Letter: A country too 'small' to support minorities
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: In line with a number of letter writers (20 August) who view the Government's proposals to curtail the activities of 'travellers' with disdain, may I add my own profound feelings of disgrace and shame.
I am ashamed that our nation's leaders cannot see the relevance of supporting the culture and contribution of an ethnic group that has its origins in an India of several thousand years ago; who admittedly may not always lead the 'tidiest' of life-styles - although our constant discouragement of their activities has never assisted - but who all the same add a facet to our national identity that broadens its foundations.
I feel we disgrace ourselves as a nation because we fail to recognise the gypsies as first-class citizens and in doing so present ourselves as a second-rate nation because of our lack of tolerance and humanity.
Is Britain now so small a nation that we cannot 'accommodate' a minority? Certainly illegal and deliberately organised mass gatherings by 'travellers' should be controlled, but my guess is that many people are sympathetic to the gypsies and probably to other travellers. Those who do possess the means to help and the generosity of spirit to respond could be assembled into a network of support which could be spun round our islands and to which the gypsies, especially, could be linked in order that this culture and all its potential could be nurtured and made to flourish rather than decay.
Yours sincerely,
BRIAN JEPSON
Snaiton, North Yorkshire
20 August
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments