Back to school and back to traffic

With schools having opened this week, the traffic has become unbearable once again (“Dubai school bus trips account for 13% during morning rush hour”, Gulf News, September 4). Gulf News’ report states that buses only account for 13 per cent of the morning rush hour, but I feel that it must be more. A journey that took me one hour to complete during the summer, which is when schools are closed and the traffic situation improves, now takes me an extra 40 minutes to get through. On the weekend, the same distance can be covered in just 25 minutes! It is painful to be sitting in your car for so long. I am constantly experiencing back and neck aches. By the time I reach the office, I am already exhausted and my day is just beginning. Even though the authorities have created multiple routes between Dubai and Sharjah, the traffic just seems to keep increasing. I wish there was some way out of this mess.

From Ms Tanuja Rai

Sharjah

When will they learn?

It’s tragic that the judge, who convicted and sentenced Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh to 20 years of imprisonment, has been receiving threats and has had to beef up security for himself (“65-strong security team to protect guru judge”, Gulf News, September 1). No wonder true justice is often so hard to achieve, especially in India, where bullies and corrupt people have conned the masses for years and have practically become untouchable. Because of Singh, 38 people have died in the violent protests in Punjab and Haryana. When will people learn to think for themselves, and not fall prey to these con artists?

From Mr Raj Kishan

Sharjah

Check yourself

I think these so called holy men take advantage of the poor and vulnerable. They promise them wealth and a better life and fool them with their insincere words. I think this case is a lesson to everyone. You cannot practice all this injustice in the name of God or religion. India needs better education, especially in small towns and villages, to teach people not to believe everything they see and hear. If one man can cause so much unrest, to a point where there were riots and protests, then we need to check ourselves as a nation.

From Ms Naina Singh

Dubai

Targeting the weak

Vulnerable, desperate and unstable people cling to such ideologies. Sometimes they are helpful, but it often leads to giving in to self-entitled people. This is shown throughout history. People are drawn to ideologies that they can claim as an identity, but sometimes, it ends up leading to extremism.

From Ms Jasmine Williams

UAE

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Blind following

It’s the nature of irrational faith. People laugh at what others are doing, but often, they are doing the same things. I personally don’t think this blind following has to do with poverty. It’s fear of the unknown and fear of our mortality. One can only hope that the masses will get out of the dark ages someday.

From Ms Audrey Fonseca

Dubai

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Not convenient

Dependents’ tax would create a bigger economic issue for Saudi Arabia, as fathers would have to live with minimal spending, and send all their money back to their families in their home countries (“For expats in Saudi Arabs, dependents’ tax throws future in limbo,” Gulf News, September 2). It seems counterproductive. Families could have helped the economy to grow, with increased spending locally on food, schools and retail goods.

From Mr Mustafa Shaaban

Dubai

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Punishment in store

Just think about the shattered dreams of the mother (“New born dies as doctors fight in operation theatre,” Gulf News, August 30). I feel so sorry for her loss. The doctors should be severely punished. It’s their ego that has led to this incident. It’s not easy to wait for nine months and then receive bad news in the end. This kind of behaviour in front of a patient is not acceptable! It’s surprising to see educated people acting so irresponsibly.

From Ms Drsaqi Parsi

UAE

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Good call

This is the best feeling ever (“Kenyan court annuls presidential poll results due to irregularities”, Gulf News, September 1). Kenya becomes the first country in Africa to nullify a presidential election, and the third worldwide to do so. A clear message has been sent and I am happy.

From Mr Eunice Obiero

UAE

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Togetherness through hardships

There’s no doubt that hurricane Harvey is a disaster we all despise. Countless people have been affected in various ways. However, I would like to point out that it has highlighted the humanity of certain celebrities. Miley Cyrus, commonly known for her wacky stunts and odd behaviour, was recently seen crying on television and subsequently donated thousands of dollars. It’s nice to see that such catastrophes bring all humans together as one.

From Ms Sonia Bhatia

Sharjah

Not the right fit

To be honest, I don’t think he’s right for the role (“Leonardo DiCaprio the new ‘Joker’?”, Gulf News, September 2). Joker, as a character, needs someone younger and someone who’s a little less stiff in his acting. I think Leonardo DiCaprio’s a great actor and he’d be able to get the emotional stuff down perfectly, but the Joker needs someone who’s more fluid.

From Ms Divya Suri

Dubai

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