Opinions | Letters
December 13, 2008
Letters to the editor, December 13, 2008
- Gulf News
- Published: 00:20 December 13, 2008
Unbiased coverage
I feel deeply depressed by the way things are in the world. It seems like there is a price on people's lives and nationalities. One Israeli is killed and as a result hundreds of Palestinians are killed, and their homes destroyed. Post 9/11, millions of poor Iraqi's and Afghans were massacred. Now a few people from Lashkar-e-Taiba kill over 170 people in India and they want to go after millions of Pakistanis? It seems that either being a Palestinian, Iraqi, Afghan or Pakistani has become a crime. People don't seem to understand that these people are not the terrorists, but victims themselves. The print and electronic media tends to give them so much coverage. If you open a newspaper you will see only three or four lines about how Israel has made the lives of Palestinians horrible, however you would see pages on the Mumbai attacks. Don't get me wrong, my heart bleeds for all those people who were killed and tortured. My point is that media needs to be free and every news item should be given its due coverage.
From Ms Noor
UAE
Full name withheld by request
Take charge
I do not think Pakistan should hand over suspects to India ("Pakistan extends crackdown on suspects", Gulf News, December 10). Instead, they should seek justice by trying the suspects in their own court of law. Pakistanis are already facing an increase in terrorism within their borders and have suffered a great deal. I think both countries should work together to solve this problem. Additionally, the Indian media should play a positive role, throughout the proceedings.
From Mr Shafqat Hassan
Dubai
Website comment
Bring in peace
In light of the crackdown on suspects, I think Pakistan should hand them over to India, as the terrorists do not belong to Pakistan or any other country. No terrorist is loyal to his or her country. They kill both their own people and innocent civilians from other nations. I hope Pakistan believes in the friendship of its neighbours and helps brings peace in the region.
From Mr Naresh
Dubai
Website comment
Child killers
Most of the breakfast cereals that appeal to children, the ones in the bright and colourful boxes with the nutritionally unsound interiors, are loaded with slow and silent killers that lead to problems such as childhood obesity, elevated lipids and Type 2 diabetes, along with all the nasty complications that arise from them ("Cereal's not best bet for kids", Gulf News, December 5). However, just another comment on a slightly related subject, if we consider the placing of our children's lives at risk a subject. What would lead any person over the age of 18 to believe that they can drive around without putting their children in a restraint or seatbelt? Children clambering around in moving vehicles, awaiting their fates as human missiles, ready to shoot through the windscreen at any given moment. I guess it just depends on how long you want your children to be around - and in what condition.
From Ms Tracey Chong
UAE
Keeping heart
The tragedy that struck Mumbai had a ripple effect all over India ("Young mothers hushed their babies as terrorists struck Cama Hospital", Gulf News, December 8). When terrorists strike, there are hundreds who suffer the violence directly, but it strikes millions psychologically. These terrorists have no value for human beings. When the common citizens of India are helping each other and trying to come out of this tragic trauma, some things never change. The corruption of the country's rulers has destroyed the peace and security of our beloved country. Secondly we can see the electronic media turn the event into a soap opera. One thing that the terrorists cannot take away from us is our desire to bring joy to fellow human beings.
From Mr Mohammad Ali Uchil
Abu Dhabi
The spirit of football
My husband and I are keen followers of the dynamic sport of football. One of the names that come to our mind, which is synonymous with the game, is that of Diego Maradona ("India gets a taste of Maradona mania", Gulf News, December 7). I hail from the vibrant city of Kolkata and was overjoyed when I learnt of Maradona's visit to my native land. Yes, if football is considered a religion in Kolkata then Maradona is no less than its lead practitioner for the thousands of his fans. As far as the controversies that once plagued him are concerned, they are history and he is very much in top shape at the age of 48. May he continue to be in good health and high spirits, and be a source of inspiration to millions around the world.
From Ms Shiuli Dutt Dey
Dubai
Chip system
With so much IT capability and technological knowledge in India, it should be possible to provide India's national identity cards with an intelligent chip embedded to all. It could have a DNA map and fingerprint code. The chip would stay logged in and could be located by a satellite-controlled network. With this, the identity of any person could be verified using a blue tooth device at any place. This could be further developed as a capsule to be inserted in the body of a person. If any capsule is destroyed or made inactive or changed from original owner, the system would identify it and send appropriate warning signals, bringing it to the notice of the internal security agency. The information is deleted from the system at the death of the holder. Every visitor entering the country should also be given a temporary identity card.
From Mr Abraham Paul
Dubai
No worries
If a ban were in place for the import of tobacco products, then there would be no need to worry about smoking ("Official sees more delays for anti-tobacco laws", Gulf News, December 10). No tobacco, no worries.
From Mr Amit H.
Dubai
Website comment
Distraction
Smoking while driving is a distraction for drivers and can also create the risk of fires or accidents. I support the ban on smoking in cars.
From Mr Saqib Iqbal
Abu Dhabi
Website comment
Think it through
Recycling wastewater requires huge investment. ("People 'reluctant to use recycled waste water'", Gulf News, December 10). Stringent rules should be in place, especially during construction of wastewater treatment systems. In fact, this water could be used for flushing toilets.
From Ms Resmi
Dubai
Website comment
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