Letters: January 18, 2012

Frightening sounds on radio
One of the pleasures of driving in Dubai is listening to the radio. We have a good selection of multi-language FM stations. Interspersed with the music, of course, are the commercial announcements. There is no doubt that we have innovative and imaginative advertisements on the radio, but some of them are so realistic that it is frightening. I would like to appeal to all creators of radio commercials against using the sounds of car horns, police or ambulance sirens, and screeching tyres in their advertisements because they tend to startle the driver. Radio stations must set the standard by insisting that makers of commercials do no use these sound effects.
From Mr Stanley D'Cunha
Sharjah
 

Time to go
We are witnessing something unique in Yemen right now — sadly, it is nobody's guess. The most important thing to remember is that President Ali Abdullah Saleh ruled his country for 33 years with an iron fist. What is obvious is that he had said time and again that he would step down, but that has not happened. According to news reports, Saleh is willing to resign next month on the condition that he gets immunity so that he cannot be tried for the misdeeds he committed during his rule. Other reports have also said that presidential elections are set to be held on February 21 while Saleh retains the title of honorary president for 90 days before his resignation, and will enjoy immunity from prosecution afterwards. People demand that Saleh relinquish power as soon as possible. Let his countrymen decide his fate. Enough is enough.
From Mr Hahsil Saif Hashil
Copenhagen
Denmark
 

Care a little more
This is a very sad news and an alarming sign for all of us ("Two of family found dead in Dubai, wife in critical condition", Gulf News, January 15). It seems that the suicide rate is increasing at a fast pace around the world and we do not know where these people's frustration is coming from. As a society, we should take some time out from our busy schedule to see if anyone around us needs help of any sort. We need to build community centres in every area where people can interact instead of spending time on Facebook all the time. This is a really tragic incident — may their souls rest in peace.
From Ms Sophy Aqeel
Sharjah
 

A harsh lesson
Erring drivers should be fined anyway, but they must also be made to stop for an hour on the side of the road before they can drive again. The strict deterrent policy should be followed to educate the motorist who drives without honouring the road or traffic safety rules.
From Mr Syed J. Huq
Dubai
 

Opening up
Undoubtedly, social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube have their doors open to reach a wide range of people and it just takes a blink of an eye to spread the word ("Arab leaders need to learn new skills to keep pace with change", Gulf News, January 12). The impact of social media is such that any form of business or organisation, and now even governments and its top leaders, engage in social media. This is a good sign as it gives room for discussion, comments, debate, and most importantly, the reach of the message is global and faster with this technology.
From Ms Muna Saleh
Dubai
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Change the pitches
The Indian team should consider changing their home ground pitches to favour bowling like the ones in Australia, New Zealand, England and South Africa — not bother about senior players ("Dhoni hints at phasing out seniors", Gulf News, January 16). When it comes to domestic pitches, the teams from the Subcontinent are lions, but when you play outside the Subcontinent, you need the experience of the senior players. So, it would be better to change the pitches.
From Mr Sadiq
Abu Dhabi
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Inhumane act
This makes me sick ("Taliban denounce video of ‘urinating US soldiers'", Gulf News, January 13). The soldiers deserve severe punishment for such utterly disgusting and inhumane behaviour.
From Mr Shamil
Dubai
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