A blow to freedom of speech
The United States claims that one of its top foreign policy initiatives is to spread democracy and freedom around the world. But, a recent bill in the US Congress has many people wondering whether America wants to censor media freedom. In early December, 2009, the US House of Representatives voted to pass a bill to punish television channels from 17 Arab nations due to their engagement in "anti-American incitement to violence". A Congress that cannot seem to agree on anything — whether it is fixing America's health care system or how to deal with the turbulent economic situation — passed the bill with 395 votes and only three dissenters. The wording of the bill is vague, but punishments for Arab television stations that criticise US policy, or air statements of people who threaten the US with violence [will] be stiff. It has shocked many for [its apparent contradiction of] American support for free speech. The United States has always campaigned for more freedom in journalism and the right [for journalists] to express their views. If the bill gets passed, wouldn't it just kill that purpose? Why is [it] only Arab media is being targeted, when there are many non-Arabic channels with similar views? I think [the] airing of respectful disagreement with the policies of the US government is a part of development, which should be taken positively and constructively.
From Mr Syed Zaki Ahmad
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Charity begins at home
Parents often raise concerns about the safety of their children when they are in school and hold the school authorities responsible if the child is in any sort of danger. Fair enough, as the primary goal of any institution should be the safety of pupils. Recently, I witnessed an incident that forced me to believe that most of these dangers can be averted if children are made to understand the consequences of their actions. There was a vehicle travelling ahead of me with an child [who was unattended to] in the passenger seat. Both his parents were engaged in a conversation and were unaware that their child's body was half out of the window. He was entertaining himself by mocking other drivers and was unaware of the lurking danger. If this is how the parents train their five year old to behave in a moving vehicle, tomorrow he may do the same in the school bus, or any other vehicle. At that point, how can they hold someone else responsible for their child's safety, when they themselves have been irresponsible?
Sophy Aqeel
Sharjah
Children are precious
I feel sad when I read reports about abandoned children (‘Babies found abandoned near mosque in Sharjah', Gulf News, March 3). Children are a gift from God. We cannot imagine life without them. I have seen people, who do not possess this valuable gift of nature, begging the Almighty for it. The parent-child relationship is the purest — without any demands and expectations. When we come back from work, a sweet smile from the baby eases all the frustration and you feel fresh. Abandoning children is really being cruel — they don't deserve this. The little ones don't know what's happening around them. They just know the word "mama" or "papa". If parents have problems, they can leave their children in foster homes, ask the local authorities for help or even approach charitable [institutions].
From Sophy Aqeel
Sharjah
Utilising old newspapers
I am amazed by the sheer [number] of newspapers in the UAE. No doubt each inch is packed with information, be it business, sport or classifieds. But unlike in India, once this newspaper becomes stale there's no one to collect it and put it to other uses — in return for money. I am sure all of us have old newspapers uselessly stacked in our houses. Forget the money part; if there is a system in place for them to be collected and recycled, billions of trees could be saved, which is saving the planet, too!
From Ms Beatrice Paul
Dubai
A little anxiety can be good
Dedication to your marriage can transform into nurturing for your children (‘Focus: Helicopter parenting', Gulf News, March 5). Children who grow up in a balanced atmosphere with a fair share of independence, appreciation and encouragement, encompassed in love and understanding will surely be content. But, a certain level of anxiety is a catalyst for childcare. No child can be raised without anxiety. Within limits, this is healthy for both parents and children. Exhaustion in parents centred on children indicates to me that every little detail of children's needs is being looked into. Hats off to parents who tirelessly work to achieve this. But parents, do make sure you get your little breaks in between!
From Ms Anees Fatima
Dubai
Eating in the summer
Since there are reports relating to unhygienic food preparation conditions, I take this opportunity to urge people to take extra caution and become more vigilant when eating at restaurants and food outlets during summer months. I feel hygiene and food safety standards should be maintained by food outlets at all times, especially those dealing with meat products. On the part of consumers, we should be careful to make rational choices when dining out. In my opinion, it is recommended that during the summer months, when food items are most likely to get spoilt due to the scorching heat, we should eat at home rather than opt for restaurant meals. This sort of an approach will help curb many health-related and food safety issues.
From Ms Fatima Suhail
Dubai
Irresponsible parenting
This happened about a week ago. I was in a shopping mall in the Deira area, Dubai. I had taken a break and was drinking a cup of coffee at a café. Suddenly I noticed a child sitting alone at a table with a few shopping bags. She looked really unhappy. After a while she started crying. All of us at the café started getting concerned. One of the attendants approached her but was unable to communicate much. The child was of Russian origin and as nobody present could speak her language, she started getting more and more distressed. It was heart-wrenching to watch her cry. She looked about five years old. Finally we managed to get her mother's name. The mall security [officers] were informed and they announced that the little girl [was] in the café waiting for [her] mother. Her mother heard it and returned. She was busy shopping and had left her child alone for over two hours. It took all our patience not to lose our temper with the irresponsible mother. This was truly awful behaviour and hopefully something that no other mother will emulate.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
