RED RAG Jan 25th - Feb 6th "I'm sick of being a victim" NEWS DIGEST No doubt you were appalled by the incredibly brutal and patronising interrogation to which our wonderful police subjected a woman reporting a rape. The pigs, who made it abundantly clear they didn't believe her story, deliberately bullied her into withdrawing her complaint. At the end of the interrogation, the woman said to the BBC cameraman "No wonder they tell you not to bother with the police". Shocking though the interrogation was, it would hardly have come as a surprise to women's groups across the country. Police interviews with rape victims are often called "second rapes". Not only in the rape victim herself on trial, but she is presumed guilty until proven innocent! Police do not use special interrogation methods on mugging victims to discover if a crime has actually taken place - it the victim can identify his/he attacker, the case will go to court. No-one tells mugging victims that they "asked for it" in the hope that they will collapse and admit the allegations they are making are false! The contradictions in police methods are apparent - and also entirely predictable as the logical extension of the institutionalised sexism of the state. Patriarchy knows no class barriers. It is embodied in the man-made hierarchical structures of trade unions, industry, parliament and the judiciary and is reinforced by the media. As long as men need to subject and control women and women are seen as men's property and as natural victims, men will continue to rape. The media, advertisements, pornography, all tell men that women are there for the taking. Men's preference for the dominance-submission relationship is well illustrated in its most extreme form by several recent rape and murder cases, where the attacker's pleasure was derived from the humiliation and control of the woman victim. Steven Prendergast, who was "repentant" after raping eleven women, wondered what his victims had been going through: "When you've had that done to you all your pride is gone," he said. Jamie Devitt strangled a girl with her own sock and wrote "Number one" on her body. He explained to the court, "You know - the number one guy - everybody thinks he's number one." A woman was recently raped and slashed with a razor so badly she needed 168 stitches. The rapists had cut a noughts and crosses pattern on her body. The present government's remedy for the problem of rape is to introduce mandatory gaol sentences for rapists. Reading police's solution is to set up a special rape unit staffed by police women. Both their moves are hopelessly inadequate, and show their passive acceptance of rape as an inevitable part of life. A spokeswoman for Women Against Violence Against Women recently said on the radio: "What we really want is men to stop raping women." Society should stop regarding women as natural victims, and women themselves should stop falling for the same con trick. Patriarchy hasn't always existed everywhere, nor has capitalism, its reinforcer. They needn't exist in the future. A radical change in society is indicated. Should women go to the police when they have been raped? That is up to the individual woman. One good effect of the BBC's file of Reading police may be that, in the words of the woman complainant, "it'll show that bastards the police are." - - - Greenham Common Women's Peace Camp On January 20th the Newbury District Council Recreation and Amenities Committee (no less) decided to give 14 days' notice of eviction to the women at the peace camp on Greenham Common. Maybe their presence is a threat to property values; or maybe the council is just being tidy. Apparently the excuse is "consistency": if they don't drive out the women, how can they justify driving out the gypsies - and of course there's no answer to that. Cruise missiles, yes, but gypsies? The peace camp has become something of a symbol for the anti-nuclear resistance in this country. However, according to the "chairman" of the above-named committee: "In no way do we regard this as politically motivated. We are dealing with them as we would with any itinerant and we are merely asserting our rights to protect our property." Negotiations to secure a picture of him kissing babies have unfortunately broken down. The 14-day ultimatum expires on the afternoon of Tuesday 2nd February. So there could be a grand show-down then, and anyone who can is very much recommended to be there. However, the authorities may decide this is too