A case of remarkably similar PR tactics

The opinion article by Jesse Rosenfeld and Joseph Dana Israeli PR policy: never apologise, always confuse (January 12) laid out the policy that Israel follows to avoid dealing with military crimes against Palestinians. It looks like Sarah Palin, the right wing American politician, is taking lessons from the Israeli military. She also has accused the US media of "blood libel" against her for linking her violent statements to the shooting of the US congresswoman from Arizona.
Nicholas Merrill, Abu Dhabi
 
Product standards unit needed
I refer to the front page news article Food reserve to compabe rising prices (January 12). The recent surge in consumer prices, in line with related increases in the world market, especially in Asia, calls for the implenentation of a consumer standards unit.
This is essential when we look at the shelf price of various products and discounts offered. Over a period of time, prices of items like tea bags, rice and wheat have increased silently. Some companies market items like tea bags with discounts compared tosimilar products distributed by other companies. These products are of inferior quality and thus the need for the grading of consumer products comes in.
A general assumption is that these products repacked here are not higher quality when outsourced from the world market for short-term profit making. Thus these marketing techniques may lead to identifying UAE products as cheaper quality when compared to others imported and marketed directly. A solution would be a UAE standards unit for consumer products sold within the country
Ramesh Menon, Abu Dhabi
 
A tough situation for taxi drivers
In reference to the news article Tawasul 'within its rights' to sack taxi drivers (January 6), Abu Dhabi is not a cheap place for people with low wages.
I do not see any problem if the employer of the taxi drivers pays for food, a place to stay and other services and the driver takes home a basic rate proportionate to their earnings. Unless this is done, simply using legal clauses against them is unethical.
Dawud Burns, UK
 
Green cars follow green buses
The news article Smooth cruising aboard green buses (January 12) reported that a local distributor has secured an agreement to operate emission-free buses. We also need to be aggressively advertising hybrid cars here in the UAE to start the process of popular awareness of zero-emission cars.
However, their prices have to be reasonable enough for the public to buy them.
B Bogli, Abu Dhabi
 
Falcon Hospital's no-kill policy
In the article Falcon Hospital expands to comply with no-kill policy (January 6), the hospital announced that it is opening a new kennel for street cats and dogs. This is such a relief. Well done, Abu Dhabi, for your civilised, exemplary attitude.
What could be good as well is domestic education for children not to abuse animals. More social awareness about the importance of nature could cure this behaviour in the long run, once we accept that all living beings deserve to be treated as Mother Nature desires and not as human beings will for their own entertainment and amusement.
Haila Krawl, Abu Dhabi
 
Two measures to curb speeding
The front page news story End of the 20kph buffer for speeders (January 13) reported that speed limits in Abu Dhabi would come with a new leeway of only 10kpm and zero in residential neighbourhoods.
Meanwhile, the speed radars on Dubai are actually a very serious and worthy initiative to reduce road accidents. The consistent number of cameras every kilometre ensures the drivers don't brake and then accelerate after a camera has been passed.
Secondly, the speed limits on Wasl and Jumeirah are justified considering they are not highways and pass through many residential and commercial areas with high pedestrian volumes.
Pratik Baviecha, Dubai
 
Doctors should know arthritis
In reference to the article Many are unaware that they suffer from arthritis (January 13), this sounds like the medical referral system is broken.
Why wouldn't an orthopaedist know enough about arthritis to say: "You know what, you need a rheumatologist" and make the referral?
Donald Glass, Abu Dhabi