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: I am on the side of William Finch in his response to M D Wells (Letters, 22 and 18 August respectively) when it comes to Parisian behaviour.
About a year ago, on the first family visit to Paris, I had my wallet lifted by an expert, who leapt on to a Metro train as the doors were closing. My wife, two daughters and I - fortified by the stereotypical reputation of Parisians - stood in despair on the platform with our bags and our creaking O-level French. We were not prepared for what followed.
Some passers-by had seen what had happened and, while one of them sprinted off to the controllers, to see if the police could hold the train at the next station, others shepherded us to the customer service bureau. Sadly, the police could not reach the train in time but the Metro staff immediately took over, making the necessary calls to the various credit card companies, and letting our hotel know that we would be delayed - and all this during the much-loved Parisian lunch hour.
They then looked after our baggage while we took a taxi to the Consulate. Learning of our difficulties, the driver refused the full indicated fare, arguing this was "an expression of sympathy from the people of Paris".
I should be comforted to think that a French family with little English would be afforded the same treatment on the London underground. I wonder why I have such difficulty believing that?
MIKE FUHR
Reading, Berkshire
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments