Dear friends,



There have been some skepticism on the part of some about the upcoming demonstration (Saturday, September 26th, 2009; 12-3 pm; Dag Hammerkjold Park; E. 47th Street/between 1st and 2nd Avenues). Before making any rush to judgement, it would be useful to learn in detail about the event. The event website:



http://sites.google.com/site/nepalisunite/home



I am not one of the organizers, so I cannot speak for them; neither can
I speak for anyone else who intends to attend the demonstration.
Nevertheless, hoping that it would help to make you understand things
better, here's why I am joining the group on Saturday (and if you agree
with me, please do take the time to come and make your voice heard!):



1. First and foremost, a demonstration staged at the PM's visit is a
way to get a powerful message
across that these students want REAL CHANGE in Nepal, and that they're
committed to democratic ways of going about it. Those who protest
against this demonstration are forgetting that this kind of show of
dissent
is what democracy is all about. After the media has continually
concentrated on Nepal's lack of democracy, a peaceful, issues-focused
demonstration (far from throwing stones or burning tires) is an
especially
good way to remind the rest of the world that there are Nepalis out
there committed to the peaceful democratic process.



2. I have had extended discussions with one of the organizers, and have
also obtained several references on them from others. It has become
abundantly clear to me that they are not affiliated with the Maoists,
or, for that matter, with any other political parties in Nepal. Even IF
they were, SO WHAT? In a democracy, even the Maoists have the right to
demonstrate, so long as they are peaceful and do not infringe upon the
rights of others!



3. Why MKN? Simple: As the Prime Minister, he represents the incumbent
government of Nepal -- he is the legitimate symbol of what we dissent
upon. As the sitting head of Government of Nepal, MKN must be held
accountable to providing for the aspirations and the needs of the
Nepali people. On a related note, I also believe that the demands put
forth by the organizers are broad and, by-and-large, universally
accepted, i.e., they are not any party-or-individual-specific.



4. Why not participate instead in an interaction? Frankly, I am sick
and tired of those "sweet talks" by the OLD GUARDS, which are almost
always followed through with utter and hopeless inaction. I believe
hearing them speak and answer questions would be a total waste of time
unless I see some concrete actions first.



5. Some have also raised the issue of Prachanda receiving a red carpet
last year in NY, and asking why the contrary when it comes to MKN. The
difference between then and now is that, at the time, subtract a few,
almost everyone had genuine sense of HOPE and CHANGE -- for better or
for worse, and Prachanda was a symbol of such. He's turned out to be a
disappointment also, and I would have given him the same cold shoulder
that I am prepared to give to MKN had he been in the latter's shoes
this week as well.



Finally, I have fought vehemently against the monarchy, an epitome of
feudalism, and I believe Gyanendra Shah must be dealt with in even
harsher ways; I have, and I will, continue to raise my voice against
the abject lack of respect for law on the part of the extreme leftists,
the Maoists; I have, and I will, continue to INDEPENDENTLY -- with no
regards to any party -- fight for what I perceive as the fair share of
people's right to peace, justice, and individual freedom.



What I have fought for all my life so far is progress, NOT regression.
What I yearn for is newer, fresher, more free ways of going about the
business of running Nepal, NOT the same old faces that have continually
failed us in the past. What I dream of is running the country based on
the highest respect for individual freedom and integrity of each and
every Nepali, NOT prejudice,  "chaakadi", ugly party politics, or
"pravu-pati" on the part of some. For me, MKN is one of the political
figures in Nepal that represents all that I do NOT want, and he needs
to know of it!



Dissent is not only a right, but also a sacred power that makes democracy stronger...JOIN US IN MAKING OUR VOICES HEARD!!!



Anil.