Reflections from The Times, correspondence dated 3rd August 2025
In a thought-provoking letter to the editor, a concerned reader has raised questions about the current driver's license renewal process, suggesting that it should be based on the ability to drive safely, rather than just age. The reader proposes a short drive around city streets to evaluate the driving skills of over-80s for renewal.
This call for change follows concerns that the renewal process does not seem to consider factors such as hearing, speed of reflexes, or knowledge of new road code rules. The reader's sentiment echoes a growing concern that the renewal of driver's licenses should be based on one's ability to drive safely, not just age.
Meanwhile, acts of kindness and inner strength receive less news coverage compared to acts of violence and destruction, primarily because media outlets tend to focus on negative events. This imbalance in coverage can contribute to societal anxiety and fear, while underrepresenting the positive, compassionate acts that foster hope and resilience.
A recent example of such an act is L@ina's gesture, who, upon her release, said 'shalom' to her captor. L@ina's letter and gesture serve as a reminder that the world is not just about wars, meanness, and abuses. Everyday life includes small and large gestures of love and inner strength, such as people like L@ina giving their umbrellas to those who don't have one.
On a different note, a wife had the strength and courage to break the cycle of easy revenge and violence after her husband was beaten. Her actions serve as a testament to the power of inner strength and the ability to choose peace over violence.
In Italy, particularly among the Piedmontese, big hearts and values based on care, respect for others, and nature are highly valued. Hundreds of volunteers dedicate time and energy daily to those in need, animals, and nature without seeking publicity.
As we age, it's essential to ensure the safety of our roads. A reader, aged 93, had their driver's license renewed for another 2 years, but the question remains whether this renewal should depend on age or on driving skills that remain.
In conclusion, the lesser coverage of kindness is not due to a lack of such acts, but rather is influenced by news industry norms, audience behavior, and the normalization of cruelty in social consciousness. It's time to reconsider the driver's license renewal process and give more emphasis to acts of kindness and inner strength in our news coverage.
- Amidst discussions about the driver's license renewal process, questions have surfaced about the role fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, lifestyle, travel, relationships, and cars play in determining one's ability to drive safely.
- The news industry often overlooks the numerous acts of kindness and inner strength that occur daily, focusing instead on sensational stories of crime and destruction, potentially influencing societal perceptions and values.
- In a world where acts of cruelty are often spotlighted, it's vital to acknowledge and champion the everyday acts of compassion, such as seen in L@ina's gesture, or the wife who choose peace over violence, regardless of one's age, lifestyle, or means of transport like cars.