risky, and rely on surprise instead. This might mean waiting for the initial feeling of crisis to subside. Or they might even try something on before Feb 2nd. What to do? What is wanted is more people on the spot all the time. Go and visit the camp. Visit it more often. If possible go and stay there (especially women). Otherwise try to be ready to go there if anything happens.. There is already something of a telephone tree: give your number to Liz (Reading 690793) or to Marisa (Reading 22824) or Jean (52094). Ring them for up to date information. How to get there: see map below! Postal address of the camp: Women's Peace Camp, Outside RAF Greenham Common, near Newbury, Berks. (A recent letter from them is elsewhere in this Rag.) - - - GOING OUT GUIDE MON 25 JAN EXHIBITION: Paintings by John C.M. Lyons. Hexagon till Sat. 30 Jan. l0am to 10pm. free.. EXHIBITION: C19th School exercise and copy books. Typog Dept. W'knights Pk. till 19 Feb. 9-5pm JAZZ: Univ. students union. Free PLAY: Alan Ayckbourn's "How the other half lives." Oxford Playhouse Company. Hexagon till Sat. 30 Jan 7.30pm £2.50; £3.50. TUE 26 JAN GIG: DARTS. popular tight 50's r&r revamp- FUN? FUN FUN. Univ S.U. ate till late £2.50 tickets - Pop Records & Univ. PLAY: RUDS present "Laughter" by Noel Coward. Faculty of Letters Theatre, Whightknights Park. Till Sat 30th Jan. 7.30 80p. Tickets from Univ Library or on the door. Lecture: James Joyce Centenary Univ Palmer Building 8pm Free. WED "& JAN JAZZ:Trad Jazz 8 - 10.30 Tudor Tavern, Friar Street. Free. FILM: 1941 (Spielberg 1979) RFT and Thursday 8pm MOZART: Rdg Schoo1, Erleigh Rd. 8pm THU 28th JAN CONCERT: Mitsuko Uchida. Hex 1.10-2pm FOLK: Singers' Night 8.-10.30 Cap & Gown 50p-ish. FRIDAY: 29 JAN CARIBBEAN CLUB: Disco ( ?) SAT 30 JAN JAZZ: The Party Swing Band 12.15 Hex PLAY: as Mon 4.30 cheap rates Hex FILM: Peeping Tom, Shifield Theatre CLASSICAL: Chamber Orchestra Univ Great Hal1, London Rd 7.30 Tickets: Hickies Bach Sibelius Wolf Ibert Haydn SEQUENCE DANCING: "The Starlight Roof Orch." Alfred Sutton Girls' Sch 7.45 £1.30 SEXISM: Stranglers ~a Swindon £3.50 Still hanging around (yawn) SUN 31 JAN ARION ORCHESTRA: Hex 1.30 £2.50+ Rossini etc MON 1 FEB JAZZ: Univ SU Free 8 - 10.30 "amiable"? GIG: Climax Blues Band Hex 7.30 £2+ TUE 2 FEB GIG: Sad Cafe, Univ S.U. 8-1am £/3, from Pop Records £3050 on door. DIRE! ORGAN RECITAL: William Davies at Arts Cen. Whitley Wood Lane Shinfield. 7.45 VIOLIN AND PIANO RECITAL: Univ. Palmer Bld 1.10pm FREE WEDN 3 FEB JAZZ: AS WED "& JAN FILM: Kagemush. R.F.T. 8pm Japanese epic. also Thurs 90p 1.40 non members MOUNTAIN: Film & Slides Kongur 7.30 £2, Hexagon. Thursday 4 Feb PLAY: "Not The Christmas Review" Progress Theatre until the 6th. 7.30 PANTO: "Babes in the Wood" Milestone Centre Northbrook Road, 7.30 Tickets: 478547. Friday 5 Feb GIG: After Dark, Target PH FILM: "Atlantic City USA" (AA) RFT 1980, director Louis Malle. CARIBBEAN CLUB: Disco? Saturday 6 Feb GIG: Target: Cair Paravel BARBERSHOP: Reading Barbershop Singers, 7.30, Hexagon, £2+ (Concessions too!) THEATRE: The Nuclear Cabaret by Remould Theatre Co. Satire on Civil Defence policy. 8pm £1.50+ Arts Workshop, Northcroft Lane, Newbury. GIG: Peppercorns Hot Four, Chiltern Edge School, Sonning Common. Fantastic Rock, Blues, Jazz, Reggae (apparently?) Sunday 7 Feb GIG: Target - RadioActive COUNTRY MUSIC: Kenny Seratt; Suzie Raff; Colorad. Hexagon 7.30 £2, 3. FILMS: Coffee Lounge, Students Union: Most Sundays, 4pm and 7pm. 90p. GOING OUT STOP PRESS Thursday 4 Feb: Arkwrights Ferret Folk at Cap & Gown 8-10.30 1-ish. Tuesdays and Thursdays: Britannia Tap pub, Stanshawe Rd: Sound Systems - - - EVENTS Weekly: Mondays: New women's CR group 8pm at the Women's Centre, Abbey St. Anarchist group 8.30pm. Ring James on 473405 for details Mon 25 Jan Women's CR, Anarchists as above Tue 26 Jan Friends of the Earth planning meeting to arrange programme for Feb - late summer. 8pm - ring 868314 for venue. Wed 27 Jan Palestinian Solidarity Campaign: film + discussion. All welcome. University Palmer Building Ecology Party: meeting with Amnesty speaker. Friends' Meeting House, Church St 8pm . Sat 30 Jan Youth CND all-day meeting, Friends' Mtg. House 10.30 - 4.30, with National Youth Secretary of CND. Conference: Racism and Work II - 4.30 Nufco Hall, 14 Jockey's Fie1ds, LondonWC1 - write first for details. Greenham common: training weekend. Contact Women's Peace Camp, Outside RAF Greenham Common, nr Newbury, Berks or ring Liz 690793. Mon 1 Feb Women's CR, Anarchists as above Tue 2 Feb Greenham Common possible show-down. See article on p.3. Sat 6 Feb Meeting: "Alternative Economic Strategy". Assoc. of Berks Trades Councils. AUEW Hall;, Oxford Road, Reading. 