• Admittedly,the Americans are good salesmen and tough bargainers,people who always negotiate from a position from strength. Whenever they need a particular country on board in order to push their own ambitions and national interest,they are remarkably conciliatory. This is not to doubt the need for the newfound Indo-US partnership or alliance in economic and strategic collaboration. Nevertheless,India needs to be careful when negotiating with its powerful friends.
R.J. Khurana
Gently,yet safely
• This refers to Thanks,Dr Kalam. Rather than the checking and frisking itself,the manner in which the former president of India was treated should be of concern to us. After all,Dr Kalam is someone who has earned the respect of many. This,however,was not a one-off incident since other Indian VIPs have also been treated shabbily under similar circumstances. Yet,all airlines,Indian or foreign,must follow the security protocol. Rules are rules,and they should apply to one and all. Hence its wiser to not magnify the issue.
Vinod C. Dixit
To learn from
• Former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalams regard for rules and inviolable procedures need to be applauded,and taken lessons from. Rather than being a snooty VIP,he willingly submitted to the frisking prior to boarding the Continental flight. Moreover,that this incident became public knowledge months after it actually happened shows Dr Kalams sense of dignity and self-respect. His is an excellent example of good citizenship.
V.S. Malhotra
Mohali
Playing together
• India has a legacy of divisive reforms,and this holds particularly true for educational reforms. Children are divided on the basis of caste and class and this can be seen in the playground also. Continued divisiveness will weaken society. Genuine education will be available only when all schools,state or private,offer value education.
Rishibha Gupta
Hold back
• Given that Ajmal Kasabs case has taken a dramatic turn,restraint needs to be exercised. The fact that the electronic media are openly publicising details,which have repercussions,is of particular concern. Those involved in his case,on either side of the legal argument,should hold back until a verdict is given.
R.J. Majithia
Jaipur
Scaling down
• Its heartening to hear that SPG guards are being withdrawn from certain individuals such as Mulayam Singh Yadav,Lalu Prasad,et al. since it is taxpayer money that funds VIP security,the Union government needs to ascertain the degree and kind of threat to a politician at any given moment and decide on his/ her security accordingly. Security cover has become a status symbol. That should change.
M.H. Nayak
