Recent Passport-Approved Photographs: A Frustrating Application Process
Obtaining a recent passport-approved photograph should be a straightforward task. However, my personal experience proves otherwise. Despite following all the instructions from the mysterious voice in the approved photo booth at my local shopping center, my photograph was deemed unsuitable for my application. Unfortunately, no explanation was provided.
I tried again at multiple photo booths, complying meticulously with all the verbal prompts. Each time, my photograph was rejected without any explanation as to why. Determined, I visited the photo department of a reputable electrical store, willing to pay a bit more for a supposedly good photo. To my disappointment, even this photograph was rejected without explanation.
Finally, after many frustrating attempts over several days and at some expense, I found success at a different photo shop in yet another shopping center. My photograph was accepted, but I couldn’t help but wonder why I hadn’t been given any reasons for the previous rejections.
It is incredibly frustrating to go through the process of taking a photograph multiple times, experiencing rejection without understanding the cause. Providing customers with the reasons for rejection would alleviate this frustration and help maintain their peace of mind throughout the application process. In my case, it would have certainly kept my blood pressure at a more normal level.
By Tony Corcoran, Rathfarnham, Dublin 14
Northern Ireland Peace Process: A Lesson for Palestine
Sovereignty, discrimination, religion, military and paramilitary groups, justice, terrorism, policing, and power-sharing. These issues may seem all too familiar, reminiscent of the struggles faced by Northern Ireland during the 1990s. The resulting turmoil brought immense heartache.
But from the ruins emerged peace activists like John Hume and David Trimble. Ceasefires were declared, albeit later broken. Years of complex multi-party talks were undertaken to bring an end to the conflict. Eventually, hope and resolution replaced distrust and long memories.
Interestingly, it was an American president, Bill Clinton, who sent special envoy George Mitchell to chair these talks and help forge a new peace. Remarkably, this peace has lasted for 25 years, a feat few thought possible.
When will we witness the emergence of an Israeli John Hume? Where is the Palestinian David Trimble? Can President Biden find a wise old sage, like George Mitchell, willing to invest years into the Middle East for a chance to create lasting peace? As George Bernard Shaw once stated, “The possibilities are numerous once we decide to act and not react.”
By Stephen Power, Boston, Massachusetts
An Eye for An Eye Will Make Them All Blind: Seeking a Two-State Solution
While it is impossible to condone Hamas’s outrages and the evil attacks on Israel, it is clear that Israel consistently retaliates without hesitation. Does this approach align with the biblical principle of “an eye for an eye”?
However, questioning Israel’s response to defend its people becomes difficult when faced with the appalling attacks by Hamas and its ongoing threat. Nevertheless, the undeniable truth remains that the Gaza Strip is nothing more than a living hell for the Palestinian people, functioning as a prison camp and empowering Hamas’s malevolence.
The Palestinian people have long suffered at the hands of the Israeli state, with the US and the EU failing to make tangible changes. The only solution lies in a two-state resolution. Let us hope that Ireland will lend its voice to assist in finding a way through the pain and suffering for the good people of Israel and Palestine.
Peace will prevail if we treat all people with kindness.
By Aidan Roddy, Cabinteely, Dublin 18
The Frustrations of the State Pension System
Recently, I received a notification different from that of your Letter of the Week writer. It read, “I wish to confirm that you will reach the qualifying age for a state pension (contributory) from the Department of Social Protection. The additional increments of your army pension and 3% technical pay will cease to be payable to you, in accordance with a Defense Forces amendment scheme 1928.”
Hence, one department reduced my army pension by €280 while another department awarded me a state pension of €265.30. It was truly a perplexing situation, reminiscent of a well-executed magic trick.
Even after retirement, members of the Defense Forces continue to be treated as poor relations within the public service, despite dedicating the best years of their lives in loyal service to the State and participating in United Nations missions. In hindsight, had I pursued a career in politics, I would have received a pension after only five years.
By [Name and address withheld]
A Tongue-in-Cheek Response to Pensioner Expectations
As a recently qualified pensioner, I found last week’s Letter of the Week slightly excessive. The writer seemed perturbed because the Department of Social Protection did not express gratitude for their daily toil. What’s next? A letter from the minister congratulating us for remembering to put the cat out every night?
In contrast, private pension providers sent heartfelt messages. However, one wonders if they secretly hope that we pensioners don’t live too long.
By John O’Sullivan, Glasnevin Woods, Dublin 11
Iconic Photos Remind Us of a Bygone Era
In John Bruton’s thought-provoking article, he includes an iconic photo of armed men striding down Grafton Street, Dublin. Aesthetically, I couldn’t help but admire the sartorial choices of these men. Two wore fine raincoats, while another sported a hat, suit, collar, and tie. One might even dare say they were dressed to kill.
By Tom Gilsenan, Beaumont, Dublin 9
RTÉ’s Poor Management and Expenditure Waste
In reference to Niamh Horan’s article about tensions at The Late Late Show, one can sympathize with producer Jane Murphy’s decision to quit. Her willingness to stand by her truth deserves admiration. Changing the scheduled guest, Donie O’Sullivan, a CNN journalist from Co Kerry, for the comedy act The 2 Johnnies is truly perplexing. Moreover, wasting further taxpayer money on Donie O’Sullivan’s flight adds insult to injury.
How can we, the public, trust RTÉ when all of this occurred on the same day that RTÉ director-general Kevin Bakhurst announced a recruitment freeze and cuts to discretionary spending? Transparency seems to be an empty promise.
By Derry-Ann Morgan, North Co Dublin
Acceptance of Liverpool FC’s Loss
Eamonn Sweeney and fellow Liverpool supporters must come to terms with reality. The result of the match against Spurs will be recorded as a 2-1 loss in the history books, as it should be. Replaying the match is an unreasonable request; after all, they don’t even replay draws in the FA Cup. If they had their way, we would have to wait for several minutes after each goal to cheer, followed by days of uncertainty of whether the match should be replayed.
Let us stick to the traditional referee and linesmen system, allowing everyone to enjoy the game without unnecessary delays.
By Pat Duffy, Nicholas Street, Limerick
Challenging the Authority of the Pulpit
David Quinn criticizes the individuals invited to speak at the Citizens’ Assembly, suggesting that the members are subject to the influence of these experts. However, he conveniently ignores the fact that unmarried men at the pulpit often deliver directives concerning women’s reproductive functions, roles within the home, and the definition of young people’s identities.
We must give credit to the members of the Citizens’ Assembly for their capacity to think independently, rather than assuming they are brainwashed by so-called experts from the clergy. Our country is still grappling with the consequences of such indoctrination.
By Tom McElligott, Listowel, Co Kerry
Outdated Perspectives on Drugs: A Response to David Quinn
David Quinn’s views on drugs reflect an archaic mindset that belongs to the 1960s. He warns against decriminalizing drug possession here, fearing that it could exacerbate an already bad problem. However, he conveniently dismisses the fact that it was these outdated perspectives that led us to the current drug crisis. We must not undermine the potential benefits of considering alternative approaches.
By [Name withheld]
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