Justice prevails
As an animal lover, I was happy to read Gulf News's report on the UAE government's initiative to charge any person who resorts to animal abuse with a fine of Dh20,000.
Sometimes, animals are mistreated out of sheer cruelty and at times, out of ignorance. Along with this law, people must also be educated about what constitutes cruelty to animals.
In any case, this is the first step to redress this issue. As Mahatma Gandhi said: "The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated." I applaud the authorities for taking such a decisive step.
From Ms Padmini B. Sankar
Dubai
One at a time
One of the main reasons for smoking is grocery stores that sell loose cigarettes at 25fils or 50fils per piece.
Smokers who don't have money to buy a packet, resort to buying one cigarette at a time. I have a bad habit of spending all my coin change on cigarettes.
Even though I'm trying to quit, smoker friends of mine who buy loose cigarettes, tempt me to smoke.
This, despite the fact that they are trying to quit, too! If the authorities could do something about this trend, we could stop a great number of people from smoking.
From Mr R. Veeran
UAE
Humanity exists
Recently, I visited the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi with documents and cash I thought adequate for visa fees.
However, I found that I was short by Dh500. I asked the taxi driver to take me to my house and back. He offered to pay the extra amount himself. I returned his money later.
He could have earned an extra fare that day, yet he chose to help me in my time of crisis, out of sheer goodwill.
Little incidents such as these show that there is still hope for humanity in these trying times.
From Ms Suravi Basu
Abu Dhabi
Exceptions
This is in reference to Mr Gagan Kumar's letter ("Impossible mission", Gulf News, August 7). During a recent driving test, an applicant asked me how many tests I had taken so far.
When I replied that it was my second, he told me that I had "no chance" of getting through, and that this was his eighth test.
It was soon his turn to take the test. Out of nervousness, he raced the vehicle and made mistakes. The police officer had to ask him to stop.
Three other applicants appeared for tests and were rejected. It was my turn next. I drove as per instruction and qualified.
On seeing that, one guy lodged a complaint with the manager, stating that I had been favoured. I, too, have an Indian driving licence.
The only way out is to follow traffic rules and regulations, prepare well before taking a test and avoid being tense. You are sure to get it.
From Mr Abdul Wahab M.
Dubai
RTA working at it
This is in response to Ms Janet's letter wherein she requested for the number of buses to be increased to Jebel Ali ("Rising costs," Gulf News, July 23).
As per the reader's suggestion, it is under study and it will be applied immediately when the new buses arrive in 2008.
From Ms Mayada Ali Saeed
Senior Media Relations Officer
Roads and Transport Authority
Toughen up
As far as the hardships of Ramadan are concerned, they are meant to induce piety and tolerance in people ("Children face risk of dehydration - doctors", Gulf News, August 6).
Most people think that Ramadan is the month of rest. When in fact, this is untrue, as Ramadan is a busy month, and encourages good deeds and concentrating on prayers.
Schooling is mandatory and is required to toughen children up.
From Mr Hassan Mwadzaya
Fujairah
Welcome move
This is a trend in most countries and I welcome the move ("Motorists gear up for self-service at pumps," Gulf News, August 7).
However, I do have doubts about the mode of payment. I suggest all petrol pumps be equipped with the facility that accepts credit cards or a 'petrol card'.
This way each transaction could be charged at the petrol pump itself, instead of an individual having to go inside a store and wait in queue.
From Mr Mohammad Ali Ebrahim
Dubai
Good initiative
A customer filling up on fuel is a good initiative. However, attendants need to be present, too, as they could be required to assist the elderly, sick people and in some cases, women. From Mr Anil Kumar
Dubai
Back up, please
I think it's a good move, provided there's back-up assistance when required. There will be tired and ill people and some who cannot bear the smell of petrol.
Elderly people need assistance, too. If a back up is offered, these would be taken care of. People say such people should not drive. Practically speaking, it's not possible.
Sometimes, I get out of work tired, and need to refuel my car. Fatigue would not allow me to do so and at times like these I really appreciate the assistance provided.
However, there are other factors involved, too, that make the scheme have two sides such as the attendants losing their jobs, safety concerns and reduction of petrol costs.
From Mr D. Oommen Chacko
Dubai
Knowing the charge
I have no problems filling up my car. I do have a problem pre-paying for it. How do I know how much petrol would fill up the tank?
If I under-fill, then I have to repeat the whole process. Why not pay after the tank has been filled up?
This will save at least five minutes, in queuing up again to get change - time that can be used by another motorist to fill up his or her car.
Alternatively, I would be happy to swipe my credit card before filling up, if such a facility is available at the petrol station.
I predict huge delays and queues - it will lead to chaos inside the stores, besides the fact that vehicles would queue up in the forecourt.
Until they install the technology to swipe cards at the stations, or at least allow for payment after filling up the tank, I will avoid pre-paid petrol stores like the plague.
From Mr Tom
Dubai
Full name withheld by request
