Here's another statement The Smiths' singer Morrissey made about the passing of Margaret Thatcher today, even more cutting than the one he made yesterday:
The difficulty with giving a comment on Margaret Thatcher’s death to the British tabloids is that, no matter how calmly and measured you speak, the comment must be reported as an “outburst” or an ”explosive attack” if your view is not pro-establishment.
If you reference “the Malvinas”, it will be switched to “the Falklands”, and your “Thatcher” will be softened to a “Maggie.” This is generally how things are structured in a non-democratic society. Thatcher’s name must be protected not because of all the wrong that she had done, but because the people around her allowed her to do it, and therefore any criticism of Thatcher throws a dangerously absurd light on the entire machinery of British politics.
Thatcher was not a strong or formidable leader. She simply did not give a sh#t about people, and this coarseness has been neatly transformed into bravery by the British press who are attempting to re-write history in order to protect patriotism. As a result, any opposing view is stifled or ridiculed, whereas we must all endure the obligatory praise for Thatcher from David Cameron without any suggestion from the BBC that his praise just might be an outburst of pro-Thatcher extremism from someone whose praise might possibly protect his own current interests.
The fact that Thatcher ignited the British public into street-riots, violent demonstrations and a social disorder previously unseen in British history is completely ignored by David Cameron in 2013. In truth, of course, no British politician has ever been more despised by the British people than Margaret Thatcher.
Thatcher’s funeral on Wednesday will be heavily policed for fear that the British tax-payer will want to finally express their view of Thatcher. They are certain to be tear-gassed out of sight by the police.
United Kingdom? Syria? China? What’s the difference?”
I interviewed her in 1989 when I was editor of Training Personnel magazine (Wembley/Stonebridge Park) after she had instigated the launch of the Training and Enterprise Councils (TECs).
I will not speak ill of the dead, but she was not my cup of tea and a tough interview.
But I challenge some of those who think her legacy is sparkling. The Argentinian Junta saved her premiership, she was down in the low 20s in the polls. I am sure she was glad that the generals decided (because they were also in the shits) to attack the Falklands/Malvinas.
The best way to get a country behind you, is to go to war, as the Argie generals did and Thatcher obliged.
Interesting to see that the conservative posters on the Taco Stand think she was wonderful. I lived under her rule, I researched her, and I interviewed her.
EDIT
As a side note regarding the Falklands/Malvinas conflict. I had fellow colleagues, English, tell me that the US did not help Britain. BS.
We gave them the loan of ships and logistics. Even though Reagan and Thatcher were close (Hmmm, I wonder how close, did Nancy and Denis know, hah hah, okay, now I am being mean) he wasn't so sure how much help and support to give as to not to upset the OAS (Organization of American States) who were supporting the Argie argument, but Casper Weinberger convinced Ronnie Raygun to help our 'cousins'.
I tried telling my British colleagues, why did Weinberger receive an honorary British knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II.
Okay, one more comment. Leaders should be strong, but being dogmatic and obstinate as Maggie was... good democratic leadership should have room for compromise. There is more than one at the party.
Patrick, aside from intel I would be most interested to see your evidence
that we materially supported the cousins down south. They did not lack for
naval resources. Their weakness was long-range air power notably highlighted
by the Monty Pythonesque mission to take out the Port Stanley airfield prior
to the invasion. It was about 10 minutes' fuel short of a tragic cockup.
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=50144775n
Anti-Thatcher song is a chart-topper in UK
April 13, 2013 9:29 AM
Mourners prepare for Wednesday's funeral of former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, but anti-Thatcher protesters are stealing the limelight, as they propel "Ding Dong The Witch is Dead!" to the top of the UK music charts. Charlie D'Agata reports.
It's been an awakening experience to see what was going on world-wide with the failed conservative movement of the 80s
Failed? Economic liberalisation has led to 300-400 million people being pulled out of poverty in China over the past decade. Sub-Saharan Africa is rising quickly. Developing countries all over the world are enjoying the benefits of open and free economic systems.
First, the movement of the 80s is still the driving economic paradigm of today. Secondly, it has been shown to be successful. I am not sure how that is seen as failure.
Let us know!