Opinions | Letters
July 3, 2009
Letters to the Editor: July 3, 2009
- Gulf News
- Published: 22:48 July 2, 2009
Friends for life
The community report where Ms Montserrat Martin describes how she found a lame and hapless Fernando moved me tremendously ("Helping a poor dog to recover," Gulf News, June 28). I sat back for a moment and thought about the innocent animal and why so much pain had been inflicted on it! I recalled, too, a letter by another pet lover - Ms Francine Shahparaki - and wondered what she must have gone through after losing her beloved feline friend. My point is that animals, unlike most people, have the innate and unfailing ability to love us unconditionally and remain faithful all their lives. They ask for very little and reciprocate by showering us with all their love - as long as they live. I know this for a fact as I had a pet dog for 11 years. Its been a decade since her demise but memories of her continue to make me teary eyed. I can't afford to keep a pet at this moment as I have constraints, but I know for a fact that there are many others who easily can! This is my earnest appeal to anyone with resources - please adopt a pet like Fernando! Animals bring limitless love and joy into every home they go and are like children in so many ways!
From Ms Shiuli Dutt Dey
Dubai
The observer
It is alarming to note that only three per cent of public school pupils reach university. I am a teacher working in one of the Indian schools in Abu Dhabi. I have noticed certain issues that need to be addressed. Lack of discipline, overprotective parents and a luxurious lifestyle often kill the overall development in a child. Additionally, respect for fellow beings should be inculcated right from childhood.
From A Reader
Abu Dhabi
Name withheld by request
This is in response to the comment about motorists wasting their time ("Motorists' time is being wasted," Gulf News, June 29). Solving this problem is up to insurance companies. There is only one reason why people need to wait for the police in case of an accident - for claiming insurance. In other countries, however, filing an incident report form with the signature of both parties is enough to claim insurance. There is no need for a police report or an affidavit.
From Mr Francis F.
Dubai
Wrong message
I thank Gulf News for the continuous coverage of Iran's events and not letting the sudden and sad demise of pop musician Michael Jackson take over all the news. However, a recent front page picture of some Iranians enjoying picnics may send the wrong message that everything is over. It is not. This is just the beginning of a new era.
From Mr A. F. Arjangian
Dubai
Long shot
I appreciate the increase in the number of buses. However, just look at the sizes of the bus stops on Business Bay - the design is sub-standard and does not meet international requirements. Additionally, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) must foresee the design area requirements, especially on long buses manufactured abroad.
From Mr Danilo
Dubai
Full name withheld by request
Shrunken green belt
The natural beauty of Abu Dhabi airport is going to fade away if trees continue to be cut in surrounding areas. Earlier, there were lots of trees and green parking lots. This allowed people to bask in the shade of the trees which is no longer possible.
From Mr M. A. Mannan
Abu Dhabi
Decoding the codes
The ongoing debate on the burqa or veil is nothing but hogwash. It is a futile exercise ("Liberte includes freedom of dress," Gulf News, June 29). Though one can debate it, Islam never ordered to be fully covered and stay in seclusion. This is a wrong notion. French President Nicolas Sarkozy may be imposing a ban out of displeasure or lack of knowledge. The burqa is meant to protect the integrity and prestige of women - it's not meant to disregard or disrespect them. Islam does not restrict women from studying or working provided they abide by a code of ethics. Additionally, the burqa doesn't intend to completely cover the woman in a manner that makes it difficult for her to function. There is no specific way to wear a burqa - women have the liberty to cover themselves in any manner they please as long as they are comfortable, well clad as per the guidelines set by Islam.
From Mr Abdul Mateen
UAE
Timely exercise
I congratulate Gulf News for its community reports published regularly on the Your Turn page. These have immense impact on the readers and authorities. Some time ago, I received an award from Gulf News for a report on pedestrian lights in Al Ain, which would never turn green. I was heartened to read a report, by a Gulf News staff reporter, which talked about pedestrians' rights being brought to light. This is a timely exercise. It is a pity that inputs from concerned citizens, such as me, are not taken into account by the concerned authorities. Al Ain is in ruins. Every road is dug up. Barriers are in place, once again with no regard for pedestrian crossing points, especially for women, children and physically-challenged individuals.
From Mr Kanwar Hayat
Al Ain
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