With reference to the article "Discipline in a nation" by Mahmoud Ahmad (Sept. 16), I think the problem lies at home. Parents are not teaching their children to respect the law, or others for that matter. On the contrary, some believe that it is very clever to break the law and get away with it. Punishment is the best course of action. People should be make to realize the might of the law first to make them respect it. But punishment should be applied equally to all. No one should feel that they are above the law, otherwise, it will be a hopeless case. T. Tawfiq, Online response II. As the writer said, all are accountable for undisciplined manners. However, the rate of breaking laws will always be higher among the local people, not the expatriates. Whether it is in KSA, UK or USA, local people are always prone to break laws. As an expatriate from India, the biggest democracy in the world, I feel that freedom is often abused by the public. In KSA, the laws are very strong. But even then, disregard of laws and regulations is common, especially on the road. Jim, Online response III. Discipline is always difficult to develop, particularly for those who live only for their own pleasure, profit, amusement and ease. It needs efforts and sacrifice. But once attained, it brings an inestimable value that provides a peculiar, undefinable joy that comes with a sense of triumph. Ismaeel Marikar, Online response IV. Discipline starts at home. Parents have the responsibility to instill values in their children. However, everyday you see teenagers car-drifting on the streets, mindless of their own safety and that of others. Everyday, you get to read news about domestic workers being physically abused by their employers. These are all due to the failure of parents in educating their children about virtues which include discipline. And that's because these adults were raised in the same way. Joey, Online response V. Realization of what is halal and what is haram, a sense of responsibility and fear of Judgment Day can instill disciple in human beings. Possibly, Friday sermons can help educate people not to break the laws and avoid bad habits like smoking in public places, jumping red lights and other wrongdoings. Ihaar, Online response VI. Disciple does not start with the nation or even in school. It starts at home. Parents should teach their children how to behave and they themselves should set the example. Just look at how Saudis become well-disciplined when they go to other countries where discipline is strong. Why do they follow rules and regulations there? The answer is because good examples are set. They should replicate their good behavior they acquired overseas when they come home. In fact, they should set the examples for expatriates to follow. Muhammed, Online response VII. Discipline here is almost nil and alien to a large part of the population, be it among Saudis and expats alike. Why? Because they see that even the authorities are not disciplined enough. Disciple should be observed and practised in all levels, be it in government or the private sector. One of the virtues that a country must adopt is discipline and it should reflect in all sectors of society. It is not too late. Let it start from everyone of us and prove to ourselves that discipline will work here. Manong, Online response
