August 5, 1996
BELFAST — The crisis of British rule in Northern Ireland intensified as nationalists staunchly resisted rightist marches through their streets and the intimidation of their communities.
On July 12 in Derry, the police fired 1,000 plastic bullets at Catholic protesters, injuring 200. In 1969 resistance to pogroms like these led to the British Army being sent to Northern Ireland, beginning 27 years of direct occupation.
The nationalist demonstration was in protest to the police decision to allow Orange Order marches through Catholic areas July 12. Signs held by the protesters here July 14 included, “Stand up for nationalists against Orange bigotry,” “End the nationalist nightmare in the six counties,” referring to the part of Ireland ruled by Britain, “We are not second-class citizens,” and “Reroute sectarian marches.”
July 30, 1971
President Nixon’s decision to visit China and meet with its leaders marks a new stage in U. S. imperialism’s relations with China. Those who have defended the Chinese revolution against its imperialist foes, as the Militant has done, will welcome the fact that Washington has finally been compelled to recognize the People’s Republic of China.
Nixon has been feeling sharp effects from the combined blows of the Indochinese people and the U.S. antiwar movement. Negotiations between Washington and Peking will likely lead to agreements at the expense of the Indochinese revolution.
The Vietnamese had bitter experience with such a “compromise between the big powers” in 1954 when the Geneva conference divided their country after they had defeated the French. Mass actions around “Out Now!” is the best reply to all schemes to prolong the war.
July 27, 1946
DETROIT, July 16 — Answering the call of the United Automobile Workers for a protest against rising prices, more than 100,000 workers flowed into the streets in the largest mass rally in Detroit’s history. Despite the threats of the bosses to discipline workers who quit their plants before closing time, tens of thousands of workers downed tools at 2 p.m. to take their place in the march.
The most enthusiasm was shown when UAW Secretary Treasurer George Addes hinted that the auto union at its next Executive Board meeting would ask for a wage increase unless prices were stabilized.
The Socialist Workers Party placards stood out in the great mass of signs. Among the slogans were: “For A Labor Party Now!” “For Automatic Wage Increases To Meet Price Increases.” “For A United National Labor Conference To Fight The Anti-Labor Drive.”