Questions of pardon
In reference to Amnesty International recently calling for an end to death penalty, another option being imprisonment, I would like to ask if that is a corrective punishment? Will you give a job to a murderer who has spent 14 years in jail? And what amnesty does a murderer deserve when he could not grant amnesty to his victim? I ask this of the banner holders fighting for amnesty rights, why do you not have amnesty for the common people of Iraq, Afghanistan, Palestine and other speechless Muslims?
From Mr Nasser Usmani
Dubai

The basics
A few days ago, I witnessed an accident where the driver was trapped in his car and in very serious condition. The problems on the roads are caused by drivers who do not understand lane discipline, when to use their turning signals, how to negotiate a roundabout - they generally don't care about other road users. Finally, I wonder who trains the driving instructors as by all accounts they do not know how to teach basic driving skills. All drivers should be taught the three basics of driving - concentration, observation and anticipation.
From Mr Leon Crossan
Dubai

No pay back
Recently, I purchased a pair of shoes from a well-known shopping centre in Abu Dhabi and received a shopping voucher worth Dh100 as part of their latest offer. The next day, I purchased some children's shoes and garments and went to the cashier for payment. I gave her the voucher which I had received the previous day. The cashier refused to accept the voucher stating that I could not buy undergarments with it. This was not mentioned anywhere in the advertisement or on the gift voucher. What a smart way to cheat!
From Mr K. P. Mohammad
Abu Dhabi

Never a victim, please
Sometimes when I think of all the terror attacks, I feel lucky that I am not a victim or from a victim's family. It's all by God's grace. But who knows? I may be a victim in the future - something I pray each day never happens. Even if I were to be a victim, I hope I am not sleeping at the time.
From Ms Clarissa D.
Abu Dhabi

Dangerous if unchecked
While walking at night near a reputed hotel in Sharjah, I found a bunch of schoolboys on bicycles causing a lot of nuisance. They not only endangered traffic but did some unpardonable things like spitting on passers-by and using foul language. I request the authorities to maintain vigil for such acts as they could turn out be miscreants if left unchecked. I am sure it is happening in other areas, too. The youth today need guidance to behave as responsible citizens.
From Mr Murugesh Sambasadhasivam
Dubai

Other options
This is in reference to Ms Naina Nair's letter ("Bedtime stories", Gulf News, March 24). I feel like she is a great mother. I don't think children today have enough time to listen to our stories since they have video games, mobile phones and television to entertain them. These are all available for their amusement, in bed, before they go to sleep.
From Mr Khaled Nawaz Malik
Dubai

Lesson from home
It's really appalling to hear and view the speech made by Varun Gandhi ("Activists warn against Varun Gandhi," Gulf News, March 25). He is inciting violence and intolerance towards other religions. Here's a question for his mother Maneka Gandhi - why have you not taught your son to be tolerant towards other religions? Ms Gandhi, since you don't allow stray dogs to be put down, saying that they are creatures of God, how can you allow your son to speak in such a barbaric manner? Please teach him some humility and to respect all religions.
From Ms Priscilla Noronha
Sharjah

Sudden death
I drive every day on Emirates Road and the worst offenders are the minibus drivers and the big buses that carry construction workers. I drive a sports utility vehicle and they often overtake me. The concerned authorities must do something before we have a major disaster on the roads. Imagine a big bus or minibus suddenly applying brakes at 120 kilometres per hour.
From Dr Mohammad Eqbal
Dubai

Minimal safety, maximum damage
I have been driving on Shaikh Zayed Road and on the Emirates Road since the past decade. I have seen how rash and irresponsible certain van and bus drivers can get, resulting in disastrous consequences. These vehicles have minimal safety features but that does not stop their drivers from endangering the lives of passengers. They must have governors who limit the speed to 100 kilometres per hour. The police should come down hard on such drivers, too.
From Mr Rajesh Ramchand
Dubai

Wise matters
When will people learn the dangers of driving not only without a seat belt but standing with their torsos out of the sunroof, too? Recently, I photographed a hired bus on Shaikh Zayed Road travelling at 90 kilometres per hour with two people, jutting out of the sunroof and waving at others! It was the driver's responsibility to ensure that they were not just seated but wearing seat belts, too. If an accident occurred and the passengers were injured or had died, the driver would be held liable to pay compensation or blood money. Wise up people!
From Mr Gordon Torbet
Dubai