In reference to the news article Two fined for taking photos at Yas circuit (February 4), I think whoever has bad intentions will not use ordinary cameras and camcorders. Instead they will use advanced technologies of tiny hidden cameras while driving his car with tinted windows.
Besides, with websites like Google Earth anyone can see not only the fences but inside to the buildings.
Omar Krayem, Abu Dhabi
Parents are the source of values
The news article 'Confused and conflicted' by TV (February 7) highlighted an assistant professor of psychology who warned that Arab young people might be affected by the values on display in western television shows aimed at adolescents. Seriously? Everyone in the world watches American television because that is the way it is - the media and the news are driven from the western world.
To think that western TV is harming the kids in the UAE is ludicrous. The society that "bans" more has a lot more "hidden", turning a blind eye to misbehaviour. It's not the western world that is promoting this behaviour, it's the lack of parenting and guidance.
Shelly Schupad, Abu Dhabi
Institutions fight kleptocracy
I refer to Iraq's one million widows ready to take to the streets (February 3). This recipe, albeit rather extended in the Middle East, is not exclusive to Iraq or Egypt as their ingredients can be found in countries as far as away as Cuba, Russia, North Korea, and so on. I have even found the same ingredients in my own country and our neighbours. The issue of the prevalence of so many dictators in the Middle East must be more a cause of the societies that have produced them that anything else.
These societies lack the institutions that can formulate and thereafter protect the common purpose necessary to see a collective rise in the standard of living.
So revolutions may topple the present kleptocracies, but I fear they will merely be replaced with much of the same.
Ana Mihajiovic, Serbia
Avoid genetic bird engineering
The article Bringing the bustard back from the brink (February 7) described a project by researchers to breed the endangered houbara bustard by using the latest genetic techniques. It is very sad that the UAE has got involved with genetic engineering of animals or anything else for that matter. When will scientists learn that nature needs no help? Rather it creates and changes all things with great ease.
Juannie Maldonado, US
A new wonder of the world
I refer to the article Abu Dhabi may build its own Giza-style pyramids (February 6) which described a plan to erect nine pyramids not as tombs but as solar-panelled energy-generating structures. What a splendid idea! Over the years, this site would be visited more than the other one across the Suez.
Amit Bhattacharjie, Dubai
A welcome mat for Manny
The sports article Pacquiao still keen to pull on his gloves in Abu Dhabi (February 7) reported that the super welterweight champion wants to fight in front of an Abu Dhabi crowd. Manny Pacquiao needs to get out of the US and fight somewhere else. The UAE is one hot spot for his fights, along with Singapore or Mexico.
Ernani Medenilla, The Philippines
Give designated drivers a break
Referring to recent stories in The National's road to safety campaign about road accidents, might it not make sense that hotels charge less for soft drinks for people who are not drinking alcohol and who are designated drivers?
I was at a party in a hotel bar recently and charged Dh37 for two soft drinks. That is an outrageous amount for two cans of pop that cost Dh1.5 apiece in a store.
In North America, many establishments allow the designated driver to drink soft drinks free of charge. I can't imagine that happening here, but a more reasonable charge for non-alcoholic drinks, including tea and coffee, might further discourage drinking and driving.
Marcel Petit, AbuDhabi
