Opinions | Letters
April 15, 2008
Letters to the Editor - April 15, 2008
- Gulf News
- Published: 23:58 April 14, 2008
Don't generalise on important issues
To generalise that global warming is good in some measure merely on the strength of one or two stray incidents is short sightedness ("Sea horses reach Thames", Gulf News, April 12).
Viewed against the backdrop of swiftly melting glaciers, threatening to submerge many of the coastal cities and the prospect of severe water shortages, global warming assumes serious proportions.
Millions of acres of denuded rain forests and unchecked emissions of greenhouse gases are already changing the weather patterns around the world.
Human priorities for industrialisation and globalisation that often result in huge tracts of fertile land being handed over to either cash crop cultivation or special economic zones has already caused a scarcity of food around the world.
Hunger, disease and death are staring man in the face. Should we then be gloating over a few seahorses in the Thames?
From Ms Louella Alvares
UAE
A huge difference
I recently took my two daughters and their friends to Al Ain zoo. Though the journey took longer, it was worth visiting a zoo where animals are well tended, in modern enclosures with plenty of space.
The zoo had shaded walkways, equipped with sprinklers for cooling visitors and a road train that takes visitors around lest they don't want to walk.
There are also adequate places to rest and take refreshments - all this for a minimal entrance fee.
Perhaps, if the concerned authorities could be encouraged to support the relocation of the current Dubai Zoo, it would attract more tourists.
From Ms Lyn Soppelsa
Dubai
Supportive
I would like to thank Gulf News for solving my problem with etisalat. I was frustrated for not getting a landline for almost two months.
Finally I brought up the matter with Gulf News and soon had a connection installed. I appreciate the support.
From Mr Girish Karwarkar
Sharjah
New water taxi route
The water taxi service started by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is very useful and comfortable although it is a bit expensive.
I have a small suggestion to make. How about if the RTA starts a service from the water taxi station around the Floating Bridge area up to the Al Seef Station?
I am sure a lot of people will use this service, especially people waiting for buses and taxis to go to Bur Dubai.
This would also decrease the dependency on public transport buses, which are always full anyway!
From Mr Ali Jaddy
Dubai
Wonderful world
I had just recently logged on UAE student Cameron Oliver's website cameronscamelcampaign.com, which was reported in Gulf News.
I wish to say how impressed I am that such a young person can show such a deep regard for animals.
I request him to continue his good work and intentions. If only all young people would be so concerned about nature and wildlife, what a wonderful world this would become.
I sincerely wish that we had Cameron and others like him in my country.
From Ms Mandy Stander
South Africa
Poor motorists
Last weekend, my wife and I were almost knocked down on a lit pedestrian crossing by a motorist who ignored the red light and drove on the raised section.
At least jaywalkers are cognisant of the fact that they must be wary when crossing the street.
Every person in the UAE knows that the most dangerous place to cross a road is at a pedestrian crossing as it gives pedestrians a false sense of security.
The problem is not with jaywalkers but, rather, with motorists who have a misconception that they can get away with running a pedestrian over so long as they are within the speed limit!
From Mr Mark Thompson
Sharjah
No matter
It is good to hear that the number of taxis is increasing in the capital ("Finding taxi 'is a nightmare on Abu Dhabi streets'", Gulf News, April 10).
A shortage of taxis is compounded with the fact that most taxi drivers do not stop for passengers even when the taxis are empty.
The taxi companies should consider introducing regulations whereby all drivers stop for passengers no matter what their destination.
Another suggestion would be to provide passengers with a toll free number where they could register complaints against taxi drivers who do not stop for passengers.
From Mr Zuhair Khan
Abu Dhabi
Mini solutions
Why can't Abu Dhabi like Dubai have public transport within city limits? We face a similar problem in Al Ain as well.
I think a provision of mini-buses on a regular interval could also be considered.
From A Reader
Abu Dhabi
Name withheld by request
Overcharged
I have had a terrible experience as a resident of Hamdan Street in Abu Dhabi for three years. Not only do I have to wait a long time but certain taxi drivers tend to overcharge as well.
I assume this is because I am a Westerner. I now note their car registration numbers and report them.
From Mr Norman Odell
Abu Dhabi
The other side
I am surprised that Gulf News' report on racism did not include a single quote from either a salesperson or a taxi driver as their explanation for behaving differently with customers of different races ("Reverse racism", Gulf News, April 12).
Maybe there should be an immediate follow-up story on why the salespeople are racist?
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
Share this article
Popular in Opinions
-
Opinions
Speak Your Mind: Cyberbullying
How can we protect our children from being Cyber bullied?
Opinion Editor's choice
-
Mosque razing ruling exposes India polity
It would be tragic if those who demolished the Babri Masjid went scot-free
-
All eyes on Obama
Failure to outline an effective strategy at West Point could cost the US president not only victory in Afghanistan, but the White House itself
-
A year after 173 defenceless people were killed
Mumbai itself is far from safe from another deadly attack, even though the level of security consciousness of the average Mumbaikar has been raised since 26/11
