One man’s fears are often another man’s fortune. And in the wake of the swine flu scare, it seems that is what is taking place among some of our traders and merchants.
Customers have reported a disturbing increase in the prices of anti-bacterial soaps and hand sanitizers at the checkout stands at several outlets over the last few weeks. Caught in a fever to protect against this looming pandemic, many people find themselves paying far more for protective cleansers than ever before.
There can be no obvious justification for such a rise in prices except for pure greed.
Stocks normally moving slowly have suddenly been re-priced and are quickly touted to be the first line of defense against the flu. But by being sold off at much higher prices, what does that reflect on the business ethics of some of these merchants?
Some may argue that it is the law of the market place. And that may hold true for many a product. But the swine flu threat does not recognize economic barriers. Rich or poor may not be able to escape the virus when it hits.
But it is the less fortunate who are burdened with this sudden increase in prices. And coming immediately after the beginning of the school year when demands on parents’ pocketbooks can be heavy, this latest increase could be the last straw on the camel’s back for some.
In the week before the Ministry of Interior announced that Saudis will be able to buy handguns and other personal firearms openly for the first time through licensed and privately owned gun shops, the following appeared in news reports in our dailies:
A two-year-old girl died from a bullet wound in the central region of the Kingdom when her father was cleaning a gun he didn’t realize was loaded. A four-year-old boy accidentally killed his father while playing with a firearm in the Mahd Al-Dahab region of Madinah province. A seven-year-old boy accidentally killed his 33-year-old cousin while playing with a firearm.
Two suspected terrorists were killed and a security officer was slain following a gunbattle with security forces in Jazan,
And prior to that, several incidents had been reported of accidental deaths at marriage ceremonies and festivals in towns and villages, where revelers express their joy by drawing their weapons and shooting them off in the air.
Tragically, for a 28-year-old Saudi in the Eastern Province, it was to become his last festival as an errant bullet knocked him dead.
Now understandably, the ministry’s announced intent is a move aimed in part at “reining in the widespread illegal ownership of handguns and assault weapons” according to one official.
Unlicensed possession of firearms invites a punishment of eight months in jail and a fine of SR6, 000. But should not opening the doors wider for gun ownership cause alarm? Those who illegally acquire and stock up on weaponry are surely not expected to turn into model citizens overnight and register their guns promptly.
And while the ministry has detailed conditions for gun ownership, including deterrents such as a SR1, 000 fine for anyone carrying arms in places where they are prohibited, such as places of worship, military zones, government offices, airports, schools and public gatherings, would that be enough to restrain the Wild West mentality that exists among some elements of our society?
As a Saudi lady aptly put it, “We can’t even adhere to traffic regulations; how can we put guns in the hands of people who have no discipline?” Another added, “The society is already suffering from terrorist attacks and now we give them access to weapons?”
Now wouldn’t it be much safer to allow our women to drive?
