Blaming the advent of Maoist movement in Nepal to democracy just because it started during the post-Panchayat era is shallow, ignorant, and outright ludicrous. Serious (in terms of intensity by which they thrive) and protracted violent movements, like the Nepali Maoist movement, take years, if not decades, to ferment. The root of Maoist problem in Nepal is the culture of INEQUALITY and SUPPRESSION based on HIERARCHICAL system that was started by the Rana oligarchy and further perpetuated (at the most) and promoted (at the least) by the Panchayat autocracy. Therefore, the real and sustainable solution to Maoist crisis would come NOT from further absolutism by the King, but from genuine and sincere EMPOWERMENT of the people, which can ONLY be guaranteed in a democratic system. Despite many failures of successive democratic governments of the post-Panchayat era, one area that Nepal made remarkable progress under democracy -- albeit weak -- was in empowerment of the people who were ignored, suppressed (in various ways), and deprived of rights, privileges and opportunities, particularly those from the rural areas, who were/are the vast majority of Nepali population. In the long run, what really matters -- and what really holds true solutions to social ills (corruption being one of them) -- is the REAL and GENUINE power to the people. Yes, the progress was very slow and definitely was not enough, and much, much more needed to be done. Nevertheless, we would be mistaken not to recognize the fact that the progressive trend towards better awareness (among the people) was started and was slowly but surely gaining pace in the 14 years or so of nascent democracy in Nepal. Despite some serious difficulties, this trend need not be halted, NOT EVEN for a moment. KingG and his coterie of vision-deprived, obviously-not-fit-for-modern-times crooks, after extended efforts to undermine the democratic governments, have done just that. There is not a shred of doubt that the political parties needed to be profoundly reformed and the likes of Girija, Deuba and MaKuNe (who too lacked any sense of vision and who also heralded from the old school that makes absolutely no sense whatsoever in today's world) needed to be properly checked. However, this very process of desperately needed political, social and cultural transformation (not limited to political leaders alone) is not fathomable in any other system but DEMOCRACY. Any course towards reform and positive changes is ONLY viable in a democratic platform where the people can vibrantly debate, argue and draw constructive conclusions. Democracy, NOT autocracy ensures greater awareness among the people and empowers them. Empowered people create better political alternatives. Better political alternatives, in turn, obviously guarantees better results for the people. This is the way it works. And this is the way it SHOULD BE. Please join me and others at the rally in DC and support the cause for democracy in Nepal. This rally is not about the political leaders who undoubtedly have failed us time and again. Neither it is limited to fighting against absolutism of the King. This rally is about US -- it is about YOU and I and every Nepali who dares to dream of a better future for OURSELVES. After all, it is not up to Girija, or MaKune, or Deuba, or KingG to deliver for us. We have the keys to our own future and it is only when we develop a sense of collective confidence in OURSELVES -- through DEMOCRACY -- that we will succeed in achieving what now seems impossible. Better then is achieved by believing in ourselves now. Let's believe in OUR rights, OUR strengths and OUR future. Let's not let an individual take those away from us. Washington, DC, May 15th, Sunday. Be there!