Letters: November 29, 2009

Be careful
This is in response to the letter and accompanying photograph by Mr Ramesh Menon ("First steps", Gulf News, November 21). I think he happened to witness one of the most joyous moments in a parent's life. But, I think the image showed one of the most irresponsible and unhealthy moments I have witnessed in the recent past. It is true that children are a pleasure to watch and all their firsts are observed closely and cherished dearly. But, the place for a child to take his or her first steps is definitely not on a footpath and close to trash cans. A child that age should either be carried by an adult or be in a stroller. Moreover, in the photograph, the child's hands are on the ground and there is a possibility that he would put them in his mouth at any time. Please be a little more responsible when looking after our precious ones.
 From Ms Sajida Kamal
Abu Dhabi

No one to blame
The underlying message of the issue raised by US-based Lincoln University cannot be ignored, irrespective of the emotions evoked within us ("A weighty issue for Gulf News readers", Gulf News, November 23). Let us not forget the fact that as one grows older, the body's tendency to lose fat deteriorates. It is no hidden secret that obesity is a leading cause of innumerable complications — many of which are serious enough to make us wonder if eating certain items is truly worth it. Most parents or children may relate to eating or good food as an expression of love. But measures to lose weight can only be taken seriously if schools or universities take matters in their own hands. If we can trust the universities for our children's future, we should be assured that even this step is for their benefit. If we don't question the curriculum chosen, then why do we consider ourselves to be experts in discipline and feel outraged when there is no one else to blame for this situation except parents?
From Mr Abhishek Kishore
 UAE

Frustrating traffic signals
Traffic is becoming an increasing nuisance in Abu Dhabi these days. We can easily blame this on the growing number of cars and the need for greater infrastructure. But how about taking into account the baffling, not to mention frustrating, timing of many traffic signals within the city? After a long wait at a traffic light, barely five cars manage to squeeze through, once the signal turns green. One is either left fuming at its irrationality or bemused. The concerned authorities must give this matter priority and reduce the congestion at traffic signals by increasing the time slot.
From Mr Omar Kafil
Abu Dhabi

Well deserved
My sincere congratulations to Gulf News for winning the Wan-Ifra awards for 2008 ("Global recognition: Gulf News wins international design awards", Gulf News, November 24)! Indeed, it is a well-deserved recognition. One reason I enjoy reading Gulf News is its awesome design. Turning each page of the newspaper is an impressive journey and the efforts are rewarded suitably.
From Mr Ramachandran Nair
Ruwi, Oman 

 Lost spirit
It is fair enough to ban public slaughtering but there should be more temporary slaughterhouses for Eid ("Don't slaughter at home — municipality", Gulf News, November 24). An essential aspect of Eid Al Adha is the slaughtering of an animal. By taking that away from the general public and turning it into a chaotic day where you have to be stuck in traffic and long queues for hours to get the animal slaughtered is not how I want to spend my Eid. The health of the animals should be checked before they are brought into the country and before they are sold. 
From Mr Emran
Abu Dhabi
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Monitor them
The new law for slaughterhouses is much appreciated. I believe that the law should be put into practice in Sharjah, too. Last Eid, I saw goats being tied up near residential buildings days before Eid and then being slaughtered in public. There was a day when I saw a goat being slaughtered on the terrace of a three-storey building. I hope these areas come under strict monitoring so that nobody breaks the rules.
From Ms Reena
Sharjah
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Not available
The reason for slaughtering animals at home during Eid Al Adha is due to a lack of facilities. Concerned authorities must provide temporary slaughterhouses and I can guarantee that people will be willing to use them. Please make the arrangements and people will stop slaughtering at home.
From Ms Farha
Sharjah
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Amazing sight
It is amazing how so many people come out and celebrate Eid Al Adha. It is a beautiful sight. I went to the beach and it was filled with families enjoying their picnic and youngsters enjoying the sun. The malls were so full that you had to squeeze your way through just to go somewhere. It is nice to be a part of a busy lifestyle. However, I did get an earful from children screaming. The only problem I had was reaching my destination, as there was a bit of congestion. But that didn't matter because the weather was so beautiful that I put my windows down and enjoyed the breeze.
From Mr Adam Fuller
Dubai

Dress code
This is regarding the girl who was lashed for wearing an indecently short skirt ("Girl lashed 50 times for indecent skirt length", Gulf News, November 28). I believe that an indecent dress is an indecent dress in any religion. It is the duty of the parents to teach and guide their daughters on how to dress and what to wear in a Muslim country. Western culture is different to ours. When the dress codes in a country are defined then it should be respected by all, Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
From Mr Syed J. Huq
Dubai
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