But I thought I'd write today in light of the attack on London yesterday afternoon.
London has long been one of my favourite places. I live not too far away, and consider myself incredibly lucky as a result. I worked there for a brief period, have been visiting the theatre district for years, and have indulged in many of the wondrous activities on offer there. It, like everywhere else, is not perfect. London has its problems. But it is a diverse, living, breathing organism, full of life and vitality. It has opportunity, history, colour, sound, activity, a pulse. It is a place of inclusion and experimentation. London doesn't just belong to those who inhabit it, but shares itself with the world, inviting all to participate in its vivacity.
Yesterday was a dark day in the city. But in amongst the tragedy, there have been shining examples of why this city is so bloody brilliant. From the bystanders dropping to their knees to assist the injured, the bravery and sacrifice of PC Palmer, and Tobias Ellwood, the MP who, without concern for his own safety, ran to his aid, to the hundreds of emergency service workers at the scene, putting themselves in harm's way to protect citizens and tourists alike. The school children trapped in Parliament who sang songs to keep everyone's spirits up. The overwhelming response for public support in piecing together what happened. These actions deserve to be recognised and remembered. We owe a great deal of thanks to those commissioned with protecting civilians.
Those that choose to attack western cities, those that choose to kidnap young women in Africa, those who torture, maim and kill in the middle east, are weak. They seek to terrorise but only succeed in drawing us ever closer together. By trying to cause division, they achieve only in inflaming our spirit. They cause damage, yes, but they remind us why we must rally, must never give in to fear and must continue our way of living.
Today a vitriolic bottom feeder called Katie Hopkins announced to Fox News and the American public that British citizens are cowed and fearful, that we are divided. To that, I say 'Bollocks'. She does not speak for us, and her particular brand of spiteful bile is reviled by a majority of us here. I ask that you do not take her at her word. We are sad, we are angry, we are incensed. We are going about our day-to-day lives as normal.
I'll be heading into the city this weekend and I will go with the same enthusiasm as always. I'll think of those whose lives have been so drastically altered this week. And I'll go about my day normally, in their honour.
