Latters: August 22, 2010

No compromise
Do we Muslims need a mosque at Ground Zero ("Obama at the centre of cultural clash over Ground Zero mosque", Gulf News, August 15)? I personally don't think so, especially if people out there are not comfortable with the concept. We can build mosques anywhere but without compromising the feelings of our neighbours! We need peace and tranquillity for all. That is what this great religion is all about. What Muslims would like to erect at ground zero is a suitable memorial in honour of the innocent victims of the September 11 attack. A 13-storey building named Cordoba House is said to have public facilities for athletics, arts, performances, lectures series, forums and weddings, as well as a prayer space, which makes opponents frown at! It has got support from New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and the US President Barack Obama. With all its political and moral support, we need to maintain that it should not irk the people of the land and we hold high the fact that there should be no compromise on peace.
From Mr Mohammed Baqavi Maniyoor
Ajman

Learn a lesson
US President Barack Obama is upholding religious freedom by allowing the building of a mosque near New York's Ground Zero, just two blocks away from the September 11 site. It is a commendable move and will definitely lift the battered sentiment of the Muslim world who thinks that the American policy is anti-Islam. It takes immense courage and conviction to respect the sentiments of the people of diverse faiths amidst the mounting opposition from one's own countrymen. The world should learn a lesson from Obama.
From Mr Subhasis Mukherjee
Dubai

Real values

I fully support and in fact thank US President Barack Obama for saying the truth about real American values, history and traditions in public and for his unequivocal support pertaining to the construction of an Islamic centre including a mosque near Ground Zero in New York. Let there be no doubt in the hearts and minds of anybody - everyone is free to practice his or her faith and build their places of worship in this great country. Islam as a religion and faith must not be an exception to it. I also applaud New York City Mayor Michel Bloomberg for defending the same project both publicly and privately and thereby helping to strengthen the basic principles and values on which the very foundations of this country were based and resurrected. At the same time, I suggest to prominent American politicians like Newt Gingrich and Sarah Palin to kindly refrain from playing the ‘fear' politics card any more into the hearts and minds of ordinary Americans like me.
From Dr Amr A. Salaria,
Missouri, US

Community heroes
After reading the community report awards, I would like to congratulate Mr Ramesh Menon, Mr Boban Thomas and Mr Vijoy V. J. for their excellent and significant impact on the community ("Readers help make a difference", Gulf News, August 15).

I also applaud all those readers who are continuing to make an impact every day. I would sincerely like to thank Gulf News on this innovative and creative section.

Time and again, we read suggestions posted by readers which are implemented by the authorities. We need to remind ourselves that the authorities cannot be at many places at one time. That's why Gulf News introduced this section so that residents can come forward and make a change.

As Mahatma Gandhi famously said: "Be the change you want to see in the world". Never hesitate to click a photograph and write a report, which can bring a fresh awakening to our community and authorities.

I always take my camera so I can capture anything that needs improvement. It's exciting, because we are the community heroes!
From Ms Anureet Kaur
Dubai

A job well done
I have to say that Saher Shaikh has done a superb job with her AdoptaCamp initiative ("Woman commits to improving life for workers", Gulf News, August 21). She is a kind human being and I hope she is given more strength to do such charity work and I hope that from this it will give us the opportunity to do the same. We are proud of people like her.
From Mr Zubair,
Dubai
Website comment

Blessed time
For one to blossom forth anew, the time of the year has well arrived. It's the holy month of Ramadan for all of us to care, retreat, forgive and rejoice. It is this blessed period of contemplation that will liberate one and all from the spoils of thoughts and deeds, intent and ego. No one but the Almighty knows you better. Listen to the gentle whispers and advice from above and within. Find out where you stand in the values and morals of mankind. Heed to the audit of your spirit gracefully, with conviction. Engage your heart in this exercise to drive you on this path of purification.
From Mr Reuben Smile
Dubai