Further to the point you make in your editorial, A wake up call for all parents (May 26), there is a procedure for when you see an endangered child locked in a hot car.
First, you should get photographic evidence, then call the police, tell them you’re going to rescue the child, break a window away from where the child is sitting and then wait with the child until the police arrive.
Far too many children die in hot cars every year. No child should die like that because a bystander is afraid of the consequences of breaking a window.
We all have a responsibility to protect children.
Katie Larkins, Abu Dhabi
I personally believe that a parenting programme should be implemented in schools to focus on the behavioural psychology of this, because there are clear signs of negligence.
As you say, the new child protection law should help this by putting the onus on everyone – whether professionals such as teachers and doctors through to the general public – to alert the authorities. No more children should die in this totally avoidable way.
Hector Perez, US
The safety of children in vehicles is very important, and not just when they are left unattended. The authorities should be developing and enforcing safety regulations, including requiring the use of child car seats.
If parents can shell out huge sums on luxury cars, there is no excuse for not buying a child car seat. This will reduce the chances of serious injury or even death.
Each of us must do our part to make roads safer for children. If children are seated safely, the driver can look forward and concentrate.
Many times I have seen drivers with infants on their lap and driving in a dangerous manner. Police patrols should stop them, impose a heavy fine and take away their licence as punishment. There should be no mercy shown to those who endanger their children. Just displaying a “child on board” sign is not enough.
Mathew Litty, Dubai
Balance respect with tolerance
In relation to your story, No handshake exemption for Muslim pupils, Swiss canton rules (May 26), I think that everybody has to respect the culture of the country where they live.
In Switzerland, like in Italy, to refuse a handshake is really rude, but I don’t agree with the fine. That is going too far, and it is not good for integration.
Beatrice Forgia, Abu Dhabi
It’s their country, so it’s their law. If someone doesn’t like it, they should go to some other place. I live in the UAE and I accept the laws here, even if there is something I don’t like. It’s a choice.
Fran Garcia Fernandez, Dubai
Some of those who responded to this article have in turn complained about being treated inconsiderately by some Emiratis in the UAE.
I must say those are not the actions of a real Emirati. A pure Emirati holds the many legacies that Sheikh Zayed left, one of which he clearly addressed is not to disrespect expatriates in any way.
I’m an expatriate myself and was born in the UAE and raised among Emiratis. That’s enough time to know the difference between the good and the bad.
Name withheld by request
Is this the nadir for Congress?
Rashmee Roshan Lall puts it well in her article, Can Congress ever be relevant in India again? (May 26).
Congress has gone through many stages and phases during its chequered history but even during its worst periods, it was never so close to extinction as it is today.
A party born out of patriotism, true nationalism, sacrifices and dedication has fallen on bad days. Congress often suffers more from internal sabotage then from any external threat and has brought itself closer to total decimation and annihilation.
Name withheld by request
Lavish weddings lead to big debts
With regard to your feature, Biggest day of your life: Plan the ultimate luxury wedding in the UAE (May 28), extravagant weddings might be OK when those involved have plenty of money but it's stupid to drown your new family in debt by wanting something you can't afford.
Gianmaria Vidale, Abu Dhabi
Anyone on a normal budget can have this kind of expensive wedding, but it will probably mean they can forget about having the down payment to buy a house to live in.
Elisabeth Kendall, Dubai