Letters: May 16, 2012

It starts at home
I don’t have a lot of experience when it comes to parenting, as my only daughter is three years old. Having said this, I know — from my immediate family members and siblings — that parents are the first role models that a child looks up to and in turn imbibes life-long values from. It’s a fact that parenting is more often than not outsourced in post-industrial societies where both parents are working. This may suit busy, jet-setting, ambitious parents perfectly, but I think it does irrevocable damage to the impressionable child’s psyche and fledgling personality. Yes, teachers do have a significant role to play as educators, but the sole responsibility of inculcating sound moral values and laying the foundation for good manners begins very much at home and this is only strengthened upon in schools and colleges. What parents need to understand is that this cannot begin in school. We are a materialistic, hedonistic, impatient and increasingly aggressive society where we do not even have time for our children — how tragic is that?
From Ms Shiuli Dutt
Dubai

That’s it?
They were given only a few years in jail (‘Nine jailed in UK in Asian sex gangs case’, Gulf News, May 10)? These monsters don’t deserve to live. How can the law leave them alive to let them abuse more young girls? It’s a shame that they are giving preference to what the world would think about them rather than doing justice. Think about the girls who have been abused — how is their life going to be now? How traumatic. I didn’t think that the law was so weak in the UK.
From A Reader
Dubai

A real punishment
Capital punishment is the appropriate punishment — no mercy. This is heinous and abominable. We are ashamed. This deserves nothing but punishment.
From Mr Mahmoud Hussain
Sharjah

A road to quitting
People should start the process of quitting smoking by stopping the habit for some time every day (‘Quitting ‘smoking rituals’ could help nicotine-addicts kick habit’, Gulf News, May 11). Then they should start quitting smoking on a particular day every week. This would then become two days a week and then step by step they can quit.
From A Reader
Sharjah

Alternative
Keep mints or chewing gum with you so that the next time you crave a cigarette you can switch to them.
From Mr Hesham
Abu Dhabi

Time is a factor
This is a very impressive comment (‘Babri demolition back to haunt BJP’, Gulf News, May 12). It shows that politicians in many countries can commit atrocities and escape the law. Though in this case the investigation agency is doing its best to send the culprits to where they belong, the judicial organisation must make quick decisions to give victims justice. It has been India’s history that the judiciary takes ages to make decisions and the culprits are free to do what they are best at. I hope that the Indian judiciary gets their system up and running before the victims lose hope.
From Mr Abdullah
Abu Dhabi

Prayers answered
Loujain’s back — God has answered all our prayers (‘Loujain given all-clear to go home’, Gulf News, May 11). I was crying after reading about her and was praying a lot for her. May God keep His blessings over her and keep her happy and always smiling. And I hope that everyone’s children are safe and sound and no parent should ever see their children in pain.
From Mr Jilani
Dubai

Time for change
I am really happy to see Loujain with her family and smiling again. It’s time to do something about bullying and violence in schools around the world.
From Mr Yenny
Venezuela

Bless all children
I am very happy to read this. I really prayed a lot for this little girl. May God bless all children because parents can’t see them in pain.
From Mr Othman Alvi
Ajman

Smiling again
I am really happy to see that beautiful smile on your face. May God bless your future Loujain.
From Mr Anu Rivin
Abu Dhabi

A healthy future
May God provide Loujain with health. It’s good to see you back with your family. Now you should eat healthy food. Remember to have a glass of milk everyday — we want to see our children healthy.
From Mr Syed
Melbourne, Australia

Teaching students
I hope all school authorities implement the full force of their policies to stop bullying in schools as this will affect the self esteem of the students growing up. I also hope that the parents will guide their children to be good to others.
From Mr Nold
Dubai

The school is responsible
I am so happy that Loujain recovered and is safe now — this is very good news. School officials should be held responsible and not the students. Best of luck to Loujain.
From Mr Philip
Dubai

All smiles
This is really a miracle, God is great. Dear Loujain, I am happy to see you well and back at home. I am very happy to see smiles on the faces of your mum and siblings. May God bless you and keep you smiling always.
From Mr Ali Asgar Zoeb
Sharjah