Care for animals
What a truly delightful story! In today's world when all that you read about is strife, violence, poverty and an individual's struggle to survive each day, it is heart warming to read about a baby gazelle that has found shelter and hope ("Baby gazelle thinks it's a cat and believes its mother is a human", Gulf News March 3).
Human beings fear animals because they fail to understand them. What most of us do not understand is that they fear us much more, especially given the fact that we are the most vicious of predators.
Let us build a better world with understanding that does not just extend to other humans but to animals, too.
From Ms Avery Lightwood
Oman
A kinder world
Johnny the gazelle's story brought tears to my eyes. The little one was separated from its mother and would have died if not rescued. It goes to show the veracity of the words that the "meek shall inherit the Earth".
It is going to be tough on everybody when he is released back into the herd. Sometimes animals just fail to adapt after living with human beings. But, that is a far better option than just letting him die.
We hope that there are more people like Chrissie Smuts (foster parent) around to help make the world a kinder place.
From Mr A.V. Vashishta
Dubai
Positive start
I loved the report about the rescued gazelle. It made for such a positive read compared to all the stories about the pain being inflicted on people. It made a lovely start to a day. I loved the photographs with the article, too.
From Ms Avantika Prabhat
Dubai
Humanity prevails
Although life is full of strangers who could put you in a crisis, certain others would help you out as well. A short while ago, while driving back home, my car's battery died and the vehicle stopped in the middle of a lane.
The fact that it was during the evening rush hour with people tired and wanting to go home, I was ready to deal with flaring tempers. Nevertheless, two gentlemen offered help.
Being a one-way road, one of them struggled to reverse his car so that the two cars could face each other and help jump-start the battery. While doing this, he unfortunately hit his car's bumper.
However, he refused to leave until my car started. Finally, when everything was fine, they left. Such good acts inspire me to help others in times of distress as well.
From Ms Chand Hiranandani
Dubai
Filling spaces
I'm a 21-year-old and would complete four years of being a smoker in March this year ("A farewell to smokes", Gulf News, February 28).
Gulf News photographer Megan Hirons' article captured the essence of what being a smoker is all about. It's just about filling in the spaces. As time goes by, a cigarette gets associated with everything a smoker does, eventually turning into an addiction.
I started smoking because of an advertisement that I thought was cool. A very lousy reason to start smoking but there it is. The article has inspired me to quit.
From Mr B. Gopal K.
Bangalore, India
Clear rules
I welcome the new traffic fines and black point system ("Police issue 2,300 fines as federal traffic law comes into effect", Gulf News, March 2). I believe this rule should be applied to all with the exemption of police and emergency services.
Additionally, there needs to be clear communication as to whether there is any grace period applicable before being fined for speeding over the published speed limit.
From Mr Jacob George
Dubai
Deserve applause
The new rules implemented against reckless driving surely deserve applause, but nowhere is it mentioned that strict action would be taken against drivers using mobile phones.
One can still find such drivers on roads with mobile phones in one hand and driving the car with the other.
From Mr Francis Varghese
Dubai
Unfinished business
As per my opinion, the introduction of new rules and regulations to combat traffic violations is acceptable as long as the ongoing roadwork gets completed first.
Due to unfinished construction, most motorists would be scared to experiment with new routes, thereby leading to heavy traffic jams.
Some people then resort to unnecessary measures in order to beat traffic. I request the authorities to implement the aforementioned rules post the completion of road projects.
From Mr Qutub Al Deen
UAE
Full name withheld by request
Ignore
Instead of doing away with Linda Heard's comments as suggested in the letter to Gulf News by Craig Miller, perhaps his complaints should be ignored ("Do Away With", March 2). Simply put, Heard's column is the best thing in Gulf News.
It is well researched and informative. If Miller wants to hear echoes of his own media bias, he is welcome to watch news on television. But for those of broader insight, Heard is a refreshing voice both of opinion and truth.
From Dr Laurence B. Brown
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Right to opinion
I would like to comment on the letter by Craig Miller complaining about Linda Heard's lack of impartiality. Her articles appear on the Opinion page and thereby she has a right to voice her opinion!
We need more Western journalists like Heard and Patrick Seale who really know the people and the culture of the Middle East and are not afraid to speak out against the injustices they see happening at the hands of the Israeli government.
What is most distressing is that Miller doesn't want a pro-Arab perspective to appear in an Arab newspaper.
From Ms Laurial Mehdi
Sharjah
Simplify
I spent four hours while trying to renew my tenancy contract recently. Scores of tokens are issued with each token holder having several tenancy contracts to renew. It doesn't help that the personnel attending to the applicants are few.
Many visitors have to stand for hours at a stretch due to a limited seating arrangement. It is time the concerned bodies simplified the procedure or at least increase the number of counters.
From A Reader
Dubai
Name withheld by request
