Dear friends,
The forthcoming Parade and opposition to such, in Belfast city centre for the RIR etc has and is being sectarianised via various quarters - and in doing so the real message of opposition to War, Imperialism is being lost.
Indeed at a time when our City needs Unity we again see the politics of Division being played out as the ring of steel once again prepares to come around our city and citizens.
So we have once again the ping – pong politics of Nationalist/Republican versus Unionist not only as usual being played out by politicians , but wearily once again, it will make its way to our city streets.
Yet, as always, as in recent years an alternative voice shall be given. It is in these times when others fudge or fear to rock the boat, when the decisions get tough, that that Alternative voice and firm and principled stand is needed most.
Therefore the Belfast branch of the WSM shall be holding a protest on the day for those who do not want to march behind a Republican flag {or whatever differing republican march} or to stand behind a unionist flag on the day, but instead, to stand with a united flag of working class unity, against not only War and Imperialism but also Militarism, and given recent words - against the Sectarianism that will reek on the day flagged up by many.
On that day and within our ranks will stand those who have been founding members, organisers and spokespersons of the Anti war Movement here and who have consistently organised and mobilised against the recent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq – right up to recent time as many of us made our Way to Stormont to protest against the arrival of George Bush.
Within our ranks there are those who have consistently protested and mobilised against state collusion and murder and such militarism on our streets here.
Within our ranks there are those who have for years organised and mobilised workplaces and citizens against Sectarianism and such threats and murders against Catholic and Protestant, may it have come from Republicans or Loyalist.
I have learnt friends, that when the going gets tough and when sectarianism {from whatever quarters and in whatever form} once again raises its visible head then it is at such times that such a United stand is needed evermore so
And so, On Sunday at 11am at Tesco’s at Royal Avenue join us- spread the word, bring posters placards and friends.
It will not be said that the Anti War Movement, has ever shirked its responsibility when the going gets tough.
It will not be said when Sectarianism once against raises it ugly head {in whatever form} that a protest of such unity was not again be visible.
As Always,
In Solidarity
Davy Carlin
Belfast WSM {PC}
