Opinions | Letters
November 22, 2008
Letters to the Editor: November 22, 2008
- Gulf News
- Published: 23:30 November 21, 2008
Kindness to animals
It is wonderful to know that there are people out there who can empathise with voiceless animals ("With a big heart and open doors, rescuer Aisha shows the way", Gulf News, November 16). I wish there were more people like Aisha Kelaif and rescuers who run animal shelters. Cruelty toward animals is a horrible act and I think it would be better to own an abandoned animal, rather than buy one from pet stores. Moreover, I do not think stray cats or dogs carry dangerous diseases. I would appreciate if the authorities eradicate other creatures that are harmful to humans, such as mosquitoes, rats and poisonous ants.
From Ms Emma Jairam Mannath
Dubai
Lasting debate
The debate on whether violence on television influences viewers has been ongoing for years. However, there is another area that requires urgent review. In films, violence may be portrayed subtly in the storyline and not necessarily in the graphics or visuals. The 'feel good' cowboy movies or war movies of yesteryears were fun to watch. However, the same cannot be said about the disturbing amount of violence in movies today.
From Mr Jayakumar B.
Dubai
Not a fact
Recently, I was surprised to read a headline in Gulf News, which seemed to state the exact opposite of what occurred in a cricket match ("Windies on top", Gulf News, November 15). The report stated that the West Indies team recovered quickly, when in fact, they were convincingly defeated. The cricket match heralded Pakistan's second win in a row. Gulf News readers are in state of shock and request the newspaper to refrain from predicting or editorialising headlines. Publishing such opinions would tarnish the newspaper's reputation.
From Ms Sohail Ahmad
Abu Dhabi
Editor's note: The reader received the early edition of Gulf News that reported details of the ongoing match, at the time the newspaper was sent to Press. The results were updated in the later edition, and the copy and headline were changed to reflect it.
Finding a friend
I am experiencing the same problem with my children, as mentioned in Gulf News's report on obesity ("Lifestyle change urged for obese children in UAE", Gulf News, November 16). As a mother of three, I found the comments and recommendations both comforting and useful. Thank you for the information - I feel I have a friend out there.
From Ms Leila H.
UAE
Parents to blame
At last, the spotlight has been turned onto the issue of obesity in children. I believe parents must be blamed for this alarming situation. When one can pack a wholesome, home-cooked meal for one's child, why blame the school cafeteria for selling unhealthy food? It is the same as blaming internet websites and television channels for children's viewing habits. Moreover, one cannot expect a child to go outside and play when his or her parents are couch potatoes. Parents should set good examples for their little ones.
From Ms Sajida Kamal
Abu Dhabi
Give them a break
A short while ago, Mr Othman K. wrote in his letter that Dubai deserves a world record for traffic congestion ("New record", Gulf News, November 17). I would like to bring to the attention of the reader that there are other cities with worse or equal amounts of traffic. Rather than writing a sarcastic letter, he should learn to appreciate the Roads and Transport Authority's (RTA) initiatives, as they are trying their best to improve the situation.
From Mr Mazhar Mohad
Dubai
Just as bad
Women are just as bad as men when it comes to driving ("Men are 'the worst traffic offenders in the capital'", Gulf News, November 18). In fact, I often see more women using their mobile phones while on the road, than men. Additionally, some females drive far below the speed limit. Although men may tend to drive fast, I think women are more emotional and sometimes tend to take it out on their cars.
From Mr Ahmad Hadel
Abu Dhabi
List of errors
I do not think it is fair to make general claims about either gender. However, in my experience, I have come across some really careless male drivers. They are either very frustrated with life, or are overconfident. Most are seen either driving while talking on their mobile phones or intimidating other motorists. Often, male drivers overtake other motorists or force them to change lanes immediately. Additionally, they tend to speed.
From Mr Abbas
Dubai
Similar mistakes
In most Western countries, women have to pay a lesser amount for car insurance, as they are considered safer drivers. I think this is because most female drivers do not use their vehicles to show off, speed or drive erratically. Only as young and inexperienced drivers, both males and females make the same mistakes when driving. However, after a certain period of time, the difference in driving becomes more significant.
From Ms Anna
Abu Dhabi
Women to blame
Female drivers are the cause of most accidents. They often drive slowly on the fast track and do not give way to other motorists.
From Mr Syed Khan
Dubai
Pay heed
I think women are much safer drivers than men. For the past 16 months, I have been driving regularly from Abu Dhabi to Dubai. Along the way, I noticed that very few drivers in the Capital pay heed to traffic signals and this is a major cause of accidents and collisions.
From Mr C. J.
Abu Dhabi
Time for change
Congolese president Joseph Kabila and rebel leader Laurent Nkunda are both behaving foolishly ("UN peace plan wins support", Gulf News, November 17). They began a deadly game years ago and have still not found a way to resolve their differences. I wish there were other, worthier candidates that could run the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Doesn't the DRC have other serious issues? In this constant game of hide and seek, they are wasting valuable money and time, along with people's lives. The international community runs the show in poverty-stricken Africa, but I believe it is important to try a new system.
From Mr Bob Bobele
Zambia
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