Other Publications
Forum: Checking emissions
Thu, 07/31/2008 10:23 AM | Reader's Forum
I fully support the initiative to clean the air and protect the environment. However, I have serious doubts on the success of this initiative.
I feel it will end up as another major contributor to the "Police Benevolent Fund". Maybe the Police should be policed?
KEVIN R.
Jakarta
Anti-smoking campaign -- July 24, online
Why do excessively wealthy people always try to impose their views on other cultures? In a major law suit against the tobacco industry, it was later found that the judge had taken a bribe to rule against tobacco, with compensation being dispersed.
But who really wins? If people want to smoke why not let them? Why not campaign against the growing obesity epidemic due to Western fast foods?
When people smoke they curb their appetite. That doesn't mean they just smoke and do nothing else. I smoke everyday. I also work out at the gym and surf as often as work and the waves allow.
I'm fit as a fiddle and have been smoking for 20 years. So what's the big deal? Why don't they give starving people all their money and quit trying to run everybody else's show to suit their opinions?
ROBERT HALL
Jakarta
Smoking is absolutely the most despicable habit. When one smokes, people around him/her inadvertently inhales the toxic smoke that escapes the smoker's mouth.
Fans, ventilation or opening windows do not protect the non-smokers from the toxins. I fully support a worldwide anti-smoking campaign. There should be more funds available.
In regards to obesity, one can choose to binge to death and they will only affect their own health. Better parenting and education should instead be the focus of fighting obesity. Eating habits are formed early.
In contrast, when one smokes, he/she affects the health of anyone around them, whether they are adults who consciously choose not to smoke or kids unfortunate enough to have parent/s that smoke.
MARGE
Jakarta
School and character building -- July 24, p. 4
Character building practices for elementary students are a must. At an early age, the pupils are able to grasp norms more easily and relatively faster.
The norms will become fundamental references affecting their behavior and attitude when they grow up.
To get ahead in life, it is important for an individual to acquire not only hard but also soft skills.
Hard skills are important, but soft skills are much more important. Soft skills have something to do with characters such as politeness, honesty and integrity. On the average, people long for politeness, honesty and integrity.
These values are rather invisible almost in every aspect of our lives. The invisible state of the above mentioned characteristics makes them the most strongly demanded and the best awarded.
We will always wait for betterment programs as the school have applied. Well done.
INDRA MUIS
Jakarta
