Opinions | Letters
January 9, 2009
Letters to the Editor: January 9, 2009
- Gulf News
- Published: 23:38 January 8, 2009
The kindness of strangers
While enjoying the thrills of a recent outing with my family, my daughter accidentally locked us out of the car. Stuck in the middle of a desert, we were in despair. Additionally, the key was still in the ignition and the car running. All my efforts to open the door were in vain. Shortly, an Emirati man by the name Rasoul Khida Baksh Qambar, along with his family, arrived on the scene and enquired about our situation. He immediately took a card from his pocket and called a local workshop for help. The mechanics agreed upon a sum of money and rushed to our aid within an hour. The Emirati consoled and gave us refreshments to consume. Later, he excused himself for half an hour and returned with a huge plate of biryani, a bottle of water and enough paper to sit and eat on. He would enquire from time to time if we were well. During our many conversations, he told me of his occupation - as a royal guard in Sharjah. I say, he is not just a guard to the royalty, but to anyone he finds worthy of his service. I bow before the magnanimity of the Emirati man and marvel at the lavish simplicity of his culture.
From Mr Sajeev P. Krishnan
Dubai
Best landlord
My landlord deserves the 'Best Landlord Award'. I am one of the many fortunate tenants living in one of his buildings. He is an extremely kind and generous person since he has not increased our rents based on the market.
Additionally, he went a step further by not increasing the rent for 2009, either. I have been a tenant for the past eight years. In the first year itself, the rents decreased at the end of the term.
However, with the boom in the real estate market, there was a very minimal increase in rent twice, with a gap of two years. It has benefited my family tremendously.
Had it not been for my landlord's kindness, I would have either been in India or struggling between Dubai and Sharjah like many other residents.
From Mr W. M. R. Franco
Dubai
Ability to reason
Will there be a time in the near future when Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, Hindus and many other religious followers can live in complete peace on Earth? When terrorists attack India and are proven to be from a Muslim state, Indian Muslims around the world get in trouble!
For that matter, wrath against the USA is taken out on innocent Christians in Orissa, India. Have people lost the ability to reason?
From Ms Agniyah Shaikh
Sharjah
No homework, please
I would like Gulf News to conduct a poll on homework. As a student, I need time to rest and eat, and homework is such a headache. One wakes up early to go to school and by the time he or she is back, the brain is tired. We come home for peace and instead have to sit down for more schoolwork, at home. I would like Gulf News to conduct a poll asking students if they want to do homework.
From Mr M. Rayyan
Sharjah
Inexcusable
I congratulate the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) for their crackdown on speeding. However, speeding in residential areas needs to be controlled, too. Living in the Greens should be a reasonably tranquil experience but the speeds witnessed are inexcusable. Speed bumps and cameras should be introduced before a reckless driver mows down an innocent child. Additionally, can we have a ban on the blowing of car horns?
From Mr Greg Holmes
Dubai
Alternatives
It would be very helpful if the authorities could facilitate the collection of original visas at the Abu Dhabi City Terminal, in addition to the airport. As per the existing procedure the visa should be submitted two hours before arrival time. What if the visa is allowed to be submitted at the terminal a day or 12 hours in advance? If this does get adopted, it would reduce the rush at the airport and help save time and expenses.
From Mr Majeed K. M.
Abu Dhabi
Stealth versus safety
Do the recently installed radars not flash when detecting a speeding vehicle? There are many theories making rounds regarding this. I am of the opinion that the radars should flash, which sends out a warning to motorists that speed. In this toss-up between stealth versus safety, I would prefer motorists being made aware that they are speeding, rather than a dangerously fast vehicle on the road.
From Mr Jayesh V. V.
Dubai
Terrorists have a religion
I don't agree with people who say that terrorists have no religion - rather, very often it has been found that they are religious extremists.
No one is born a terrorist - either they are bred or self-groomed into this trade, for reasons best known to them. Terrorists are also issued with birth certificates, which mention the newborns' faith. No passport will feature their religion as terrorism.
From Mr Subhasis Mukherjee
Dubai
Grownup bullies
I commute to work and back on a motorcycle and have to drive through Dubai's Al Mamzar area, every day. Last week, I was on my way home and waiting at a traffic light, when two bullies on an unregistered motorcycle crashed into my bike. They then reversed, slapped my helmet and drove off, in turn jumping the red light. I first thought of ignoring the issue.
However, I should have reported it to the authorities, since I have seen such bullies around the area on a regular basis.
From Mr Hasnain F.
UAE
Dedication to report
I am a resident of the International City, in Dubai ("Sewage mess capped, residents assured", Gulf News, January 5). I wrote to almost all the English newspapers in the country regarding the sewage problem, which has been bothering us for a long time. Gulf News was quick to respond and was the only newspaper that raised the issue. I hope this will open the eyes of the concerned authorities. I would like to thank the reporters for the fantastic report, dedication and willingness to allot some space in the newspaper for a genuine reason that affects the public. Keep up the good work.
From Mr Regi Thomas
UAE
Sold out
In its efforts to regain buyers' confidence, the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (Rera) plans to rank developers ("Do we need a Bankruptcy Law?", Gulf News, January 4).
It is a good idea to protect future buyers. However, what about several first time buyers of a property who have already been affected by the present situation? Developers of many projects are going to continue construction, since the price of construction material has decreased substantially.
At least 90 per cent of their projects have been sold at peak price. On an average, 35 per cent of the amount has already been collected.
Some buyers are being threatened that if they discontinue the payments, the amount paid would be forfeited. Such developers are in a win-win situation. The best way to stop the market from deteriorating further is to cancel such projects and refund the money after marginal deduction.
From Mr M. F. Khan
Abu Dhabi
Returning deeds
I really admire the companies that treasure their loyal employees. I am one such employee that thinks highly of my employer.
Regardless of my illness, my employer allowed me to work in his company, with less workload and responsibility. I will never forget his good will. He will always remain in my prayers. This situation was a learning experience for me. I believe that in our life we can repay the good deeds of others in some way or another.
From A Reader
Name withheld by request
Dubai
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