Wednesday 16 September 2009

Thank you New York


It’s hard to leave a great city. Even when returning to one that's arguably even better.

This is where I was born. I owe my very existence to the rich mix of people in this intense space who funded what was then the Puerto Rican health scheme. It funded my birth when my student parents would have struggled to get health insurance.

I thank the city for that. I thank the splendid, charming, patient supermen who escorted me around Manhattan over the last few days. In London I travel by bike with one cycling aide. Mike Bloomberg has now allowed me to glimpse that world where an SUV is always waiting, the doors always open, the hassle always pre-empted. It was a real treat. I cannot name the guys (for obvious reasons) but they know who they are and I'm grateful.

Thank you Mayor Bloomberg for the security detail. Thank you too for the wonderful dinner at your home and your kind words at the Manhattan Institute.

We are different political beasts but we have much in common. I salute your success in New York and our time together will sharpen my focus and stiffen my resolve.

I'm still reflecting on the site of ground zero - eight years on - and the tales your team have told me of a rising death toll and fresh suffering.

We share similar challenges safeguarding investment, seeing off threats to our core industries and persuading our most wealthy constituents that they have much to gain by proving their social responsibility.

Our shared privilege is to preside over people who have energy, enterprise and creative genius. We are fortunate and the good people of London and New York should face the future with confidence and determination.

2 comments:

  1. Glad it was deemed a sucess, I suspect a rise in tourits from America this Christmas. See you tomorrow at the YP Question Time.

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  2. You don't preside over people, Boris; you serve them

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