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.AS A convinced republican from the age of reason and an increasingly unwilling subject in the 60 years since, your embrace of the republican cause and your promise to lead the long-overdue public debate on the issues are doubly welcome ("Time for a republic", 18 February).
An early item on the agenda should be a serious examination of the inhuman handicap that a hereditary system places on those closely in line to the throne; our heir apparent was barely out of his nappies before he was schooled in the weird notion that he was endowed with mystical qualities that would combine to give him life-long wealth and effortless influence. No wonder he finds it difficult to form sound relationships with mere mortals.
Things are little better for the rest of the younger generation of royals and their spouses who are expected to fit themselves into a synthetic "Happy Family" straitjacket. This helps to explain, though not excuse, their sometimes aberrant behaviour.
Would-be republican presidents would stand as mature candidates, be elected on their merits, and need not feel obliged to project an ideal family image.
Tom Egan
Eglwyswrw, Dyfed
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments