Military recruiters protest
Youth and students come out against war & military recruiters!
Military Entrance Processing Center in South L.A.
Sat. Dec. 10

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Youth and students say: 'Military recruiters go away!'

On December 10, more than 100 protesters gathered outside the Los Angeles Recruiting Battalion in South Los Angeles to demand military recruiters out of schools and communities. The protest, initiated by Youth & Student A.N.S.W.E.R., was very militant as youth, students and anti-war activists gathered together. Chants like “Army, Navy go away, recruiters out of South LA!” and “Recruiters say ‘get back,’ we say ‘fight back!’” rang out for several hours. Many cars honked in support and people who live in the neighborhood also expressed their solidarity with the action.

People held banners and signs with anti-recruiter, anti-war and anti-racist messages. It was a large presence that consisted of wide variety of groups, mainly students who are continuing the fight against military recruiters in their own schools and communities.

After a militant demonstration and picket line, protestors gathered for a rally. Youth & Student A.N.S.W.E.R. organizer Carlos Alvarez chaired the rally. Alvarez emphasized the importance of continuing the massive campaign against military recruiters in schools and strengthening the anti-war movement. He cited El Camino College as a school that strongly resists the presence of military recruiters and urged other schools to take part of this resistance as U.S. imperialism targets poor neighborhoods and schools. Many other organizations were also represented at the rally, including KmB-Pro People Youth, Party for Socialism and Liberation, Global Resistance Network, Students for a Democratic Society, Global Women’s Strike, various high school clubs and many more.

A youth and student speak-out took place during the rally as youth, students, teachers and anti-war activists spoke out against military recruiters. People showed their anger and resistance against the war on Iraq, racism, immigrant bashing, homophobia and the march of U.S. imperialism.

The general sentiment in the demonstration and rally was strong and militant. All involved pledged to continue the anti-war, anti-recruiter struggle and to build for the upcoming Global Days of Action against war and occupation on March 18 and March 20. On March 18, tens of thousands will join together for a mass march and rally in Los Angeles to commemorate the third anniversary of the U.S. “shock and awe” invasion of Iraq. Two days later, young people and students will take part in a “day of resistance to imperialism” on campuses throughout the city and nation.

Join us in the struggle!

Report by Enrique Vasquez, Youth & Student A.N.S.W.E.R.