Opinions | Letters
December 10, 2008
Letters to the Editor: December 10, 2008
- Gulf News
- Published: 23:38 December 9, 2008
Stop the blame game
It seems that Pakistan and India are at the threshold of war ("Rebuilding relations between hostile states", Gulf News, December 6). However, I believe both countries agree that the ordeal faced by the innocent civilians in Mumbai was heinous, irreparable and unpardonable. Is war the ultimate consequence of this grave tragedy? Certainly, the answer should be a big 'no'. War never decides what is right, but what is left. Both countries are facing an economic crisis and to even consider battling each other is sheer madness. As an impartial and staunch pacifist, I urge India and Pakistan to stop playing the blame game and to jointly investigate the matter. Additionally, the peace process should begin forthwith, as it is the need of the hour.
From Mr M. Naveed Rafique
Sharjah
Safe abode
I was shocked to read that Indian expatriates preferred to settle down in distant countries, in the wake of the terrorist attacks in Mumbai ("Expatriates not so keen on returning to India", Gulf News, December 5). It seems that most Indians are choosing not to stand united with their countrymen. Do they feel terrorism is a country-specific issue? Banishing themselves from their homeland would not keep them safe from this 'disease' that is slowly engulfing the whole world. How long do people expect to run from the issue?
From Mr Jogayak Chatterjee
Sharjah
Unpleasant surprise
Ever since parking meters were installed in Karama, residents are having a tough time, as they do not have any designated residential parking lots. Moreover, the authorities continue to fine vehicles that are parked in the centre of parking lots, despite there being plenty of space for cars to pass. In fact, many motorists have been fined on Fridays, too. It is depressing for residents to return happy and rested from the holidays, just to find a penalty notice on their vehicles' windshields. I request the authorities to provide residents in the area with a greater number of parking spaces, so that they do not come home to such unpleasant surprises.
From Ms Sruthi Sreedharan
Dubai
Better coordination
As a resident of Sharjah since the early 1990s, I have seen the traffic situation in the city go from bad to worse. I believe the road planning authorities need to coordinate with the traffic police in some areas. I suggest that road dividers be reduced and replaced with concrete blocks. This would help widen the roads and provide a greater number of lanes for motorists. Additionally, any new buildings coming up in the city should be constructed at a distance from the main roads, in order to provide an opportunity for road expansion in the future.
From Mr Priti MacKinnon
Dubai
Time to spend
One of the best ways to restore customer confidence is by getting people to spend again by increasing their discretionary spending ability ("East meets West as GCC countries spend", Gulf News, December 6). If the prices of food, commodities, services, education and rent decrease to more realistic levels, UAE residents would definitely spend more. This would then build more revenue for businesses and create nationwide growth.
From Mr Rick J. Advano
Dubai
Be responsible
Recently, I came across several Gulf News reports and letters about traffic congestion in busy cities such as Dubai and Sharjah. Although the authorities do their best to resolve this issue, they remain more or less unsuccessful. However, I believe the main reason for traffic congestion is the handful of selfish and ill-mannered motorists who drive to the front of the queue and push their way in. If people would follow rules and not create traffic congestions, I am sure they would be able to enjoy their commute.
From Mr Syed Atiq Haider
Dubai
Pay first
I have observed that most credit card users fail to restrain spending, in the pursuit of schemes such as credit card points or other customer loyalty programmes. In my experience, a far simpler management tool is to withdraw the monthly household budget in cash on the first day of receiving one's salary. As the month progresses, one would be able to see the reduction in amount. If any surplus exists on the last day of the month, I usually go shopping, splurge and feel good about it. The rule for debt-free living is simple. Manage your budget by clearly segregating savings from expenses, on the first day of every month.
From Mr Ralph Rau
Dubai
Manny's the man
It is a good thing that the Eid holidays came around, as we were able to unwind and watch the 'People's Champ', Manny Pacquiao, take down another opponent ("Filipino fans eagerly await 'Dream Match'," Gulf News, December 7). Nothing beats eating sinangag and tuyo - a dish of garlic rice and dried, salted fish - while watching Pacquiao fight, knowing that our countrymen around the world are most likely doing the same thing.
From Mr John
Philippines
Website comment
A true winner
As a Filipino, I truly believe Manny Pacquiao plays an important role in my homeland. His boxing matches have a tremendous effect, as they undoubtedly unite Filipinos from all over the world. Additionally, I am extremely pleased that people from my country are willing to extend their support to Pacquiao and are proud of him. I believe he has the opportunity to be a winner once again, because he truly knows how to fight. Moreover, aside from his strong fist, he uses his mind and strategies, which ultimately allows him to win.
From Mr Edwin
Abu Dhabi
Website comment
Disciplined fighter
I was not surprised to see Manny Pacquiao winning the boxing match against Mexican-American boxer, Oscar De La Hoya. It seems that in comparison, Pacquiao was the more disciplined fighter.
From Mr Claude
Dubai
Website comment
Brief explanation
I think advertisements and presentations play an important role in creating awareness regarding issues such as piracy ("Two software pirates arrested in Dubai police operation", Gulf News, December 7). During exhibitions and conferences, companies should provide employees with special briefings about safeguarding themselves against pirated software. Such presentations could be held for their IT departments.
From Mr Shahid Ahmad Patel
Dubai
Website comment
Difficult to achieve
The initiative to root out piracy is admirable, but I think it would be difficult to achieve. In order to make it easier, the authorities should find new ways to improve the availability of legal software to customers.
From Mr Magnus
Dubai
Website comment
No bonds yet
I purchased a National Bonds gift voucher worth Dh500 in May 2008 for my wife. We filled it in, signed and sent the form to their office. However, till date, I have not received my certificates. I am regularly sending emails to their help desk but there has been no response thus far. My telephone calls and faxes have been futile, too.
From Mr Chetan N.K.
Dubai
Mr Nidal Abu Hajleh, customer service manager of National Bonds, replies: We contacted the customer and requested him to send us further documents that were needed. The case has now been closed and the bonds issued.
Share this article
Popular in Opinions
-
Your say
Have your say: Inbox addiction
Do you have an addiction to emails?
Opinion Editor's choice
-
Mohammad's confidence is reassuring
The ruler has reminded the world that Dubai is not dependent on property
-
Abbas isn't finished just yet
He may not be running for re-election, but the Palestinian National Authority president has some scores to settle
-
Muslims need not be apologetic
There is no reason to attach a stigma to the whole community just because Hassan ran amok
