Letter: Sit down and be counted

Nick Heaven
Saturday 11 October 1997 23:02 BST
Comments

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.

Joan Smith writes about a waiter pulling the chair from under her because she refused to stand for a loyal toast (5 October). I fully understand her anger at being coerced into making a gesture of respect.

I was at the England soccer international at Wembley the week after Diana Princess of Wales's death. After not standing for the minute's silence or the National Anthem I was promptly visited by a fuming, snarling citizen who smacked me round the head. The surrounding people looked on but said and did nothing. My attacker and his friend kept an eye on me for the whole game and blatantly followed me out of the ground, presumably with the intention of teaching me a lesson which, thankfully, I managed to avoid.

Unscathed, I remain prepared to sit down and be counted.

Nick Heaven

Reading

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in