Move on
I wasn’t shocked when I read about the Charlottesville incident, I was saddened (“Trump: ‘Blame on both sides’ in Charlottesville”, Gulf News, August 16). For how long will the racists living in the US argue that white people are superior because of their history? We all talk about living in the present and letting go of the past. Let bygones be bygones. It is up to us to make the future a better place for our children to live in. It is up to us to change our mentality. We cannot be blamed for what went wrong in the past, nor can we do anything about it. Why don’t we look past the colour of someone’s skin, gender and religion, and just accept them for who they are? We are all humans and the only divisions in the world are the ones we create ourselves.
From Ms Elizabeth Cecil
UAE
Ben won’t ding
London’s iconic tower, the Big Ben, will be silent for four years, and this will be emotional (“Big Ben to fall silent for 4 years”, Gulf News, August 15). Relentlessly chiming every hour and being an integral part of Britain for the last 157 years, the tower that harbours the clock and belongs to the British Parliament, literally and metaphorically, needs to rest and rejuvenate. The damages need to be fixed as it is a worldwide symbol of Britain’s democracy. It is also a great attraction for tourists, bringing in billions of pounds that UK definitely will need post Brexit. For all of us, the bells will definitely be missed. Post the repair work, the Big Ben will sound sweeter than ever!
From Ms Navanita Varadpande
Dubai
Big Ben restoration
It’s such a disappointment to have the Big Ben silent for a number of years because it is one of the icons in London. One’s tour of the city is incomplete until you go and see the Big Ben. I remember my several visits to London. After spending time watching all the theatre plays, I always ended up visiting the Big Ben, not only because it is so beautiful, but also because of its chime, the sound that seems to reverberate through the city. I don’t think London is complete without that sound, but if it is for the betterment of the clock and will also make its performance better, then it’ll be worth the wait. I would like my grandchildren to experience what I had, once they visit London to the sound of the Big Ben.
From Mr Albert Gayo
Dubai
Rescue training for animals
Preservation of animal life is not only for the sake of saving the species, but to prepare for unforeseen events (“Floods kill 165 in India, Nepal and Bangladesh”, Gulf News, August 15). This can lead a planned nurturing of elephants in flood and landslide prone areas. Nature has its own fury. The elephants involved in rescue operations must get the best food, shelter and care by the owners. In my opinion it will be a great idea to avail training elephants, horses and camels that can help and carry victims in these kind of situations.
From Ms Anjali B
Dubai
Unplugging is necessary
Most of us do not remember the last time we read a paperback book, wrote a letter, hung out with friends without our smartphone or found the time to start a new hobby (“I’m taking my family on a digital detox”, Gulf News, August 9). From smartphones to GPS systems, our lives are full of screens. We wake up to them, come home to them and carry them constantly with us. This continuous exposure and over reliance on digital devices is detrimental to our physical as well as emotional health. Agreed, technology has given us incredible benefits. But using it day in and day out has adverse effects. Is it possible to unwind and go on a digital detox? We need to dig deeper and take an honest look at what it means to be connected to technology constantly. Going on a digital detox will help us to reprioritise our life and get back in tune with our own rhythm. It will not only rejuvenate, revitalise and refresh us, but will also help us savour the simple pleasures of life.
From Ms Jayashree Kulkarni
Abu Dhabi
India’s trump card
It is really wise of Indian cricketer Hardik Pandya to be humble since he is not even 10 per cent of what Kapil Dev was at his age (“Virat Kohli hails ‘special’ Pandaya after series sweep”, Gulf News, August 14). The comparisons are premature. I’m glad that he has not got carried away with his accolades, especially after his hurricane century at Pallekele. We sincerely hope that the team doesn’t act like Greig Chappel, who promoted Irfan Pathan for batting and spoilt his career. We have high expectations from him in South Africa, England and Australia, where his bowling should be the trump card to create history.
From Mr. N. Mahadevan,
India
Editor’s note: Is there a news report that you feel strongly about? Something that has to be addressed in the community and requires resolution? Email us on readers@gulfnews.com. You can also post a comment on our Facebook page or tweet to us @GNReaders.
