The road is not an ashtray
I have seen many people driving their cars with the windows down. But this is not to enjoy the fresh breeze — but to tap cigarette ash as they drive along. I am also a smoker. But, I do, however, respect other road users. I think that the law should be made stricter to advise motorists that Dubai roads are not their personal ashtray. I have many times requested such people to refrain from doing so. In one instance, my wife was driving along with my son. A man tapped his lit cigarette and the ash went into the car's bonnet. She was frightened as she felt that the lit cigarette could cause a fire! Hope the authorities will take the required action.
P. Jyothish Kumar Dubai
Falling in the trap
In reference to a recent controversy regarding social networking websites, I agree that children nowadays have lost interest in education and sports as they get attracted towards websites like Facebook and Twitter. It must not be used by people below the age of 20. Young children are new to the world where evil and cruelty exist and can be tempted into traps laid for them. It is also a waste of time since children can do a lot for their own welfare and for the benefit of the world.
Sruthi John Dubai
Helping the planet
I am a student of the eighth grade and would like to spread awareness about global warming and plastics that could annihilate our earth. Global warming is the increase in the average temperature of the earth's surface, air and oceans. An increase in global temperature will cause sea levels to rise. Polar ice caps and glaciers are rapidly melting, up to twice as fast. We should save water and electricity and say no to plastic. Plastic waste gets collected in ugly dumps, roadsides and in streams. This results in air, water and land pollution, which can result in the extinction of animals, release of toxic gases and destruction of the planet. Unless action is taken, numerous animals, plants and humans might breathe their last breath soon. We should plant saplings on uncultivated lands, recycle plastic, use paper bags and save water and electricity. If we take action, our planet will prosper in many ways.
Vrunda A. Shah, Sharjah
Compulsory cards
I think the ID cards should be made mandatory for companies employing new staff or for their existing staff. This means when any company processes a new employee's documents, the ID card should be processed with his or her visa, too. Moreover, the labour and health cards should be merged with the ID card.
Hassan Askari, Sharjah
Inconsiderate drivers
Driving in Sharjah is a nightmare because a lot of people park their cars in the middle of the road with their hazard lights switched on. If you sound your car's horn, they will not move. What immature behaviour! I request the authorities to please confiscate the driving licences of such drivers. Anyone could have any problem — someone might even have an emergency, but people block the way. What kind of people are these and what kind of behaviour is this?
Sophy Aqeel, Sharjah
High hopes
I am an 11-year-old Pakistani student. On March 23, we celebrated Pakistan's Republic Day and got to wear colourful clothes to school. We went into the assembly ground and everyone was in high spirits. The roars were deafening as our school band launched into many of the famous national songs. We stood there for two hours without a care in the world. The end of the function was followed with a prayer. My message to all Pakistani youngsters is to pray for our country and work hard because we are the next generation. I have heard from many of my age saying they are ashamed to be Pakistani. All the lives being lost and the bloodshed —we will change that and Pakistan will stay forever, overcoming all obstacles.
Zarah Shahid, Dubai
