Improving perceptions
The Michael Brown case and recent riots in the US city of Ferguson have become a big challenge for the country’s justice system (‘Perils of a legal monopoly on violence,’ Gulf News, December 1). All scenarios remind us of the 1992 Rodney King riots in Los Angeles when riots erupted in several US cities when King was killed by some police officers. After heavy criticism on the jury’s decision from all sides, the federal investigation team will also try to find the truth. Ferguson is presenting a war zone-like situation after the recent decision. Burning cars, shops, heavy presence of police, armed with tear gas and armoured vehicles, are a rare experience for US citizens.
Brown’s family said in a statement that the decision of the jury is heart breaking, painful and justice is not done. Despite massive pressure, the governor refused to form a new jury and renew the investigations. Now distance is widening between African Americans and the local authorities.
The graph of poverty and unemployment is rising in the African American communities in the US and some people who are involved in riots are taking advantage of the present situation for their own benefits. African American communities have suffered twice over in Ferguson due to tragedies, as many of the businesses looted and torched belonged to African Americans. The world organisations and human rights organisations have been monitoring closely all events in Ferguson. Russia and China criticised recent events in the city and now in the heavy presence of foreign and local media, the US authorities are trying hard to improve their image in the world’s eyes.
From Mr Khawaja Omar Farooq
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Inspiring and very true
What an inspiring truth by Abdul Sattar Pardesi coming to the UAE and making a successful life with lots of hard work (‘I came to the UAE for a year, but stayed 4 decades’, Gulf News, November 29). I came to the UAE in 2006 on an employment visa only with the dream of a debt-free life. It took eight years to make my dreams come true. I am inspired by the leadership and unity of the UAE leaders who have proved to the world that they are on a par with the rest of the world. I always speak of this truth to all who want a prosperous life. Commitment, concern and concentration on our goals will always make our dreams true in life.
From Mr Krishna
Abu Dhabi
Website comment
Making this possible
Indeed Pardesi’s story is a clear example of how the UAE leadership and implementations make these happy stories possible. There are those who are ruling big countries and with large sources of income, but they unfortunately are still not successful in creating peace and prosperity in their countries. The UAE has been fortunate in this way. We love Dubai and pray for the leadership of UAE always.
From Mr Zia Al Rahman
Dubai
Website comment
Visionaries
Kudos to the leaders of this great nation – both in the past and present. They are working tirelessly to make the impossible possible and we can see it today. Whatever a man sets as a vision and focuses on, you can achieve it!
From Mr Simon
Dubai
Website comment
Happened to me!
Well, I came here as well to stay for two years at most; however it’s been a decade now! I have no plans to go back before retirement though. I must say that I am in love with this place, because it has given me so much more than I could ever have imagined in just 10 years.
From Mr Pramod
Dubai
Website comment
I’m very impressed!
This is an inspiring story and great achievement by Pardesi. I am new in Dubai, and I really am very impressed by the development of Dubai. The leadership and vision is excellent. We will always pray for more success and peace for our beautiful Dubai and UAE. Thanks to Gulf News for sharing the beautiful and inspirational story.
From Mr Rajwan Ahmad
Dubai
Website comment
A wise manoeuvre
India moving towards visas upon arrival is a very useful step (‘India launches visa on arrival for UAE and 42 other nations,’ Gulf News, November 28). For the medical tourism sector, it should give a big boost. Commerce and various industries are bound to move faster.
From Mr Paulos Kalarikkal
Cochin, India
Website comment
A pleasant trip
The UAE is the land of richness, ambience, top range cars, traffic jams, signals, disciplined people, grand shopping malls, flower beds on either side of the roads, date palm trees, good schools, plenty of quality restaurants, glittering gold shops!
Though my visit is short - only for 25 days, I am enjoying every minute of my stay. I am a retired school principal who likes travelling and my thirst for learning never ends. From museums to the Burj Khalifa, I want to see it all. I felt very lucky to be able to be here for National Day. The decorations and the illuminations in the city is a feast for the eyes.
I have travelled to many countries, and I must say that the impact that Dubai has created is very special. When I go back to India I will be filled with heartfelt pleasant and rich memories of Dubai.
From Mr B. Sudha
India
At the parade
On Saturday, I went to the UAE National Day parade in Downtown Dubai. In fact, after attending the event, I became aware of the rich culture, traditions and diversity of the UAE. Residents of the UAE from various nations actively celebrated the event. The high amount of participation simply showed why the UAE is a respectable and dignified Arab nation!
From Mr Gautham Manoj
Dubai
Well done, UAE!
Through the columns of your esteemed newspaper, I would like to express my views on the Dubai motor festival’s remarkable parade held on Saturday (‘Stunning cars on show at Dubai Grand Parade,’ Gulf News, November 29). The massive collection of the modified cars included top automobile brands from all around the UAE. They were exhibited in the Meydan Motor Village.
Although, the parade is held every year, I believe that there was a huge improvement in the organisation. There was a definite point of assembly assigned and the participants were given a consent that would easily tag them differently from the regular traffic. This made it very easy for the viewers to differentiate the parade members on road. Also the route chosen this year was appreciated by the participants as well as the viewers.
I hope my voice of appreciation reaches out to all those participants of this year’s parade and those who aspire to participate next year.
From Mr Pavneet Kaur
UAE
Wedding expenses
Preaching is always easier than practicing. Therefore, when we come across someone who practices what he preaches, automatically he commands respect and reverence from those around him. If the subject under discussion is about the expenditure on marriages, then it acquires all the more importance, because marriages have been traditionally considered a once in a lifetime event where people do not mind spending their lifetime savings or even borrowing loans to maintain their honour and dignity in the society. Marriage is a very sacred ceremony, which unites two families. The focus should be on making the marriage successful by aligning the heart and mind of the couple, instead of showing off grandeur and pomposity in the marriage function.
From Mr Suhas Inamdar
Dubai
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