As
the city of London prepares to come to a standstill with military personnel and
members of the public lining the streets to watch the procession route to the
cathedral, another group of people are planning to turn their backs in protest
against “Thatcherism” and what they see as a waste of public money on an
unjustifiably grand funeral.
For
most, Margaret Thatcher, or the “Iron Lady” as she was referred to by a Soviet
journalist because of her uncompromising politics and leadership style, will be
revered for modernising the British political system in the 1980s; her
influence on the way in which British politics are conducted endures today.
Thatcher's prompt decision to send a task force to liberate the Falkland
Islands from Argentine occupation was the highlight of her career. Because of
her courage and the skill, bravery and sacrifice of Britain's armed forces – the
liberty and future of the islands were secured.
In fact, in 1983, Margaret Thatcher was the first person to be granted
the freedom of the Falkland Islands; she remains the only person to have ever
been afforded that honour.
One should never forget the importance of the most obvious fact about Mrs.
Thatcher – that she was Britain’s first woman Prime Minister. It made
everything different. It meant public
interest was feverish, and public recognition was certain. She stood out at once, without having to try,
from all the suits around her. All over
the world people wanted to see what the first woman was wearing and how she
looked. They wanted to hear her voice, find out about her family life, and
learn where she shopped and what she cooked. Like corgis with the Queen or the
cigar with Winston Churchill, the handbag became the trademark. In fact, it was
much more important than those other totems, because it was also the symbol of
her power – of female power.
But
feelings remain heavily divided over the legacy of Britain’s first female leader. A group of protesters in her home town of
Grantham said they would remember Lady Thatcher for the pain caused by her
economic policies, and how "good decent, hard-working people" were
designated "the enemy within" during her time as Prime Minister.
Regardless
of how disliked or embarrassing a person was in life, no matter how odd they
were considered, or what crimes they had committed, the moment they leave this
mortal coil, a nostalgia filter falls into place causing the deceased to be
remembered as being better than they were, for the most part.
From beginning to end, she was simple-hearted. She gave her whole life
for her country. We should thank her for that, even those who did not agree
with her. She showed what a woman can do, especially when she stays close to
the heart of England.
Farewell Maggie.
Weight
for me tomorrow. Paul
Paul Lambis is the author of “Where is Home?” – A journey of hilarious contrasts.
For more information on Paul Lambis, and to order his book online,
visit www.paul-lambis.com
No comments:
Post a Comment