It’s been an extraordinary few weeks for me personally, and certainly for my fellow New Yorkers. Less than a month ago, I was in Berlin retracing my steps along the former wall that once divided the city, and divided the world into two nuclear-armed camps. And then, on 9 November 1989, almost miraculously, the dam broke. People streamed through the checkpoints and partied into the night. It felt like that a few days ago when the New York Knicks overcame what seemed like insurmountable odds to win the championship and countless thousands took to the streets in tears and unbridled joy.  
 
The dam broke. It wasn’t just about basketball. As one exuberant fan exclaimed on social media: “The revolution starts in New York!” The dark cloud that has hovered over us for the past ten years lifted. The most diverse city in the world rose up in full throated peaceful rebellion. Our young mayor met the moment with a speech on the steps of City Hall that will long be remembered. Alicia Keys sang Empire State of Mind and the crowd sang along and danced. Everyone – I mean everyone – understands that what just happened has meaning that transcends sports, however magnificent that achievement in game four at the Madison Square Garden was.  
 
The forces of darkness remain in power in Washington, but their days are numbered.