Bring back the happy faces
It was truly a pleasure to drive on Dubai's roads a decade ago. People gave way to one another and showed appreciation with a smile. Now, everything has changed. Motorists do not give way to each other, as they think they are cheated because the other driver could not remain in the long queue and wants to cut in. What happened to those happy faces? Can we bring those days back? I think we can - with patience and a positive attitude.
From Mr Mohammad Nizam Al Deen
Dubai
Hidden monsters
You can screen the physical health of a person, but how can one know if an individual has sound mental health? There is so much that's happening today because some people are mentally ill. Is there a true method to know the cruel intentions lying within a person's mind? With the innumerable stories reported every day — cases of merciless murders, marrying for money, an increase in the rate of divorce cases one could only conclude that though everything is alright on the exterior, some people have a monster hidden inside them. The question is how does one measure?
From Mr Natesh Iyer
Dubai
Being mindful
The community report sent in by Mr Andrew Blair deserves a little criticism ("Compassion in times of recession," Gulf News, February 1). While I congratulate Mr Blair for his openness to publicly advertise his current redundant status through worldwide media publicity, I feel there is an added side to the mileage intended. Various news reports read in the recent days detailing about the numerous fines incurred by Mr Blair and the methods with which he accumulated them is astounding. Is this a man who cares for the right civilian sense and safety or has he changed altogether due to his job loss status and cash crunch? Whatever it may be, I sincerely hope better sense prevails when he takes control of his car the next time round. This is especially important for the safety of the general public, who trust the driving habits of fellow drivers like Mr Blair.
From Mr Ramesh Menon
Dubai
Don't make a fuss
Gulf News's reports on parents expressing their fury over school fees were timely and accurate ("Fee cut fails to pacify parents, urge meeting with Gems", Gulf News, February 2). However, I believe it is a waste of time to publish letters by readers who complain about the hikes in rent and school fees. I am sure that many of these parents spend lavishly on their cars and other luxury items. They can avail other alternatives, instead of sending their children to high-end schools.
From A Reader
Sharjah
Name withheld by request
End of Salik?
Cycling is a great way to get around ("Residents favour cycling as a means of transport", Gulf News, February 1). It helps ease traffic, reduces emissions from vehicles, trims down the cost of healthcare and promotes wellbeing on an individual level. Dubai should take the lead in promoting it, building dedicated tracks and providing bicycle parking at Metro stations. The Roads and Transport Authority may even have to take down Salik tollgates if traffic reduces to a great extent!
From Mr Lee
Dubai
Full name withheld by request
Cool cycling
Cycling would be a good method of exercise for those who are overweight or obese. I think the aim to build more cycling tracks would definitely succeed if the authorities build an air-conditioned track, exclusively for cyclists during the summer.
From Mr Sekhar Narayan
Sharjah
Help them survive
I completely support Ms Savita Singhal's opinion on imposing a salary cut, rather than laying off employees ("Not right", Gulf News, February 1). Employees in a low-income bracket are the ones who are the most exposed. They hardly save when they are employed, so what would they do when are forced to leave their jobs? Let us not kill humanity, but rather help them survive.
From Ms Tina Albert
Dubai
Same old story
This is in response to Mr Rajendra K. Aneja's letter, wherein he criticises people's reaction to the movie Slumdog Millionaire ("Portrait of poverty", Gulf News, February 1). He and many others are so averse to the filming of movies that depict reality. We must realise that all sections of India's society have not really progressed, despite the wave of globalisation. It is the same old story of greed, that has made Mumbai's Dharavi slums remain as it always has.
From Mr Avinash Jayaprakash
Dubai
The secret is out
Insulation from financial crisis is like an oasis or a mirage. As a senior professional banker, with a credit policy in one of the biggest banks in the world, I would like to share a piece of information with readers. If somebody says the bank is insulated from the present crisis, either he or she is a chronic liar or completely unaware.
From Dr K. B. Vijayakumar
Dubai
Frustrated passenger
As a housewife and mother of two, I had a bad experience with a taxi recently. Having recently given birth, I asked the taxi driver not to drive carelessly or speed. I explained to him that I recently had an operation, but he just stared at me through the rearview mirror and continued being careless. Taxi service in the city can be highly frustrating!
From Ms Izay Cuartero
Dubai
Investigate first
I have heard of similar cases wherein some people offered prayers for patients, for their welfare and quick recovery ("Nurse suspended for offering to pray", Gulf News, February 2). However, the patient has the right to complain. The disciplinary committee should query whether the patient had been forced. If they do not, they should not take any action against the nurse.
From Mr Chuttugulla
Dubai
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