10 - 4. Mon 8 Feb CR, Anarchy as above. Unemployed centre (East Street) opens - a week late because of the weather Tue 9 Feb BANC General Meeting, Friends' Meeting House, 8pm. Coming: Man 15 Feb Public meeting: Local Anti-Berufsverbot Committee. Tenth year of this W German witch-hunt. With a schoolteacher victim. Details not fixed: ring 27781 or watch this space. Fri 19 Feb Reading Peace Association AGM + discussion on CD. St Mary's Church House, Chain St, 8pm. APOLOGY to the S.W.P. for not knowing they meet every Wednesday, at the Red Lion. All supporters Welcome, as they always put. - - - BABEL (Bullshitters Anarchists Bards Extremists & Layabouts) Dedicated to blind self-growth and determined to take the 'e' out of 'apathetic' (eh?) comes REDBABSOC (Reading BABEL society to the uninitiated) who are presently seeking affiliation to RUSU (Huh, students - typist). Activities include 'informal' events - massed musical debauches, Bacchanalia, dancing, and various other forms of self-expression. Soon to hit the presses: 'BABEL'S ORGAN', a publication of our times. Anyone interested in contributing or doing anything at all please contact Isobel May, c/o RUSU Letter Rack (The University, Whiteknights Reading, suppose - typist.) Informal meetings every Monday night by arrangement (friendly, disciplined, atmosphere, no hassles, no hang-ups, no scruples. Coffee and free abuse.) See you there! Isobel xxx ("The ultimate in non-stick philosophy" - P.L.) - - - MANY THANKS TO ACORN BOOKSHOP FOR THEIR HELP IN THE PRODUCTION OF THIS RAG. (and a big woof to Clyde) - - - RED RAG DIRECTORY OF GROUPS IN READING ARE YOU A GROUP? (Q. What is a group? - We're very broadminded) - political? cultural? feminist? ecological? informative? co-operative? 'other'? To appear in the Red Rag Directory all you have to so - and please do it! - is to fill in the form below (or make a copy) and send it to us: Red Rag, c/o 24 Norwood Road, Reading. Name of Group: Contact address / phone number: Meetings (if any) Aims: Activities: - - - Momentous Decisions Taken at BANC Meeting I was going to quote Monty Python, but here is a line from Vachel Lindsay instead: "Brian, Brian, Brian, Brian!" On Tuesday 12th January a packed AGM amended the name of Brian Revell's job in the BANC constitution from "chairman" to "chair". So rest assured: there's a new look, guaranteed non-sexist, about the campaign as it totters into 1982. "We must decentralise." From the horse's mouth: Brian talking about "neighbourhood groups", of which one exists so far, in East Reading. Bureaucratic double-talk? Or the despairing plea of Monty Python's Brian: "You've got to think it out for yourselves!" (which the crowd obediently parrots: "We've got to think it out for ourselves!" - I knew I couldn't keep Monty Python out.) One idea favoured by the committee is that the key to democracy is elections. This seems very dubious. At present there are no factions within BANC, no organised opposition or infiltration (full marks to all Trotskyist sects for good behaviour). If there were, then you would get politicking and hotly contested elections; and there would be the time to give the whole thing up. Elections and voting are a last resort when no agreement is possible. There is even something to this effect written into the constitution. So we had the curious spectacle of "electing the committee". For "chairman - sorry - chair" the committee nominated - our Brian of course. "Are there any other nominations?" An embarrassed silence. It's like going to a play and have the actors try to involve the audience. There are no other nominations. So, flushed with democracy, Brian is re-elected. The same thing happens with every other post on the committee. Twice there is another nomination. In each case one candidate decides the other is better equipped to do the job and stands down. Finally there are two committee members "without portfolio" and for these there are six nominations. Each candidate speaks briefly. Now, the committee can co-opt anyone it wants to sit on it. It soon emerges that all six will get on the committee anyway, and most are already hard-working and indispensable members of the inner circle, so it doesn't make any difference who gets elected. So what's all the fuss about? I'm not questioning the commitment, the