LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Rahul Gandhi needs to prove his worth as a politician
Your article Rahul Gandhi nomination highlights India’s dynasty politics (December 7) rings true with me. The nomination of 45-year-old Gandhi was welcomed by the Indian National Congress party despite the fact that there are many capable senior leaders who can do the job better. It has become abundantly clear that the Congress party is dominated by the Nehru dynasty. This might be something the party can stomach, but not the people, at least not until he shows his worth as a politician. K Ragavan, India
Uniting through prayer is a beautiful thing
In reference to your article UAE Christian churches unite in prayer for the first time (December 10), this is a truly beautiful thing. Imagine, in today’s global society, religions coming together to support one another. It seems impossible, yet here in this country, it has happened. This makes my day. Logan Fish, Dubai
Boat maintenance a must to avert marine tragedies
I refer to your article Thirteen dead in South Korea fishing boat crash (December 4). Boat crashes have become more common in this part of the world, it seems. Many accidents are taking place because there are too many passengers on board old and poorly built boats. Authorities should monitor the maintenance process more closely to avert such tragic incidents. Name withheld by request
Banning fast food outlets near schools is not enough
I refer to your article UAE looks at ban on fast food outlets near schools (December 10). This would work in Europe where kids walk to school (and oftentimes, right past the fast food outlets). But in the UAE, children are only ever a phone call away from chauffeurs or an app away from a double cheeseburger. I’m not sure it would be effective. Regulating the size of meals and sugar-laden drinks, however, might work. Paul Benjamin, United States Banning fast food isn’t the answer. You can get nutritionally void and highly calorific foods at grocery stores and cafes, and you can get nutritionally sound items at many fast food outlets.
Children who are old enough to be leaving school grounds are old enough to be learning to choose more food items that fuel their bodies well and fewer that do not. Teach them what specific foods (with certain preparation techniques) are best for them, not which restaurant categories in general serve more non-nutritious items than nutritious ones. Lisa Kereliuk, Dubai
While the idea of stripping certain areas of junk food may not ultimately stop everyone from seeking it, this is better than nothing. I remember working in an area that had only a McDonald’s in it (and our lunch breaks were 30 minutes), so there was never any time to venture out of the area in search of better food options. How about introducing more options so that people working further out have some choice? Naeema Rahman, Toronto