Opinions | Letters
November 5, 2008
Letters to the Editor: November 5, 2008
- Gulf News
- Published: 23:32 November 5, 2008
Making the right choice
The significance of a black American being elected as the 44th President of the US cannot be underestimated ("World hopes for 'sign of change' as US votes for new leader", Gulf News, November 5). Every American who voted for Barack Obama should be congratulated for his or her contribution to this historical event. White Americans, who were not in favour of the emancipation of blacks for centuries, have proved that times have changed. This is the same country where children from black families were not allowed to sit with white children in schools or vote in general elections. This event shows how broad-minded and sincere American voters have now become. This great victory of an African American has proved that the myth of white superiority over coloured people is a matter of the past. Americans should be proud of this great achievement.
From Ms C. George
Dubai
We have a dream
Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr, Rev. Jesse Jackson and now Obama. America has, in one stroke, at its darkest economic hour proven that it is truly free. The new President elect is a symbol not just for the US but for the world at large - colour of a person's skin, his/her race can, hopefully, be given a rest. Perhaps, that is an idealistic outlook, but on a day 'the American dream' came true, we can hardly be blamed for hoping to dream.
From Ms A. Duall
Dubai
For the world
A new era has arrived, thanks to Barack Obama. With a landslide victory, there is no doubt he will lead Americans and the world to times of peace. After the disastrous tenure of the 'war president' George W. Bush, people everywhere had lost hope. It is great to know that the 'change' Obama talked about has already come into effect. He has his work cut out for him and I hope he lives up to the expectations of people who were rooting for him, from the East to the West.
From Ms Fu Yin
Fujairah
Looking ahead
My husband and I were living in Dubai when George W. Bush was elected for the second time in 2004. We could not believe that our fellow Americans would elect such a president - twice. However, now there is new hope. We are thinking of our friends in the UAE and taking note of Barack Obama's words - there is much work to be done and many bridges to be built as we strive for a better and more peaceful world. I look forward to the journey ahead.
From Ms Kay Henry
USA
Great victory
I congratulate all Americans for electing Barack Obama as the next US President. It is a great victory for all African Americans. I hope he will be able to change the image of the US, currently seen as an invader with the evil intention of capturing Iraq, Afghanistan and adjoining countries in the Middle East. George Bush misled the world by invading Iraq, here's hoping Obama rectifies the situation.
From Mr S. K. Mehta
Dubai
Much-needed change
Americans have rewritten history by electing Barack Obama as their next president. He represents just what the US and the world needs right now - a clear and positive change. Obama stands for not just African Americans, but also for a whole new generation of mature Americans who were tired of the obsolete policies of the previous rule. I am hoping that Obama can deliver the much-needed change not just to his countrymen, but also to the world.
From Ms Shiuli Dutt Dey
Dubai
Pleased
I am pleased with the development in the US. A black president, with a Muslim background, has been elected even after events like September 11. Not many countries can boast of such freedom and rights. Congratulations to all Americans and humanity at large.
From Mr Humayon Jameel
Dubai
A matter of pride
It is a matter of prestige for Americans that Barack Obama has been elected President. I do not know much about Obama but know that he is extremely famous today despite the fact that he is black. US policies need to be modified considering the recent financial crisis, which drew harsh criticism. Additionally, Obama had to bear the loss of his grandmother and suspend his electoral campaign for a while. It is a good thing that he is so expressive about his relationships.
From Mr Mohammad Shamsheer
Dubai
Winning the battle
Barack Obama has arguably the toughest job on the planet, after being elected as the next US president. War was one of strategies used by the last two inhabitants of the White House. I hope Obama can rise and face the challenges.
From Mr Ranjan M. Parackel
Dubai
Obvious result
One did not need to do any statistical calculations to decipher who the next president of the US would be. Everyone knew that Barack Obama would succeed.
From Ms Samna
Sharjah
Not surprised
Barack Obama's victory was inevitable. However, his work has just begun. I think he is the first American president to have a table full of disorder to sort out. It is going to be a tremendous challenge. America, as well as the rest of the world, has great expectations from him. Right now, he is definitely the man most suited for the job. Congratulations Mr President.
From Mr Pervez Sopariwala
Dubai
Not black or white
It is really surprising to hear how the media still addresses Barack Obama as black or an African-American. Is this any kind of proof that our world is racist? As a child, I remember referring to such people as Americans or British - not black or white.