hard work, or even the sincerity of the core of activists on and around the committee. They don't aim to be a leadership. One problem is the central one of what exactly BANC is trying to do. "Abolish nuclear weapons" and "stop nuclear power" according to the constitution. There is the scope of this: are we trying to tell the government it can do without nukes with no other changes, or is it a prelude to disarmament? There are the mechanics of it, how to get it done: by lobbying the politicians or setting up militias and windmills of our own? What tactics are appropriate and why? Of course these questions don't need to be answered prior to everything else; but there should be a lot more discussion of them. Because bureaucracy thrives in a vacuum. One thing BANC can do, whatever its final aims are thought to be, is educational, finding out and publicising information. This it does quite well. But beyond that is a swamp. "There are still 140,000 people in Reading who are not members of BANC", said the chairman (for such he still was) at the end of his review of the year. This implies that the object of the Campaign is to make as many converts as possible. In fact a great deal of discussion at meetings has centred precisely on techniques of conversion, what arguments to use and so on. If BANC sees itself as Church (great stress gets laid on our "links with the churches") then a hierarchy and a passive membership is quite in order: the important thing is that they are all "saved". I hope this is not how things are going: the demonstration at the end of the recent torchlit procession depressed me no end. It may have got better later on: the group I was with walked out in sympathy with the "Pagans against nukes" when everyone was shepherded into singing Carols. All honour to those who manage to get together any sort of public protest in Reading: but it was shamefully patronising. ("What shall we do with them when they get there? Get them to sing some carols and peace songs.") Well, I don't know the answers. This piece is long enough as it is. By the way, any number of people got up at the end to announce meetings of working groups, neighbourhood groups, Greenham Common support groups, rotas for the Saturday market stall and so on. There is quite a lot going on. Red Rag would be only too happy to publicise all this if people would let us know. It probably reaches quite a few BANC members. (Ring Mark or Sue on 861841.) Oh, all those momentous decisions, I'd forgotten them. BANC amalgamated with Reading CND for some reason. (Why not amalgamate with the Conservative Party and the RSPCA so we can use those names too when we want to?) The suggestion that the two organisations had different objectives was brushed aside... A declaration about something was passed for the benefit of the newspapers that's to say the official ones: Red Rag didn't get a copy!) There was a well-documented demonstration of the fraudulence of Reagan's. "zero option"; and there was a populist proposal to reduce the membership fee from £3(£1 unwaged) to £1 (25p) - but though the committee was "broadly in favour (wanting to think about it), the meeting voted it down. Robin the Rich N.B. BANC stands for Berkshire Anti-Nuclear Campaign! - - - Women's Peace Camp, Outside RAF Greenham Common, Near Newbury, Berkshire. The bitter weather has chilled many a bone, but dampened nobody's ardour. We're still here so don't forget us. Visitors are always very welcome and firewood especially very, very gratefully accepted. CND have decided to hold their national event here on June 6th. Before then, there will be a festival at. Greenham Common on the weekend of the spring equinox, March 21st. It will probably feature non-violent direct action. There is a training weekend on 30th/31st January to plan it. If you want to be involved, get in touch with us at the above address. - - - BREAKING AND ENTERING This is the second part of an occasional series on your rights when being hassled by the police. It is freely culled from "Trouble With The Law", the Release Bust Book which is much more comprehensive - you can buy it at Acorn. (Phone Release for legal advice on 01-289-1123. 