Are we entitled to alter titles of artwork at will?

Readers express concern for the safety of cyclists. Other topics: art, Donald Trump, affordable housing

Readers praise the cycling initiative, but raise concern over the lack of safety. Mona Al Marzooqi / The National

The decision of Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum to change the title and description of artworks does not make any sense (Changing art names is tricky, December 17). We should stop going back all the time and trying to find ways to be offended. History is history. Mistakes ought not be repeated, but don't keep looking over your shoulder.

Dave Pryce, Dubai

What’s the problem in changing the titles of art pieces that some people deem offensive? However, I agree that the original title of a painting or sculpture should not be changed. But I think there is no harm in changing a title if it was chosen by anyone other than the artist. People’s ideas and values do change and that does not mean they are wrong.

Carol Goodey, Abu Dhabi

Why do they want to change the titles of pictures that were done centuries ago? They were made in a different world and at a different time. The proponents of such changes are shortsighted. They should value history.

Valeriu Victor Stanciu-Crainic, Al Ain

Cyclists, be very careful

Regarding your cycle-to-work campaign (The National launches second Cycle to Work UAE campaign, December 13), I'd first educate drivers about how to respect other road users before encouraging cyclists to hit the road.

Most drivers here do not respect cyclists or pedestrians. They don’t even give way to women pushing prams.

I applaud the initiative, but I would advise cyclists to be very cautious.

Jean Francoise Ng Lewis, Abu Dhabi

Fitness is important, the environment is important, but cycling to work? No thanks.

Ben Adamson, Abu Dhabi

Build a cycling track connecting all of Dubai, the metro stations and the bus stops, as Singapore has done, and you’ll get the nation cycling in no time.

Satvinder Sandhu, Dubai

Politics and trade do not mix

While Donald Trump's comments were offensive and ill-founded, we must separate him from the business ventures bearing the Trump name (Trump signage returns at Akoya site in Dubai, December 14). We must be careful not to mix business with religion or religion with politics.

Mr Trump may not be the most diplomatic politician, but he is a successful property developer. Take for example the Trump Tower in Chicago or Trump International in Miami. The agreement is with Trump International and not Mr Trump himself and I’m certain Damac has a contractual responsibility not only to Trump International but its customers that invested in the development.

They can’t simply remove the name or alter it; that would be a breach of duty as many invested because it bore the Trump International brand.

Randall Mohammed, Dubai

Keep politics away from business (Trump signage returns at Akoya site in Dubai, December 14). People who have invested in that project should not suffer due to someone's political or personal agenda.

The very name of Mr Trump on the board adds millions to the price tag of that project, while another project nearby, which does not bear his name, commands half that price.

Emin Najafov, Dubai

What’s the problem with endorsing Mr Trump? It’s about business, not about religion and politics.

Suleman Din, Abu Dhabi

Americans have blamed their problems on minorities like African-Americans and now they are turning on Muslims. Time for them to hold their one per cent to account for problems too.

Selina Dixon, Dubai

Affordable houses needed

On our compound of four- and five-bedroom villas in Abu Dhabi, there was not a single vacancy a year ago. Now there are at least a dozen empty houses. If landlords are sensible, they will reduce rents according to demand so they ought to fall by at least 10 to 15 per cent next year.

A house for rent may be an investment to some wealthy people, but it is a necessity to most of us. Homeowners who leave houses unoccupied for more than a year should be fined. People need affordable houses.

Doris Waters, Abu Dhabi