She was the first prime minister I knew, as I spent formative years of my childhood in England and Scotland. Made a lasting impression on me of what a leader should be.
I imagine she had a pretty good long life, so no sadness here just farewell.
She suffered from dementia for a number of years now. Had essentially withdrawn from any sort of public life.
It will be interesting to see what it is like here in the UK. Millions believed she saved the UK from the trades unions and the hardened left-wing of old Labour. While on the other hand, many others believe she was responsible for destroying British industry and turning society into dog-eat-dog.
I for one had a lot of admiration for her and think that what she accomplished in her time as PM was for the betterment of the United Kingdom.
Sad day indeed.
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I watched "The Iron Lady" some months ago. I know her family took some issues with the liberties the film took but it is still a pretty moving film and well put together.
"When you've spent half your political life dealing with humdrum issues like the environment, it's exciting to have a real crisis on your hands." (May 14, 1982)
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"No one would remember the Good Samaritan if he'd only had good intentions. He had money as well." (Jan. 6, 1986)
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“Standing in the middle of the road is very dangerous; you get knocked down by traffic from both sides.”
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Captain James P. DeCOSTE, CD, 18 Sep 1993
It was the last great era of Nation State against Nation State and really the end of Communism as a viable opponent.
It was pretty close to the end of the Doomsday Clock being relevant
The end of the 80's signaled the end of true Nation State power games against Nation States.
the Cold War was replaced by regional civil war hot flashpoints and confused loyalties.
The Soviet Union, China, Cuba and even North Korea moved from being dire threats to democracy to being also rans.
The threats of the Soviet Military in Germany and the Soviet Navy and especially their submarines and their frontal missile divisions faded as the great threat of death for us all.
The West saw the rise and then end of the non diplomatic strong leaders like Thatcher and Reagan, that took on Brezhnev and then KGB leaders like Antropov and in losing bought Gorbachev into power.
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My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings;
It was the last great era of Nation State against Nation State and really the end of Communism as a viable opponent.
It was pretty close to the end of the Doomsday Clock being relevant
The end of the 80's signaled the end of true Nation State power games against Nation States.
the Cold War was replaced by regional civil war hot flashpoints and confused loyalties.
The Soviet Union, China, Cuba and even North Korea moved from being dire threats to democracy to being also rans.
The threats of the Soviet Military in Germany and the Soviet Navy and especially their submarines and their frontal missile divisions faded as the great threat of death for us all.
The West saw the rise and then end of the non diplomatic strong leaders like Thatcher and Reagan, that took on Brezhnev and then KGB leaders like Antropov and in losing bought Gorbachev into power.
In other words, the "New World Order" as coined by George Bush. A change in the balance of power and greater focus on collective security became prominent, especially as the first Gulf War was opening. Of course we all knew the hegemon and world conflict arbiter would (continue to) be the U.S., but there was greater emphasis on engaging the UN and getting collective consensus on matters pertaining to international affairs.
However, where one period ended, another one started. I like to think that this world after the Cold War started realizing Huntington's "clash of civilizations" theory, and that borders have become more meaningless in times of greater international integration, free trade, and ever-evolving global technology. The world is a much smaller place than it was when Thatcher and Reagan stepped aside.
I didn't agree with the old bird but I did admire her integrity and dedication to logical conclusions rather than ideology. She was neither an ideologue nor a political entrepreneur, she was a patriot. They definitely don't make them like they use to…
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Last edited by Addick; 04-08-2013 at 10:01 AM.
Reason: Added second sentence.
She's remembered for the Falklands War but I remember the headlines and stories quite vividly of her taking down overreaching labour unions in Great Britain. It was an epic breath of life into GB's economic system.
The Iron Lady was a very appropriate nickname.
Cowperson
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Margaret Thatcher Dies
