The London riots. Remember the victims, and hope that they are all securely locked up and unable to do us any harm

It could have been different. The London riots of some months back could have had a very negative affect on tourist numbers visiting London. Thankfully, most people can put these events into perspective, realising that such outbreaks of disturbance are to be expected anywhere and in any major city you might conceive of traveling to for a vacation. This week it was Rome which was the venerable venue for those spilling their bile against the perpetrators of corporate greed. And impressive stuff it was too with water cannon, tear gas, bottles, rocks, fireworks, burst-up shops and blazing cars.

Obviously, between corporate greed and violent rioting there is both right and wrong. But perspective, as I mentioned earlier, may colour your view of where the real blame lies. One perspective that I found interesting during the London riots was the media commentator who told us, in firm tones, that we must remember that the rioters were, in fact, victims themselves.

Indeed. It was a moment where the nation stood properly corrected. Thank you again Ms. Whatsyourface, peerless expert in whatever it is you do.

However, I think most people's abiding memory will be that of the unfortunate Asian student who was set upon by a number of thugs ... sorry, victims ....... who robbed him of his remaining possessions while they acted under the pretense of trying to help him. Confused, bloodied and bewildered following an earlier attack by an unknown victim or gang of victims, thousands who viewed the widely publicised video clip were shocked at the meanness and sheer badness of what some individuals were capable of towards a vulnerable young man.

Happily, it is now all consigned to the past. Visitors to the capital need not concern themselves unduly about being caught up in chaotic riots. Everything is back to normal, and the daily mundane vicissitudes of routine, everyday crime. Just take the usual sensible precautions you would take in any big city to keep yourself and your property safe from any predatory victims who might try to target you.

And don't you sometimes feel that words have lost all sense of meaning? I can't think why.

To put a wrap on it, let's accentuate the positive. What better way than the very latest in deals and discounts for London hotels. And here they are -

London hotel deals and offers

For my part, I am going to make my own singular protest, both against global corporate greed and the depredations of vicious rioters, by knocking back a few stiff ones in the bar of one of my favourite hotels in Knightsbridge. That'll show them. Bottoms up.

~ See updates at LondonsBestHotels.net for new deals for hotels near Heathrow Airport.