Letter: Furore over a few words
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.From Mr Anthony Goldstaub, QC
Sir: What Eric Cantona probably had in mind was the ghost of a memory of Tacitus: Cum aves piscatores sequntur pisces eis iacturi esse credunt sed sola intestina donantur (Agricola, 31; Fife). The seagull following the fishing boat expects to be thrown fish but receives only offal.
Joseph Needham (obituary, 27 March) gave me some years ago several variants of a provincial Chinese proverb about sparrows and the dung cart; all of a piece, he said, with Tacitus' comment on great reputations and the sad reality they may conceal.
Mr Cantona has tasted the English legal system and we have his view of it.
Yours faithfully,
ANTHONY GOLDSTAUB
Nottingham
1 April
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments