We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, and that London is, we admit, the coolest city on the face of the planet.
So went the first draft of the US Declaration of Independence. Before old Jefferson got all enthusiastic with that red pen. We like to imagine.
When it comes to the perennial and nonsense discussion about the world’s greatest city, London does have a very good case. We can call to affidavit a platoon of star witnesses including, but not limited to, Shakespeare, Dickens, Henry VIII, Newton and Marx. By (unfair) comparison, New York gave us Billy Joel, Tom Cruise and Pee Wee Herman. San Francisco can claim (reluctantly) Chris Isaak and OJ Simpson. Paris puts up a reasonable case with Sartre, Dumas and Hugo. And Tokyo has…erm…does Godzilla count?
And we could go on, into tedious debate about skylines, buildings, culture, friendliness, finance, sport, history, etc., etc. But we don’t need to because:
(a) That’s what the comments box is for.
(b) The IOC say we’re the best – and they could never be accused of dishonesty or corruption.
(c) The BBC are hosting a debate tonight to address whether London is, indeed, the greatest.
Of course, there's only one way to settle such arguments, and that's topless mud wrestling. Unfortunately, the BBC have elected to address the issue in the form of a traditional debate. Get along to the Museum of London for 7pm if you want to be part of the entertainment. Tickets cost five of our fine British pounds - no Euros or Dollars accepted.
