Letters: October 19, 2009

Stop and think
We are polluting our planet, which in turn is affecting our environment, wildlife, natural resources and every human being ("The clear and present danger of climate change," Gulf News, October 14).

It is because of us that our world is now in danger — deforestation, polluted rivers and lakes and global warming are just some of the problems.

While air pollution is caused by a high percentage of carbon emissions, pollution of water is caused by certain industries that do not treat chemicals before releasing them into water bodies.

On an individual level, we cause pollution through improper disposal of waste and in some cases by bathing and washing dirty laundry in rivers.

One such example of a polluted water body is the Ganges River in India, which is probably one of the most ‘endangered’ rivers in the world! If we continue to be inconsiderate, the Ganges might soon dry out or become ‘extinct’.

I think it’s time we analyse how we are contributing to this global problem. Please stop and think — what are we doing to save our planet?
From Ms Grishma Goud
Dubai

What if tomorrow never comes?
Developed nations are now worried about global warming. It may be too late as the damage is already done. It is sad but true that some developing nations are following suit.

Instead of inviting world leaders to discuss the global warming issues, I would prefer if schoolchildren could provide more insight on the topic. We must save our planet for our children — what if tomorrow never comes?
From Mr Amrut M. Das
Dubai

A bad start
It is frustrating when certain airlines advertise airfares at “amazing rates” while the real details would be hidden behind a tiny asterisk at the bottom of the page! Recently, I was lured by an advertisement of a return ticket to Montreal, Canada, at just Dh1,400.

However, while booking the ticket online the final amount payable turned out to be Dh3,615, inclusive of taxes. Why can’t airlines advertise the real amount? What’s the point besides trying to attract customers? This may work initially but not for too long.

The aforementioned incident was just a very bad start to my day.
From Ms Denise L.
Abu Dhabi

Confiscate their cars
Very often people tend to be selfish and park their cars in any manner they wish, without realising that this could cause great inconvenience for other people. A short while ago, a vehicle had blocked my car, forcing me to wait for almost an hour.

During this period, I tried calling the police who unfortunately could not help — there was no response from the phone number registered in their system.

After waiting for more than an hour, I was fortunate that the owner of the car, parked beside mine, arrived to move his vehicle. I think it is a very good idea to confiscate such cars, since this seems to be the only solution for inconsiderate motorists!

Often people direct their frustration at other road users. Such people must realise that this is not acceptable. In fact, any action of such kind that harms another should definitely be punished.
From Ms Ameenah Taqvi
Sharjah

Public should be involved
Some residents continue to flout all rules except one — you can park anywhere you wish as long as you do not obstruct other cars on the road. Who is to be blamed?

The number of parking spaces is inadequate and drastic action is needed. I think all parking areas need to have double or triple levels of parking spaces to help resolve the problem. Innovative ideas should be sought from the public by launching a campaign.
From Mr Ahsan Ghori
Abu Dhabi

Health insurance necessary
I have been living in the US since 1971 and I thank God for my health and a good medical insurance. Fear and anxiety will create sickness, and millions of Americans may fall ill by simply worrying about adequate medical care.

It is a must for everyone to have proper medical coverage or health insurance, else there might be another revolt by the uninsured people of America.

There are still many barriers to cross, created — in some cases — by the united front which includes certain hospitals, doctors, pharmaceutical and medical insurance companies. However, they will be overtaken by the united efforts of the public.
From Mr A. S. Mathew
USA