier read in part:
"In honor of International Women's Day, rally with the Revolutionary Anti-Imperialist League (RAIL) to get the ROTC OFF CAMPUS!
"UCLA's Men's Gym is the headquarters for UCLA's Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC). An arm of the U.S. war machine, the ROTC trains young students to become potential corpses and/or hired killers of women, men and children. The ROTC also continues to discriminate against gays, lesbians and bisexuals. RAIL does not seek to integrate the ROTC, however--we seek to smash it. RAIL calls on gays, lesbians, bisexuals, and their supporters to stand in solidarity with the world's majority (male, female, straight and queer) who are at the receiving end of Amerikkka's guns. Smash the imperialist patriarchy! ROTC off campus!"
The rally sought to draw attention to the patriarchal nature of U.S. militarism and imperialism. One RAIL sign read, "U.S. military promotes global prostitution." The rally was also part of a RAIL-led campaign to expose and ultimately defeat U.S. imperialism, U.S. militarism, and the University of California's support for the U.S. war machine. In forthcoming weeks, this campaign will include the continuation of the Los Angeles Revolutionary and Progressive Film Series, as well as a rally against U.S. militarism and imperialism on International Workers Day (May Day), Wednesday, May 1. To join the campaign, ask questions, or express your comments or criticisms, write to: RAIL, P.O. Box 29670, Los Angeles, CA 90029-0670.