• 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

Bhopal

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 it’s wiser to not magnify the issue.

— Vinod C. Dixit

Ahmedabad

To learn from

• Former President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam’s 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 Kalam’s sense of dignity and self-respect. His is an excellent example of good citizenship.

... contd.