24 hour emergency number 01-603-8654.) This part deals with the excuses the police may use to get into your home. It doesn't cover squats, occupations or public meetings (refer for these to the Bust Book or the Squatters Handbook). The main point is that if you don't want the police in your home don't let them in, as getting them to leave can be tricky. Ideally, make a habit of opening the door to police only on a chain (or asking through a window what they want). It may be that they don't want to come in anyway (eg you've left, your car lights on). Alternatively they may have a reason why they can "legally enter", in which case they may use "reasonable force" to get in (eg knocking rather too hard on the door). You may decide to try and keep them out, in which case you can be charged with obstruction and/or assault. There are five reasons why they can legally enter: 1) They have a warrant to search for specified articles or named people (to arrest them), or they have a written authority from a superintendant or above to search for explosives, items connected with Northern Irish "terrorism", stolen goods if you've been convicted of theft in the last five years, or "breaches of the Official Secrets Act 1920" (whatever these look like). Demand to see the warrant or authority and check what it says. Incidentally they cannot search people unless they've either arrested them or named them in warrants for firearms, drugs or Prevention of Terrorism which specifically mention this. Women must only be searched by women. 2) They want a specific person. Find out why - they may be checking someone's address before allowing bail. If they don't have a warrant they can still come in to arrest the person they've called about. 3) They're in "hot pursuit" of someone (Keystone Kops?). 4) They've come to stop a breach of the peace. Tell them you'll turn the music or whatever down. They'll probably go away but can insist on entering. 5) You're in a hotel or bed & breakfast room. The owner can give permission for them to enter. This does not apply to rented accommodation, squats etc. Of course they may just barge in without saying why they're there. Ask what they're up to. If they have no legal authority to be there ask them to leave. If they won't then go, they are trespassing and in this case (only) you can use reasonable force to throw them out, but be very careful about whether they really had no rights of entry. There are various reasons why mental welfare officers, customs officers and VAT inspectors can enter your home (see the Bust Book). Finally gas and electricity officials can enter to cut you off if you haven't paid your bills (they need a warrant for this), also the gas board can force entry without a warrant if they suspect there's a dangerous leak. All the above is a guide only to your "rights". As shown on TV (in the first of the Police series) it may not work this way in practice. Feedback would be welcome (and will probably be printed!). Coming up next: How to complain when these last two articles don't work. - - - Reading May Day Festival Committee 1982 MAY DAY FESTIVAL - SATURDAY MAY 1st We are writing to you to encourage your activity in May Day 1982. The success of the May Day Festival depends on your help and participation. As you know, the May Day Festival organising Committee was established by Reading Trades Council to bring together the organisations and people of Reading to take part, together, in remembering and celebrating the cause of working people. The historical roots of the May Day celebration lie in the struggle of mankind to unite and fight for the cause of humanity, a struggle which goes back over the centuries. May Day is the people's Day; it is a day when different people of Reading can come together to know and understand eaoh other. There is a great need in Reading to create a consoiousness of our oommunity and we hope the May Day Festival can contribute to this development. Last year the May Day Festival, as you know, was a great success. On that occasion we organised a March and Rally. on the theme of unemployment in the late morning. In the afternoon, in the Old Town Hall, different people and groups came together to put up stalls advertising their organisations and aims with literature, posters, books, etc. In addition some organisations and individuals put on theatre and music, we also had refreshments and a creche. The evening events, also in the Town Hall, included a bar, live music, and a film. 1982 FESTIVAL The theme of the 1982 Festival will centre on the future of mankind with the march and rally stressing the increasing attacks on working people and particularly on trade unions. In the afternoon we will include a debate on our future and the effects technology and automation will have on us and our society. Again there will be a March and Rally in the late morning, in the afternoon events and stalls in the Old Town Hall, and end with a social evening. We would welcome any ideas for the afternoon and evening events in the terms of entertainment. We want the May Day Festival to represent the people of Reading and therefore encourage your own cultural participation. In the past events have included Indian music and dancing, women's drama, poetry reading, street theatre, and folk song. If you feel you could contribute to this please let us know (even a short illustration of your organisation?) MONEY Any suggestions for fund-raising would be welcome. To date we've held one jumble sale which cleared £18. We intend to hold a further jumble sale during February - if there are any offers of jumble could you please contact us. The Draw is one of our major sources of funds and as such is an important activity. Could we please have suggestions and donations for Draw prizes? Prizes in the past have included holidays, drink, gift vouchers, books and a meal. Contact Chris as soon as possible ass we need to get the tickets printed soon. The stall fee for this year will be £7.50 as opposed to £5 in previous years. The committee felt that this was a necessary step due to the urgent needs to raise funds- the Old Town Hall is not cheap! ORGANISING COMMITTEE At present the May Day Festival Committee has about 6 people on it and we need involvement and representation from more organisations. The committee meets on the first Thursday of the month and is responsible for fund-raising and arranging the events of the day. If your organisation could possibly send a representative along, please do so - contact Chris on Reading 477073 for more details. Next meeting: Thursday 4 February at 8pm, at 26 Morgan Road Reading. We would again like to urge you to help make May Day 82 a great success. This day is an unique opportunity in Reading for fun and excitement and making new friends. Chris Jane Alan Hooper Reading 477013 861305 864067 27 Carlton Road, Caversham Heights, Reading RG4 ?NT - - - ABORTION Has anyone noticed that it is now illegal to have an abortion purely on social grounds? The government has slipped through as amendment to the Abortion Act by "Statutory Instrument". Thus sneaky method is apparently need for passing-controversial (!), regulations without parliamentary debate (or public attention). Makes you wonder why we have a parliament at all. (I am assured we still do.) The D.H.S.S. is currently referring two doctors to the Director of Public Prosecutions for not giving strictly medical grounds for abortions. Doctors can't afford, professionally, to be prosecuted, so we all know what that means. Funny this should come to light the very week the entire womens movement has had to concentrate on rape. Maybe the only possible response is to start helping each other to have abortions when we choose, and by-passing doctors altogether?? Refs: Leveller no. 73, Guardian and Morning star 21/1/82. Evening Post 20/1/82 back page stop press. - - - THE LOST CRUSADE? The anti-nuclear protest in this country is a complete failure. It is the protesters who must take the blame. Whilst their sincerity and commitment to PROTESTING against the nuclear madness is undoubted, their almost sacred regard for mere property is the main obstacle. Marching on silly walks (London 24.10) carrying pretty banners and chanting pretty slogans might be useful from a publicity angle, BUT IT WON'T STOP THE CONSTRUCTION & RUNNING OF THESE DEATH FACTORIES! So what should be done? Look at the continent: there the anti-nuke movements do not restrict themselves to demonstrations, they use and accept all kinds of resistance. Sites are occupied, equipment and materials sabotaged, construction companies attacked, in short they're not restricted to symbolic actions, they actually DO something! ' So make up your mind, because if we don't DO something, we may as well put the blankets over our heads and wait to die. TARGETS in Berkshire: Burghf1eld H-bomb factory Aldermaston atomic weapons research base RAF Welford (US-nuclear weapons storage) Greenham Common (96 Cruise Missiles in 1983) Jan 15th - Reading University CND group throws 1 snowball at AWRE interviewer leaving Univ. Careers Service after a recruitment session. Jan 19th - French ecologists launch a rocket attack on Creys-Malville nuclear power plant construction site. - - - $Id: //info.ravenbrook.com/user/ndl/readings-only-newspaper/issue/1982/1982-01-24.txt#5 $