Opinions | Letters
June 2, 2008
Letters to the Editor - June 2, 2008
- Gulf News
- Published: 23:35 June 1, 2008
Hike not enough
If the authorities want teenagers to quit smoking, their decision to raise the price of tobacco products is not going to be the ideal solution ("Increasing tobacco prices to discourage teen consumption", Gulf News, May 29).
There must be strict parental intervention and cigarette sales to minors should be monitored.
From Mr Lee
Abu Dhabi
Full name withheld by request
Peer pressure
The report on teen smoking presumes that a teenager will buy a pack of cigarettes every day and that it would cost them about Dh16.
The young smokers would probably split the cost within a group of friends, and even worse, create peer pressure and possibly influence non-smokers.
From Mr Anand
Dubai
Full name withheld by request
A little extra
I do not believe increasing the price of tobacco will discourage teenagers from smoking.
As they are not earning, it will not be a difficult task for them to spend a little more. They can obtain the money through the same channels that they are currently using.
The rule must be stricter on retailers that sell tobacco. They must not sell cigarettes to minors and not allow adults to buy for them either.
From Mr Cecil
Texas, USA
No real effect
In the report, the head of the UAE Tobacco Control Committee said a teenager's daily spending amounts to Dh20.
These days, I think it is more likely that a teenager's hourly expense is about Dh20.
When 18-year-olds nowadays are getting cars as high school graduation gifts, increasing cigarette prices will do nothing to discourage them from smoking.
If cigarettes become too expensive, young smokers will continue to buy them, just to show that they can afford it.
From Ms Shezanne
Dubai
Lower costs
In order to understand the rationale behind the pricing structure in Dubai, one does not need to be an expert in economics or commerce ("Why food prices have not come down in UAE", Gulf News, May 26).
The element that decides the final cost to consumers or end users is the inflation in the domestic environment.
The fixed operating costs have doubled, even tripled, over the past few years and continue to increase with no apparent signs of coming to a stop or slowing down.
Taking steps to ensure that businesses have a lower operating cost is the only way to control prices of consumer goods.
From Mr Zahid Aslam
UAE
Avoiding tragedy
There are some tragedies in life that cannot be avoided while some can be. Unfortunately, most people are bent on being the reason for road tragedies.
The number of accidents seems to be making the situation worse. Under these circumstances, it becomes difficult to follow rules and regulations.
Why can't people understand that the life we live is a gift and one should make the most of it, instead of destroying it?
People who drive recklessly must be charged heavily, as this would be a lesson for all.
Otherwise, the situation could get worse with each passing day. I request the authorities concerned to look into the matter before it gets out of control.
From Mr Ganesh Devrajan
Dubai
True judge
Private companies' priorities are toward the environment, their shareholders, employees and customers, while the public sectors' priorities are usually directed toward social development ("Private sector 'must give more to society'", Gulf News, May 25).
What makes the UAE different is the fact that its state wealth is coupled with vast individual wealth.
The level of philanthropy is the true judge of the character of individuals that make up a society.
The immense generosity of the country's leaders should be seen as splendid examples for individuals to follow.
From Mr Greg Malpass Hart
Abu Dhabi
Step back
The Western world needs to step back and stop accusing Iran of developing a nuclear arsenal, especially when they themselves have all their guns pointing toward the Middle East ("Obama's other side", Gulf News, May 29).
The sanctions are hurting the people of the country, not the Iranian government. While the people suffer, the government is laughing all the way to the bank as the price of oil continues to rise.
I appreciate US presidential candidate Barack Obama, who said he is willing to meet with the leaders of opposing nations to have open discussions with them.
From Mr Arbi Dalirian
Sharjah
Questions answered
Gulf News's Ask The Law section has always been very useful and unique.
I am impressed with the answers it provides to readers, as solutions are given in a simple, straightforward language and in a way that all of us can understand and appreciate.
From A Reader
Sharjah
Name withheld by request
What's in a name?
Why are some construction projects starting with the name Jumeirah when they are located in Barsha and Satwa? Why can't they be named after the area?
It has got to a point where the whole city is confusing because project names either begin with Dubai or Jumeirah.
From Mr Mazhar Mohad
Dubai
Buses in summer
Much has been written about the poor performance of air conditioners in public buses, and I would like to urge the authorities to take immediate action as summer is here ("Feeling the heat", Gulf News, May 28).
Additionally, more buses need to be deployed to run on weekends.
There is an alarming rise in demand in Abu Dhabi, due to the number of people who live in rapidly developing areas such as Mussafah.
Buses often travel through routes where there are few passengers, and they do not go into busy areas. The authorities need to look into this matter.
From Mr T. K. Sekar
Abu Dhabi
More seats
It has become very hard for women to reach their workplaces on time because of the limited number of women-only seats in public buses.
After waiting for the bus for almost two hours, one finally arrived and we had to stand during the entire journey.
The percentage of working women in Dubai is increasing every day, yet there are only 12 reserved seats for them in buses.
I urge the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to help resolve this problem.
From Ms Sandy
Dubai
Full name withheld by request
High time
The U-turn at the Muraqqabat intersection in Deira is very unsafe.
It is high time that the authorities moved car repair workshops away from main roads, as they are usually the main reason for traffic congestion.
Additionally, motorists have the habit of parking vehicles at the area's bus stop and running 'quick' errands.
Another reason for traffic jams is due to the fact that many company-sponsored buses block vehicles when they drop off passengers on the roadside.
I request the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to take immediate action and solve this problem.
From Mr George Mathew
Dubai
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