When
critics complained about the high cost of Mrs. Thatcher’s funeral (apparently
ten million pounds), one of the Lady’s many admirers responded that the cost of
looking after the Jordanian terrorist Abu Qatada - who has successfully fought
off extradition to Jordan - in the UK and the cost of the various judicial
processes connected with his making Britain his chosen land has already
exceeded ten million pounds.
Now,
if Margaret Thatcher had stayed alive (she was no longer capable of doing any
harm) and Abu Qatada had died – we would have enjoyed a double saving.
On
a serious note – the send off that the previous Labour government and the
current Tory administration have allowed Thatcher to orchestrate for herself
was an inflated outrage. We are owed an apology by the government.
Other
than for heads of state or government killed due to and during their term office, this
whole state funeral nonsense should be discontinued.
In those days, I was not one of us, merely a self effacing mechanic of the state. But I went to her funeral, just as my father took me to Churchill's. Along the whole route the crowds were 4 deep and I doubt, from the banter, that more than a minority were the faithful.
ReplyDeleteThe event enabled most to mark their respect, more than affection, for an exceptional leader who transcended the historical and institutional forces of post colonial decadence to drag the nation belatedly into the second half of the 20th century. And judging by the number of Slavs around, her influence beyond our borders left its mark. May be the billionaire oligarchs could have subbed it?
There aren't many of Max Weber's dialectic busting charismatics, but she was one of them. The Brits have a nose for those who lift them out of their natural tendency to complacency and oblige them to face up to uncomfortable choices, with winners and losers. Without that, nations drift, spin rules and democracy serves Parties rather than issues. I am sure you can think of a few examples.
I share your aversion, but, very occasionally, a modest investment by the state provides an opportunity to mark respect and a reminder of the qualities that distinguish great leaders from the norm. Popularity is not one of them, as both W.C and M.T discovered, but neither, in their prime, had any illusions about the exercise of power in a democracy. By the end, both were burnt out.
Whilst it is highly unlikely that in future any head of government in this country will be sent to the after world in such pomp and circumstance, I (a former student protester against her government in the 80’s!) do admit my admiration for the tenacity, discipline and will this woman displayed.
ReplyDeleteShe has shown us that women are indeed able to run a country and that hard work, will and determination can help you transgress class barriers and achieve your goals. That her last will was granted to a display of such grand fare well only shows to me what she was capable of. Chapeau!
The only question I have is whether she would have achieved what she has had Denis been a simple grocer of Grantham and she would have had to make ends meet with two kids. Frankly, I doubt it!
I do have to agree with your thoughts on all things Thatcher and have enjoyed looking back and shuddering with horror of all those horrific events orchestrated by a vile, condescending, cold and uncompromising individual, thankfully behind us and now gone forever. “The woman’s not returning” being my favorite saying of the past week………..
ReplyDelete