Maggie Thatcher Is Dead.

[shaun77]

I will not shed any tears over the passing of Thatcher,"why should i"she lived on a different planet

that i live on and died in the lavish surrounding of the Ritz hotel,the likes of whitch she had been so

accustomed to during her political life.

The militants

I would be the first to agree something had to be done about the militants in this country

at the time,the mining industry had militants,in my case the city of Liverpool had its militants with the

council workers and the dockers who lets face it did not want to do a fair days work for a fair days pay.

But

There were many many millions of ordinary people in these industries who day after day did a fair days

work for a fair days pay and all they wanted to do was to take care of their families without having to live

on social security but the likes of Thatchers policies did not distinguish between the militants and ordinary

hard working people,when push came to shove "she pushed everyone out"

The Falklands war

In my opinion she sent 255 British men and women to their deaths in order to have a better

chance of a third term in office.She knew exactly the British army would defeat a gang of conscripts, but for her own

glory she did not want to find a alternative solution.

Her lavish expenditure of tax payers money continued after the conflict with the auction of all the heavy machinery

she sent to build runways etc, not one item of heavy machinery but two of everything just in case the first one broke

down.The auction by Richie bros of course USA took place over a couple of days at the Liverpool docks were many of

the bidders got bargains of a lifetime thanks to Thatcher and the British taxpayer.

I firmly believe that this woman was so out of touch with reality that she did not know what a pound coin looked like,

everything would be signed for by one of her aides and in my opinion if she would have been investigated at the time over

the expenses scandal they could have thrown the key away with the freebies she claimed for.No doubt her will when read

will show how "much gets more" accumulated so much over the years.

In my case she did not want to know that Liverpool or its people existed,she wanted to send it into a "Managed Decline"

(that"s a fact) it was only after the Toxteth riots that she knew it did exist.and then she sent Heseltine to oversee a

garden festival (big deal) just in case they started rioting again.

Good Riddance

[theblether]

The militants

I would be the first to agree something had to be done about the militants in this country

at the time,the mining industry had militants,in my case the city of Liverpool had its militants with the

council workers and the dockers who lets face it did not want to do a fair days work for a fair days pay.

But

There is no but.

She had no choice.

The country had to ask for a loan to pay it's bills in 1976.

It was an industrial action war zone for the next three years.

Don't ever forget that, the country was in the grip of quasi-communist ultra left destructive union leaders.

The shame of the working man was letting it happen.

before you spit the dummy, I refer you to my earlier replies, I'm an ex steel worker, I'm an SNP man, I am no friend of Thatcherism, but on this issue, she had no choice.

[TexasRanger]

The family are paying for the funeral, the taxpayers are paying to have it policed because of A hole protesters.

[Simhne]

Can I suggest a positive response from those of us feeling shame and anger over the spectacle unfolding in London today with the tory beatification of a woman who brought such a legacy of suffering and division would be to make a donation to support the Durham Miners Gala. Its an excellent site just to have read of in case you don't feel able to contribute.

Friends%20of%20The%20Durham%20Miners%20Gala.html[/url]

[nong38]

What's the problem? You don't want him to use Air Force One on taxpayers expense, anyway.

The snub is too that Obama is not sending anyone currently working in his administration to her funeral.

But he does like tocome and have a free lunch with the Royal family, perhaps that was not on the list this time.

[pitrevie]

The family are paying for the funeral, the taxpayers are paying to have it policed because of A hole protesters.

The family are making a small contribution but the major part of the bill will be picked up by the tax payer. However the total cost unlike the two previous occasions will not be revealed, its a state secret.

[nong38]

Can I suggest a positive response from those of us feeling shame and anger over the spectacle unfolding in London today with the tory beatification of a woman who brought such a legacy of suffering and division would be to make a donation to support the Durham Miners Gala. Its an excellent site just to have read of in case you don't feel able to contribute.

Friends%20of%20The%20Durham%20Miners%20Gala.html[/url]

I will send them an IOU on your behalf, how much shall I put you down for?

[wigantojapan]

well Thatcher gave some people more choice than others ,that has been established and was known by the people who were there.

,

but like all politicians no matter how much regulations they make they ultimately cannot take all your choices away

People chose to pay tax.Tax that was used and is still used to fund weapons of mass destruction

TAx that is used to fund this Tory political broadcast

The choice was there for each person

People cared enough about the poll tax to bring her down because it effected them and didnt pay,wouldnt pay

Tax from earnings people didnt care on what it was spent, until today it seems,so continued to pay

some people just chose not to pay tax

so people winging here about the cost and whi is to blame

Look in the mirror

We all had a choice to pay tax or not

[Simhne]

Can I suggest a positive response from those of us feeling shame and anger over the spectacle unfolding in London today with the tory beatification of a woman who brought such a legacy of suffering and division would be to make a donation to support the Durham Miners Gala. Its an excellent site just to have read of in case you don't feel able to contribute.

Friends of The Durham Miners Gala.html[/url]

I will send them an IOU on your behalf, how much shall I put you down for?

