WANNABE MAO

I was proud of the fact that I stayed on in Nepal even after all my friends migrated. Now, reading, watching the news everyday, I wonder whether I want to continue living in this country, and more importantly, do I want my children to grow up here? My family comes first, I'll think about my country later. Are you listening, Chairman Wannabe Mao? Here I am filling out an online application for an Australian PR visa, listening to a 1968 Beatles song that's still relevant in 2008 Nepal, and it brings tears to my eyes:

You say you want a revolution / Well, you know we all want to change the world / You tell me that it's evolution / Well, you know we all want to change the world / But when you talk about destruction don't you know that you can count me out / Don't you know / You say you got a real solution / Well, you know we'd all love to see the plan / You ask me for a contribution / Well, you know we're all doing what we can / But when you want money for people with minds that hate / All I can tell is brother you have to wait / You say you'll change the constitution / Well, you know we all want to change your head / You tell me it's the institution / Well, you know you better free you mind instead / But if you go carrying pictures of chairman Mao / You ain't going to make it with anyone anyhow. (Lennon, McCartney).

H Nepali,
Kathmandu

* Pushpa Kamal Dahal's barbs against Kantipur were highly irresponsible and the criticism that followed (Editorial, 'No half way', #403) rightly deserved. The nation is still reeling from the murder of Ram Hari Shrestha by his cadres and here he is, touting his inviolable status. Perhaps this man and his party are inherently incapable of following democratic norms. Perhaps they belong in the jungles. Such irresponsible remarks will ultimately cause the downfall of the Maoists. What Dahal needs is a history lesson on the story of a divine king who locked up party leaders and clamped down on press freedom. The rest is history, but it is my duty to remind him what happened: the king was demoted from being the country's most powerful man to a tax-paying civilian in a mere two years, by people power. Grow up and open your eyes, Supreme Commander.

Name withheld,
email

* I really appreciate your editorial ('No half way', #403). That is exactly what the politicians should be doing: focus on economic development. Politicians should be ashamed at all their bickering and for stalling the development. The people at the top should see the bigger picture of a successful federal democratic republic, not only the power to their own personal success. Don't let the future generation curse you for your selfishness.

Jyoti,
Manila

* The past cannot be rewritten. For 240 years we have celebrated the unification of our nation by King Prithibi Narayan Shah, that is our history and heritage, let us not forget it because we are a republic. Let us be proud that a once scattered land became a united country. Let's ensure our heritage is not ruined by political ideology. Rather, let's face the future and take the same united approach from the Tarai to the Pahad. Former king Gyanendra may not have been the best representative of the Shah Dynasty, but let's not destroy the tree just because there was one bad apple. May the tales of our kings live on and may our children be proud to live in a united Nepal that was once created by the Shah Dynasty.

Abhishek Bhandari,
email

* It is ridiculous that political parties that lost the elections like the NC and UML want to hang on to power. It is shameful and a disgrace. Grow up, political leaders.

Ram,
United States

* It seems the Maoist leadership can use a little of what they call critical thinking and analysis ('The middle way', #403). Acting on impulse first and thinking later has led to widespread criticism of the Maoists, especially the Maoist leadership. As they have emerged as the biggest winner in the polls it is high time that they think before they speak or act. The Maoists must use their electoral success to make a mark rather than making a mockery of themselves.

Apil Gurung,
Australia