Dirty means to beat realty rules

Some couples are using divorce as a pretext to overcome the restrictions imposed on purchase of houses or avoid paying relevant property taxes. The restrictions have been imposed by the central and local governments to cool down the housing market, and it's shocking to see that some couples are using immoral means to avoid them in their quest to amass wealth, says an article on gmw.cn. Excerpts:

The need for a house can indeed force some couples to try and bypass some rules. But couples who use "false divorce" cases to buy a house or houses to cash in on the rising housing prices should be condemned.

Housing prices have been rising despite the central government's continued efforts to cool down the real estate sector. The latest government measures include a 20 percent capital gains tax on home sales and restrictions on the purchase of a second house.

A close look at local regulatory policies reveals that local governments have taken short-term measures such as higher mandatory mortgage down payments. They, however, have paid less attention to long-term policies like property tax and other measures. As a result, while they have been trying to curb some speculative demand, their policies have accidentally had a different sort of impact on rigid demand.

If policymakers don't change their focus, rising property prices will force more people to use unscrupulous and immoral means not only to buy a house to live in but also to make profit.

Therefore, a multi-layer and long-term sustainable policy system for the property market should be established after considering the overall social and economic development, social justice and fairness as well as social harmony and stability. Besides, while making policies, local governments should pay closer attention to well-targeted measures for the housing market.

A driver that demands respect

A bus driver in Quzhou, Zhejiang province, who was injured in an accident, not only brought the vehicle to a stop ensuring the safety of the 26 passengers on board, but also helped evacuate the injured passengers. Of course, we should applaud such drivers' professionalism, but more than that we should also pay attention to their safety, says an article in Guangming Daily. Excerpts:

People will never forget the professionalism and presence of mind of civilian heroes like the Quzhou driver, who at times risk their own lives to save others. The public should respect the strong professional spirit of bus drivers, but they should also suggest ways to make their working life free of occupational hazards.

Drivers are prone to some chronic diseases such as gastroenteritis and high blood pressure because of the irregular hours they work, and their long exposures to noise and air pollution. Such occupational diseases should not be neglected for they afflict a wide range of workers. Regular physical examination should be included in their work regulations so that their health can be regularly monitored.

Also, vehicles should be checked regularly to rule out technical and mechanical defects to save drivers and passengers from potential danger. And transport departments should fulfill their obligation of keeping the vehicles and roads safe and secure.

Many drivers have shown outstanding willpower and energy to ensure passengers' safety. The public may expect such spirit from professionals, but it should not put the entire burden of safety and security on them. After all, the public also has responsibilities to fulfill. Only by ensuring the safety of all drivers can the public pay its respects to professionals.

(China Daily 04/09/2013 page9)