From Dr Saji Sreedharan Pillai
Dubai
Dubai really cares
The second phase of Dubai Cares is an excellent plan and speaks volumes about the vision of a great leader ("One Million Book Challenge gets 100,000 boost from foundation", Gulf News, November 4). Education is the foundation on which a society is built. Good teaching broadens the mind and provides the stepping-stones for an individual to grow into a responsible person. Additionally, it helps to dispel the darkness that envelops many parts of the world today. Education would not only transform young, impressionable minds, but provide them with a way to rise out of poverty too. I am honoured to live in a place that has taken the initiative to wipe out illiteracy. I would do my best to be a part of this project and I am sure there are innumerable others who would definitely participate.
From Mr Sunil Roy
Dubai
Errant drivers
The traffic situation in Sharjah is getting worse, due to the lack of respect for rules (“National Paints roundabout reopened'', Gulf News, November 4). It is quite common to see motorists travelling the wrong way on roundabouts and driving in the wrong lanes. I urge the authorities to take control of the situation as soon as possible, otherwise frustration will build up amongst motorists and it might lead to fatal road accidents. Errant motorists should be severely penalised in order to discourage such practices.
From Mr Viswanath B.
Dubai
Curbing the habit
While the upcoming tobacco control law is a very good idea, I urge banning the sale of all tobacco products, pipes and lighters from duty-free shops at airports, too (“Tobacco control law may come into force soon'', Gulf News, October 31) I believe this would be a great initiative and perhaps the first of its kind in the world. It would help reduce smoking and smokers everywhere.
From Mr Fred Chambers
California, USA
Clean up the city
As an avid reader of Gulf News, I would like to point out that Sharjah must progress faster (“Seven outlets open in Sharjah City Centre'', Gulf News, November 4). There is a lot of garbage piled up on roads and several areas in the industrial areas are unpaved and generally dusty. Driving back from Dubai, one can decipher by the surroundings that he or she has entered Sharjah. As a resident of the city, I would like to see it become neat and beautiful as soon as possible.
From Ms R. Kavitha
Sharjah
Fantastic work
I would just like to say that Gulf News is doing a wonderful job and everyone responsible for this superb newspaper deserves a round of applause (“Dubai programme aims to avert divorce, reduce spinsterhood'', Gulf News, November 3). The report on the book named ‘Successful Marriage' was great and I loved reading it. I hope Gulf News continues to be the leading English newspaper of the region and the world. Keep up the great work.
From Ms Eisha Gupta
UAE
Biggest offence
Nowadays, the most dangerous motorists are the people who use mobile phones while driving. I believe they should be fined first.
From Mr V. B. Garg
Dubai
Not acceptable
The attitude of Australian cricketers was evident in the test series against the Indian team, in Delhi. The bowlers would run up to the batsman and pass remarks to distract him. Additionally, they tried to provoke the Indian players. Some players spit on the ground and into their palms and continued to chew gum throughout the match. This method, clearly used to frustrate the opposing team, is not acceptable and match referees must penalise such players. I hope the message reaches the concerned authorities.
From Mr D. B. Singh
Chandigarh, India
Clues and signs
The so-called arrests of three persons in Delhi raise doubts that the blast itself was a preplanned work of a major communal party in India ("Delhi Police arrest four more suspects in serial blasts", Gulf News, September 21). When the three suspects were arrested, they were wearing similar scarves to cover their faces and bodies. This showed that they indeed belonged to a certain group.
From A Reader
India
Name withheld by request
Proud supporter
As an Indian, I was truly proud to learn that Aravind Adiga, from Mumbai, won the world's most prestigious literary award for his novel ‘The White Tiger' (“Aravind Adiga wins literature's Man Booker prize'', Gulf News, October 16). I have yet to read his novel, but I am sure it would be a great one.
From Mr M. Gopalan
UAE
Ridiculous ban
Bangladesh Cricket Board's (BCB) 10-year ban on rebel players is not a fair decision at all ("Seventh Bangladeshi seeks early retirement", Gulf News, September 17). According to the new decision, Bangladesh will ban players from playing cricket if they join the Indian Cricket League (ICL). However, 13 leading Bangladeshi cricketers, including former captain Habibul Bashar, signed contracts with ICL. These players are going to play cricket, not commit a crime. BCB should rethink the ban and the International Cricket Council (ICC) should recognise the ICL.
From Mr M. A. Mannan
Abu Dhabi
Off the cliff
The recent fall in crude oil prices confirms that the rapid increase was mainly due to forward speculative forces rather than an increase in demand ("Retailers may cut prices of diesel", Gulf News, September 16). In the face of liquidity crunch, the prices — figuratively — fell off the cliff. It is time that some regulatory framework was put into place to protect the global economies from the vagaries of such forces.
From Mr Nikhil Buch
Dubai
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