Leading article: Base notes
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.Dr Jonathan Miller went to the theatre this week. It was his first time for nearly 10 years. The man who has been one of Britain's most celebrated directors for half a century pronounced he wasn't really very interested in the theatre these days. He prefers being at home with his grandchildren or going to Marks & Spencer.
The British have a great tradition of curmudgeon among their grand old men. It was no less a figure than the Duke of Wellington who described the soldiers who won the Peninsular War as "Scum of the earth, born to drink". It is a mode of celebration which the UK athletics head coach Charles van Commenee has clearly mastered, even though he is only a Dutchman. "The women were a disgrace and the men were not much better," he moaned of Britain's female and male sprint relay performances.
You might have thought he would have found something more positive to focus on after the team's glistening record 19-medal haul in the most successful European Championships for more than a decade. But there are Great British Standards to be maintained, you see – of which none is more important than that of the Grumpy Old Man.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments