Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Flat Earth: Nickel and dime affair of state

Raymond Whitaker
Saturday 16 January 1999 20:02 EST
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.

THE SCENE is a bank in Georgetown, the part of Washington where politicians aspire to live, rather like Notting Hill across the water.

A young man comes in with a basket full of small coins, all neatly rolled up. According to the New Yorker, to which I am indebted for this account, he quietly inquires where a cash deposit can be made, but instead of going to the indicated counter, hurries outside.

Next, a grandmotherly woman, dressed all in black, comes in with the basket. You might not give her a second glance, except that she is escorted by two huge, earpiece-wearing men in suits who shepherd other customers out of the way. While the little old lady makes her deposit, a bystander asks one of the men: "Is that...?" "Not allowed to say," he grunts.

But it is indeed Madeleine Albright, Secretary of State of the most powerful nation on earth, who apparently has time to sort out her small change, amounting to $38, roll it up and toddle down to the bank to put it in her account.

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