sajhauser, please allow me this privilege to plaudit your arguments. yes! it's not with the term 'maoism', but it's the cause--"equitable society" that we accord with. it should be understood that longevity of maoists' existence in nepal is possible only with them coming under the umbrella of multiparty democracy-- the democracy which does not only favor majority but a democracy which also respects and protects minority's rights seamlessly. the fear factor that you have raised is another good point in my view. we, nepalese, have been hopelessly careless and irreponsible with freedom that we were bestowed with. past is the proof. we need a system, which can inject a fear to the people so that they can comprehend the differences between wrong and right, good and evil or legal and illegal. a system which can make sure that the people remain within their periphery of ethics and responsiblity. we, as nepali, need that as badly as democracy. matter of fact, a true democracy can prosper only when people know their limit-what they should and should not do. to the people who are skeptical about maoists coming to the political scene, my 2 cents is, believe in yourself and don't let yourself to be bullied by the circumstances. we are living in 21st century. if maoists dare to impose monolithic communism and order you to hold the gun, be a man and point that guns towards them. long live nepal! LooTe