Aren’t they terrorists, too?

Aren’t they terrorists, too?

Just look at the irony. There are groups that behave in a similar manner, demonstrating all the qualities of terrorism (“Late-night comedians bash Trump’s response to Charlottesville”, Gulf News, August 14). But, one is referred to as terrorists, while the other is allowed to roam freely. If few crazy men take it to the streets proclaiming they were representatives of one of the extremist groups, such as Daesh, the entire world would have stood still. But, when pro-Donald Trump extremist groups engage in the same manner, protesting on the streets, vowing to wage war against minorities and anyone who isn’t ‘white’, the world reacts differently. Even when one of them commits a terror act, we still find ourselves debating whether to refer to it as terrorism or something else. These are double standards and outright hypocrisy. Why are such groups not prosecuted for promoting terrorism, hatred and fanaticism? Is it because they are supporters of Trump and not Muslims, or all of the above?

From Mr Abubakar N. Kasim

Toronto, Canada

Don’t drink that water

On a hot, scorching day, your throat is parched, so much so that it hurts. And then you spot a water bottle lying in the car door’s pocket. It could be very old, but you reach out for it to quench your thirst. However, do you know that by drinking from a bottle left in the car, you are exposing yourself to frightening health risks? Researches have confirmed that if plastic bottles are subjected to temperatures above 58C over a prolonged period of time, the plastic can release toxins into the fluid making it harmful to health. Apart from the toxins, there are also bacteria lingering in the bottle transferred from the mouth when the bottle was used last. This once again increases the risk of infections. Just water a plant and dispose off the bottle in a recycle bin. Small precautions can have a big impact on our health and well being.

From Ms Mishal Faraz

Dubai

Stop using plastic

Plastic use is a subject that has been in discussion for a long time and has there has been very little change in the attitudes of people. Despite continuous awareness initiatives and campaigns, the production of plastic has not been reduced. It is quite disappointing that plastic products once used are eventually ending up in landfills and have adverse effects on the environment. Its usage needs extensive control and only with improved awareness this can be achieved. As plastic in multiple forms has become very much part of everyday life, school-going children are the worst affected by its extensive usage. Most children carry their meals in plastic containers, though some of them are marked ‘reusable’ or ‘microwaveable’, the dangers are still hiding in them. We must try to reduce the usage of plastic products. The ideal place to start with is the early learning centres, so that it influences the young minds. The community must be held responsible to make this happen.

From Mr Ramachandran Nair

Oman

Bringing two cultures together

I have been living in the UAE for more than seven years now (“The Partition patchwork”, Gulf News, August 16). Coming from India, I had a different view about Pakistan, but due to the multicultural atmosphere of in the UAE, I got to witness so many bright sides of both countries. We share immense similarities and depend on each other for various things. India and Pakistan are two distinct countries with a lot in common and thanks to the UAE, we expatriates get to experience many unknown intriguing facets from each country.

Mr Mir Imran

Dubai

Ronaldo learns respect

I am an Indian national and belong to a cricket-crazy country (“Ronaldo handed five-match ban for referee push”, Gulf News, August 15). I follow the game religiously. This means my knowledge of the other, more followed sports like tennis and football, is limited to the big names and certain events that appear in the news. Speaking of football, Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the few players who makes it to the headlines almost every time a football series is happening. This time, it was for the wrong reasons. The story was not about how many goals he made, or how once again his contribution led his team to victory. Instead it was about a ban that was imposed on him. Unlike the many football fans who I know would be sulking over their star player missing a few games, this news brought a smile to my face. It reinstated my faith in the spirit of the game. In my opinion, this is a reminder of the discipline that needs to be followed when you are a sportsperson. You need to respect the referee, even if you disagree with their decisions. This puts emphasis on the fact that the credentials of a player do not influence the game culture. So yes, I am happy because this will be a lesson to all the budding and existing players - be ethical even in aggressive moments.

From Ms Heena Kapoor

Dubai

They are not ‘disabled’

In today’s world, classifying someone as ‘disabled’ is not intelligent (“Autism on TV: UAE parents hail Netflix show ‘Atypical’”, Gulf News, August 10). We need to find a better expression with more gratitude that gives more respect to such extraordinary people. It is a biased approach that just because a person needs some support to achieve a task, we tag him or her as disabled. Rather with assistance, such associates are very much capable of performing all physical, mental and challeging jobs with high a level of efficiency. None of us are as skilled to succeed at all challenges with perfection. We are dependent on various support systems like tools and technology to achieve simple routine tasks, which are not possible without help. For a person with weak eyesight, being without spectacles as as bad as being in the dark, but we consider it dependency rather than disability. The word ‘disabled’ needs to stop being used in all forms of communication and needs to be replaced with something else. Such persons need to be accepted and regarded for their valued contribution towards all trades across the globe.

From Mr Saadat Ullah Khan

Dubai

Let them volunteer

I applied at so many volunteering groups in Dubai, for my son and myself. I receive emails saying they will contact me when the need arises, but nothing comes out of it. My son just finished school and has a month off before the next year begins. He can’t get any voluntary jobs anywhere. That’s so sad as children have so much to offer. I believe that volunteering should be made mandatory or the process of getting some volunteering work during the summer breaks should be made easier, especially for those who are not travelling. The way to do it should be very clearly detailed by the various organisations.

From Ms Rishana F.

Dubai

Praise for the authorities

I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority for their excellent work in improving the pedestrian crossings at the Al Khan intersection, at my request. I am very happy with how easy it was to coordinate with their team. I am impressed with their dedication to improve pedestrian safety. Their work is a great contribution to our community.

From Mr Faraz Luqman Bilgrami

Sharjah

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