Ventriloquist tests levels of tolerance

Controversial comedian Jeff Dunham is booked to perform in Abu Dhabi. Readers weigh in on whether his character, Achmed the dead terrorist, should feature. Other topics: speed cameras, missing flight, Muslim foodies and dinosaur names.

Readers are split over Jeff Dunham’s character, Achmed the dead terrorist, in Abu Dhabi. Courtesy Flash Entertainment

You ask whether ventriloquist Jeff Dunham's act – which includes a character called Achmed the dead terrorist – is suitable for the Middle East (Jeff Dunham brings Achmed to Abu Dhabi, March 12).

The way I interpret it, he’s poking fun at the stupidity of killing others. Maybe it would be better if he called Achmed a different name because it certainly could be interpreted the wrong way, but I think if we start on that route then censorship would become extreme.

Where would it stop? I guess also if one finds him offensive then the best thing would be for those people not to go to see his show.

Jen Bishop, Abu Dhabi

I’m not sure if he’s got other characters, but if he does, I think it’s best if he brought them instead and left Achmed at home.

Ebrahim Karodia, Abu Dhabi

He is so funny and talented, and I would love to attend his show in the UAE. I don’t see anything wrong with his act.

Hussain Alobidaly, Ajman

Speed cameras just one option

In regard to your article about point-to-point speed cameras (Days are numbered for radar dodgers in Abu Dhabi, March 11), my experience is that many people brake suddenly before a radar, or speed aggressively after passing one.

However, I feel the speed limits in certain areas of the UAE are too slow to do any good. There is even a study by universities in North America that proves that roads with lower speed limits result in more accidents.

I hope the UAE takes this into consideration, and enforces strict lane driving speeds as well. It is frustrating to deal with a vehicle using the leftmost lane while travelling at 100 kph in a zone where the speed cameras are set at 140 kph.

I believe this is the cause of many accidents because drivers will try to overtake from the right, which we all know is dangerous.

Aaron Pinto, Abu Dhabi

With reference to The National’s extensive coverage of road fatalities in the UAE, we know from living here that fast and expensive cars are both revered and seen as a status symbols.

These same cars are mostly driven by young men and are the cause of many of the road fatalities. They need to be shamed.

In recent years the Australian Government ran a successful tele­vision campaign aimed at reducing dangerous driving by young men. It equated their recklessness with a lack of manhood. I believe this approach could also work in the UAE.

A E Vass, Abu Dhabi

Reducing existing speed limits is the first step to ensuring the safety of all road users.

Better training should also be provided at driving institutes.

Fatima Suhail, Sharjah

Missing jet shows security lapses

As you state in your editorial, Mystery of MH370 shakes our faith in aviation safety (March 12), the disappearance of the Malaysian Airline flight is indeed shocking news for everyone.

The news about two passengers using stolen travel documents calls into question the safety of the aviation industry. This unfortunate incident reminds us that extra safety precautions ought to occur during the check-in and security screening process.

As you state in your editorial, there is so much to learn from this unfortunate incident, regardless of when the mystery of this missing airliner is finally resolved.

Ramachandran Nair, Oman

The missing Malaysian airplane is a colossal and chilling tragedy.

The only silver lining is that countries that sometimes squabble have brushed their differences aside and are cooperating to locate the missing plane.

Rajendra K Aneja, Dubai

Muslim foodies cope with pork

With regard to your story on the Muslim competitors on MasterChef Australia (When Muslims are faced with haram foods, March 12), I thought the contestants were very sensible and took it in their stride.

I say well done to them.

Mita Ray, Dubai

As a vegetarian, I would just not go on the show if I knew I would have to handle animal remains. I would not expect special treatment.

Colin Michell, Fujairah

Dinosaur in need of a fitting name

My suggestion for Dubai Mall's dinosaur's name (Name game for Dubai Mall's 155 million-year-old visitor, March 12) is Karmasaurus: that what was, is, came back and comes back, without fail.

Brigitte von Bulow, Abu Dhabi

The name should be Dave. No question.

Andrew Purker, Dubai