November 5, 2008

Choices
As a working mother with a daughter in a nursery, I do not have the luxury of a housemaid or family members to rely on to take care of my child ("Eight days off for schools in December", Gulf News, October 30). What are working parents supposed to do when it is time for schools to close? It seems my employer is penalised by my absence every time extended holidays are announced for the public sector. It would help if working mothers were allowed to take leave to look after their children when schools are closed for the holidays.
From Ms Tessa Morris
Dubai

Cure cruelty
Instead of targeting the poor animals, I urge the authorities to consider the impact of cats on the environment ("It's a dog's life out there for stray canines on hostile city streets", Gulf News, November 1). Cats keep the rodent population under control. Moreover, many stray cats are descendants of pets abandoned by abusive pet owners. I think strict laws must be in place, in order to control the activities of pet shops and pet owners. Those who are cruel to animals should be punished, too. After all, animals are a creation of God and must be treated well.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request

Happy beach-goer
I am truly proud of Abu Dhabi's new beach. Any middle-income family can now enjoy a good day in the sun and sand. We no longer feel worried about our children and they can benefit from the beach by feeling happy and safe. Additionally, I appreciate the fact that the Capital's new hotspot has up-to-date facilities and all the necessary requirements for beach-goers. Our privacy is completely guaranteed and we are truly grateful for the amount of effort that is put into such projects. From Mr Nassef Nabeeh Naguib
Abu Dhabi

Great move
The road safety drive is a great move on the part of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). I think such an initiative should have been launched a long time ago. Additionally, I urge the RTA to create a website or forum wherein readers could send pictures or videos if they come across motorists who behave irresponsibly on roads. This would serve as evidence and could be quite helpful for the RTA.
From Mr J. G.
Dubai
Full name withheld by request

Random checks
I think the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) should consider conducting random checks on vehicles on the roads ("Biggest road safety drive launched", Gulf News, October 30). Many motorists use sub-standard tyres and spare parts, thereby risking their own lives and lives of others. Along with more stringent regulations and monitoring of vehicles, the authorities could further test driving skills of the present licence holders. Additionally, I hope motorists realise the importance of seatbelts and make proper use of them. They should not just buckle their seatbelts from the fear of receiving a fine - it saves lives.
From Ms Beena U.
Dubai

Inconvenient?
As a newcomer to the UAE, I find the country to be spectacular in many aspects ("Inconvenient", Gulf News, October 30). However, I am often surprised by the attitude of some residents. For instance, a reader wrote to Gulf News, stating that stepping out of the car to fill petrol was a great inconvenience. However, I would like to highlight that when one drives into a petrol station and the attendant fills up the tank, this service is not paid for. Payment is made for the cost of petrol - nothing else. Most people do not even leave a tip for the attendants. I think self-service petrol stations would definitely work well.
From Mr John Paravalos
Dubai

Mastering the game
The 'Battle of Bonn' finally came to a decisive end when India's very own chess grandmaster, Viswanathan Anand, defended his title for the third time ("Anand wins world chess title", Gulf News, October 29). The king of the 64 squares showed his mastery of the game by easily winning against Vladimir Kramnik, his Russian opponent. Anand is truly the leader in the world of chess, as he has won titles in all formats of the game. The touchstone of his achievements is his humility and modesty, which has enabled him to surpass many milestones with ease.
From Ms Yasmin Banu
Abu Dhabi

Stopping for news
As a resident of the country since 2003, I have been an enthusiastic reader of Gulf News. I remember buying a copy of the newspaper every day, while waiting at a traffic light. Nowadays, it is not common to find delivery boys at traffic signals and I miss the experience. Additionally, I would like to congratulate Gulf News for completing 30 wonderful years. From Mr Asri
Ras Al Khaimah
Full name withheld by request

Unfair charge
I think it is very unfair that a trip in a taxi from Sharjah to Dubai would now cost a minimum of Dh20 ("Residents slam Dh20 inter-emirate taxi charge", Gulf News, October 30). With inflation and the ongoing rise in rent, the increased taxi fare is definitely not making survival easy for residents. I urge the authorities to analyse the decision to implement a Dh20 starting fare and reduce the amount for commuters.
From A Reader
Sharjah
Name withheld by request

Other solution
In order to address the situation in a better manner, I urge the authorities to allow taxi drivers from Dubai to pick up passengers from Sharjah on their return and vice versa. This step would save a lot of unnecessary traffic congestion and create more options for the public.
From Mr Joher Raja
Dubai

Peaceful president
I believe the approach of US presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama is still unclear, with regards to the future of US relations with the UAE and other Middle Eastern countries ("Obama, McCain are one to many Arabs", Gulf News, October 31). I hope the upcoming elections would result in a US president who has a peaceful and comfortable relationship with leaders of the region.
From Mr Tommaso Debenedetti
Italy

Lack of transport
A dedicated express bus service is required for offices situated along Shaikh Zayed Road, up to the fifth interchange. Currently, a specific bus runs basic services along this route. However, even though there are four buses scheduled to arrive at 8am, only one bus arrives every hour. Additionally, two other buses travel to Al Quoz area, in the morning. Instead of sending both buses to the same area, one could be re-routed to Shaikh Zayed Road. Many people work on this stretch of road, and it is important for the concerned authorities to consider their ordeal.
From Mr Glen Vitus
Dubai

Editor's note: The complaint was forwarded to Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) for comments. However, despite repeated reminders, the RTA management failed to respond.

Identity crisis
It is certainly true that US citizens are referred to as 'Americans', but this concept is not unique to them ("Defining crucial element of national identity", Gulf News, October 31). As a Canadian, I am American and believe most Mexicans and Peruvians would describe themselves in the same manner. Moreover, adopted names have no uniqueness. The US semantically conflicts with the United Mexican States, which is another nation that uses 'States' in its official name. Ironically, foreigners have been better able to specifically identify US nationals than they themselves. Fortunately for Emiratis, they are confident when using the term 'Emirati', as no one is likely to challenge their claim.
From Mr Guillaume Roy
Taiwan