Letter: Charity on the Tube
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: Last Wednesday afternoon at 4.15 the driver of the northbound Victoria line train arriving at Finsbury Park in North London addressed his passengers.
He had observed that there were "didicois" on the train who, he said, already had our money in terms of social hand-outs and he admonished us not to give any more money to the "gypos".
It was the sort of traditional homily we used to suffer from the very occasional taxi-driver, the only difference being that the train driver can broadcast his racism without being answered back and reminded that the "gypos" went to Hitler's concentration camps along with the "yids" and the "poofs".
He was, of course, encouraged by London Transport's relayed announcements that "begging and busking are illegal", often elaborated with the ingenious warning that if you give them money the pickpockets will discover where you keep it.
I take this opportunity to inform London Underground that I will take every opportunity my pensioner's pocket permits to give small change (I keep it in my right-hand trouser pocket) to beggars and buskers in the Tube system.
Travelling by Underground already requires more faith and hope than can reasonably be afforded. Charity may be left to the individual conscience.
PETER FORSTER
London N4
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments