Thatcher

How to begin an article such as this one? With difficulty I must say. At least in recent times, I don’t believe any British Prime Minister has divided opinion quite so much as the recently departed Baroness Margaret Thatcher. As I write this article verbal war rages, angrily and venomously on Twitter, Facebook, social-media blogs and news sites all over the world. Messages of sympathy pour in from heads of state, colleagues and the public, whilst simultaneous stories of others holding parties of celebration have emerged.

When Maggie was elected I was five years away from birth. However, by the end of her premiership I was around eight, albeit completely politically unaware. In the past few days I have scoured the outer reaches of my memory for images and feelings I could pass off as my own. Something genuine I could contribute, possibly a diplomatic, wise or even a witty statement or comment which would be reflective and un-offensive to haters and supporters akin.  Alas, I came away with nothing. My fading memories of the Eighties are full of Parker coats, scary shoulder pads on women, trousers that were perpetually too short and BMX  bike rides with ‘packs’ of friends (if you’re wondering, yes, I am welling up whilst staring out of the window at this point).

In order to educate myself on this subject, this person, this figurehead, I resorted to the internet, then newspapers and finally word of mouth. The latter I’m afraid was worthless, although interesting, as everyone’s opinion seems to be shrouded in emotion. The first two however proved very useful and such is my political ignorance of this time, enlightening. I have done my best below to provide a very quick synopsis of her life, particularly political milestones, below:

She graduated from Oxford University, with a drinker’s degree (a second class honours) in 1947 but a little over ten years later was elected as the MP for Finchley (1959). In 1970 she became the Education Secretary before becoming the Conservative Party leader in 1975. However, it was in 1979 things started to get really interesting, when she became the first female Prime Minister. Over the next three years (1979 - 1982) she increased base interest rates, introduced the ‘right to buy’ manifesto for council tenants, increased taxes and reduced spending (despite there being a recession)  as well as overseeing a three day riot in Brixton, although probably not personally. Then came the Falklands war in 1982, two years before she locked horns with miners in a dispute over pit closures. That same year (1984) she survived an attempt on her life by the IRA in Brighton before signing the Anglo-Irish agreement (1985). In 1986 she de-regulated the City. The next five years saw her take a famous third term in office, privatise parts of British Gas and denounce ‘society’ as a concept in favour of personal responsibility. She resigned in 1990 as Prime Minister and entered the House of Lords in 1992. I’ll stop at this point as most of her civic duties ended here and, as such, much of the public interest. Now the above account is a very, very brief outline of some of her major milestones and by no means inclusive. 

I think regardless of where you stand politically, it is indisputable just how dramatic her terms in power were.  There have been some ‘harsh’ comments and actions (I don’t think rejoicing in anyone’s death a particularly pleasant thing to do), over the past four or so days regarding the deceased and many from people who were not alive during the period in which the late Baroness resided. I have heard and read articles about how Maggie altered Britain, many of which document these changes negatively. I heard people on the news this morning say how the current recession is partly her fault, that she planted the seeds. Some of the points put across do seem to have elements of validity.  However, before jumping on this band wagon and I’ll finish with this, let me point out a few final counter arguments. Firstly it has been over twenty three years since Margaret stood down as PM. We live in a democracy and so, if, in the intervening period things have not changed then surely that’s because a majority hasn’t wanted them? I heard, on the radio, that in the aftermath of her death only one in three posts (on Facebook) about Maggie were positive? I find this staggering. Why would I find this staggering you may well ask? Well think about it. She was elected on three separate occasions. Someone must have voted for her, they must have done! In fact I know they did because I took the time to find out the numbers. On each occasion she received more than 42% of votes. That doesn’t sound a lot, but let me contextualise that figure for a moment. The last labour government got in power in the 2005 elections with just a tad over 35%. The current coalition came in with a joint percentage of 36% (http://www.politicsresources.net/area/uk/uktable.htm).  

I discussed this with a friend this week and she offered the suggestion that these figures suggesting that voting patterns have changed and also that the negative Facebook press could be down to the political orientation,  involvement and awareness of users, particularly the young. An upturn in the availability of information coupled with political activism has spurred Facebook users to comment. Maybe, although I’m not so sure, the riots in the 80’s show there was discontent then and that people acted upon it. The same friend forwarded the following article, written by Russell Brand and despite not being a big fan, I found this very interesting and thought I’d include.

Perhaps, if Margaret Thatcher was as ‘evil’ or ‘witch like’ as certain demographics are currently branding her, then it could be seen more a reflection on the society which elected her, rather than the delegated official herself. Who knows, either way let me leave you with the two quotes. Firstly from the Greek sage Chilon of Sparta whose words, given some of the shameless commentary, are as appropriate today as 2,600 years ago, “do not speak ill of the dead”.  Secondly, from Tony Blair - “Very few leaders get to change not only the political landscape of the country but of the world. Margaret was such a leader. Her global impact was vast”.