Opinions? Are you a slave?
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.SIR JOHN HARVEY JONES: I never have been. If necessary, I've always been able and willing to resign or move on.
DICKIE BIRD, cricket umpire: I've been a slave to cricket since I was a schoolboy. I signed to Yorkshire at 19 and have been living out of a suitcase ever since. Cricket's the reason I never married. I could never have been fair to a woman as I'm never at home.
TANYA COHEN, student: I'm a slave to the planets. When Mercury starts going backwards - which happens about twice a year for three weeks - my ability to communicate goes up the spout. I miss trains, everything goes out of synch.
DANIEL MASSEY, actor: I'm a slave to passion - a passionate desire to understand, a passionate curiosity. If you have a passion for something, you are more likely to move the mountain you want to move.
LESLEY GARRETT, opera singer: Yes, to Test cricket and Cadbury's chocolate eggs.
PHIL RANDALL, computer marketing manager: I was once enslaved to a Lancia convertible. I had only had it for 400 miles when I wrapped it round a lamp-post at 70mph. I completely smashed my ankle - there's a metal bolt in it now - but I still staggered 200 yards back down the road to retrieve the bumper.
PENNY SMITH, GMTV presenter: I get up at 4am so I'm a slave to my alarm clock and eye drops.
MAX CLIFFORD, publicist: I'm a slave first and foremost to my family - I've got to say that with my wife and daughter here in front of me. I'm totally devoted as well to hedonistic pleasures. And I'm a slave to my clients. I will only represent people I like, so I want to do my best for them.
MARY DOHERTY, residential home staff nurse: My job is exhausting physically and mentally, but I wouldn't say I'm a slave to it. Our patients are elderly and can get confused and abusive. You have to give all of yourself to your job, and provide as much care as if they were a baby.
CHARLIE KIMBER, deputy editor, Socialist Worker: I'm a slave to the system. I want a society run by ordinary people where slavery is abolished.
REBECCA, schoolgirl: Definitely. I do babysitting for pounds 2 an hour. Last time I went, the little boy threw up and I had to clean it all up. Then his granny made me get her medicine at 2am. If you count that I was woken up all night I only got pounds 1 an hour.
JAMES MOORE, surveyor: I'm a slave to cigarettes. I went to a dinner party last week in a no-smoking household and spent all night sitting in their horrible backyard puffing away by myself.
CLEM, Big Issue vendor: I have no possessions and no responsibilities. Being homeless I don't have to answer to anyone else as a superior. I wouldn't want to be like this forever, but at least I'm not a slave to anyone.
(Photograph omitted)
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments