Remembrance Day
For many countries today is Remembrance Day [during World War I, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, guns fell silent after more than four years of continuous warfare. In many parts of the world, people observe a two-minute of silence at 11am on November 11]. A day when generations, old and new, honour and pay tribute to those who gave their lives so that we can enjoy the freedoms we have today. We remember those who headed into battle, leaving their families and friends behind, knowing that it might be forever. We remember that they fought to push our enemies back, fought so that their children would one day know peace, fought for their countries, their homes. We remember that those brave men and women understood sacrifice, were not afraid to give their all and had faith that what they did then would lead to a better, brighter future tomorrow. And though we honour that memory, give thanks for all they did, we have yet to learn the lesson their sacrifice teaches. How they would sorrow to see that we continue to butcher one another in the name of power, that poverty and discrimination still have an iron grip on humanity. It saddens me to see that even though their battles were won their enemies vanquished, nothing has really changed; that we are still waiting for that better and brighter future tomorrow. So on this Remembrance Day I remember, I honour their memory and give thanks and wonder when tomorrow will come.
From Ms Gillian Wright
Dubai
Obama is worth it
Congratulations to Barack Obama for being re-elected as the President of the United States. It is a great victory in the American history. Most of the people of America and the people of the world were happy to hear and watch the great news about his victory. I think most of the media outlets from around the world have given their best coverage to this election. The world is now looking forward to the next four years and expecting a big change, especially an end to all the catastrophes. The war game around the world has injured each human heart in some way or the other. I think it is a chance for Obama to prove his worth, and we know that he is worth it. Wishing you all the luck Mr President, hope you reach the heights.
From Mr Abdul Mannan
Abu Dhabi
Obama gains momentum against Romney
Apropos the news and the result, the typically traditionally Democrat president has got the lease of a second term. However, it was not a close call. When Barack Obama was elected in 2008 there were a lot of expectations, but not much was delivered and achieved. I fondly hope that the coming four years would be different and definitely better.
From Mr Mallik
Abu Dhabi
The tricks
Obama’s historic triumph was based on a few tricks – him admitting that mistakes were made and asking his constituents to give him a second chance; his mass lobbying; his mingling with the voters; his empathy; Hurricane Sandy was a tempest that swung the vote; his oratory that reminded everyone of the impassioned speeches of predecessors such as Kennedy, Reagan, and the civil rights campaigner Martin Luther King Jr; the great backing by his wife Michelle and his kids as she went out campaigning and asking voters to give her husband a second chance; Mitt Romney’s 2-l defeat in the triangular debate; and finally the Bill Clinton factor that Obama is his wife’s boss.
From Mr A. R. Modak
Johannesburg, South Africa
No magic tricks
Obama’s second coming is a fascinating reason for the world to celebrate. However, we shouldn’t wish for magic from the re-elected US president because the world does not spare them. May Barack Obama work with conviction and be dictated by his conscience and the doctrines of truth. I hope evil will fear him and justice will protect him. With his reins saddling rich horses and containing crazy shores, he can change the fate of the good and the have-nots and sanction smiles to their existence. May he go down in the history books again as the one who brought back the bounce to the world.
From Mr Reuben S. Andrews
Dubai
Safety measures
I think no parent would allow their children to fall (‘A parent’s guide for protecting children from heights,’ Gulf News, November 6). However, it is also obvious too that parents can’t watch their children all the time. Therefore, I think it should be mandatory by law to have safety grills and window locks in all apartments.
From Mr Akhlaque
Abu Dhabi
What a waste!
Today was the fourth time that I heard someone talking about leaving their air-conditioning switched on while they go on a long vacation? This is because they do not have to pay extra and their bills are included in their annual rent. I am saddened that people can be so inconsiderate, self-centred with zero social responsibility and not care about the environment. They need to realise how much electricity goes for waste because of such stupid acts. I hope my letter might make some people realise and spread awareness about social responsibility.
From Ms Arushi Madan
Sharjah
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