Well it wouldn't be an IOU in that case pal would it. How about a UOU or better still a MOU (maggie owes you) which would seem just. Put her down for the 10 million this is setting UK tax payers back for a start. Edited April 17, 2013 by Simhne

[phutoie2]

The family are paying for the funeral, the taxpayers are paying to have it policed because of A hole protesters.

The family are making a small contribution but the major part of the bill will be picked up by the tax payer. However the total cost unlike the two previous occasions will not be revealed, its a state secret.

No probs there, I'm still paying UK income tax and I don't mind contributing at all. Later today I will doff my cap and maybe raise a glass as the old girl goes up the steps at St Pauls.

[KarenBravo]

Maggie used to keep a scrap of paper in her hand-bag with the following words

You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.

You cannot lift the wage earner by pulling down the wage payer.

You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.

You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich.

[Chicog]

The family are paying for the funeral, the taxpayers are paying to have it policed because of A hole protesters.

The family are making a small contribution but the major part of the bill will be picked up by the tax payer. However the total cost unlike the two previous occasions will not be revealed, its a state secret.

Not strictly true.

The costs will be revealed AFTER the event, a neat way of avoiding public criticism that might lead to its cancellation.

[chiang mai]

The family are paying for the funeral, the taxpayers are paying to have it policed because of A hole protesters.

The family are making a small contribution but the major part of the bill will be picked up by the tax payer. However the total cost unlike the two previous occasions will not be revealed, its a state secret.

Not strictly true.

The costs will be revealed AFTER the event, a neat way of avoiding public criticism that might lead to its cancellation.

Funerals tend not to get cancelled but regardless, it is going ahead. It is what it is and the cost will be shared, get over it.

[theblether]

I must say the funeral is some spectacle........HMQ has just arrived.

The old boys of the Chelsea Pensioners have done well, they've been on the steps for at 30 minutes.

From the BBC......

The Chelsea Pensioners line the steps of St Paul's as the coffin is carried in.

The BBC's Peter Hunt says Denis Thatcher attended church at the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, where he "enjoyed the short sermons" and where his ashes are interred.

Enjoyed the short sermons? I know that feeling I believe one of my pals is in attendance today, Patricia Gallen

Patricia's Dad was my Church of Scotland minister, I didn't enjoy his sermons

Patricia has risen to be the highest ranking black female officer in Britain, and is also a qualified barrister. She typifies what Thatcher was all about........Thatcher rose from being a mere grocers daughter to being the first female prime minister, and she was determined that talent should be given a chance to rise to the top.

Patricia typifies that.

Edited April 17, 2013 by theblether

[chiang mai]

Agreed, we do know how to do these things well.

[Scott]

Very well done. A spectacle worth seeing.

[Morakot]

Picture desk live: the best pictures from Lady Thatcher's funeral

The Guardian's award-winning picture team brings you the best photo coverage from today's events in central London

Greg Whitmore and Roger Tooth, guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 17 April 2013 08.33 BST

http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/2013/apr/17/picture-desk-live-the-best-pictures-from-lady-thatcher-s-funeral

Edited April 17, 2013 by Morakot

[theblether]

Here's the order of service

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22156159

[Morakot]

Margaret Thatcher: Funeral begins at St Paul's

Baroness Thatcher's funeral service has begun at St Paul's Cathedral,
attended by the Queen and dignitaries from the UK and around the world.

17 April 2013 Last updated at 10:07 GMT

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-22177366

Edited April 17, 2013 by Morakot

[chuckd]

Nobody does pomp and circumstance quite like the British.

[phuturatica]

Never agreed with her politics and whatnot and I was born too late to be affected directly by her...

However may the old lady rest in peace.

[theblether]

Granddaughter Amanda Thatcher gives the first reading

I felt the Bishop of London hit the right tone

The family

The Bishop spoke about the lifetime of love between Dennis and Margaret, here's another example of a lifetime of love.

[chiang mai]

The Bishop of London's sermon was one of the better ones I've ever heard, actually very interesting and a brilliant orator - more entertaining though is the colour sergant who headed the coffin team into the cathedral, did you see the size of that man for gods sake!

[theblether]

I should point out that when I was talking about a lifetime of love, I was talking about Vince Cable being in love with himself.

[theblether]

Anyway.......I'm off for dinner.

If there was as much effort put in to rebuilding Britain as there has been to vilifying Margaret Thatcher our country would be truly great again in no time.

Margaret's time has past, it's up to us to pull together and rebuild our country.

[MAJIC]

well Thatcher gave some people more choice than others ,that has been established and was known by the people who were there.

,

but like all politicians no matter how much regulations they make they ultimately cannot take all your choices away

People chose to pay tax.Tax that was used and is still used to fund weapons of mass destruction

TAx that is used to fund this Tory political broadcast

The choice was there for each person

People cared enough about the poll tax to bring her down because it effected them and didnt pay,wouldnt pay

Tax from earnings people didnt care on what it was spent, until today it seems,so continued to pay

some people just chose not to pay tax

so people winging here about the cost and whi is to blame

Look in the mirror

We all had a choice to pay tax or not

What nonsense! if you don't pay your taxes you get prosecuted,and the people have no choice whether the taxes pay for Thatchers Funeral or not.

[pitrevie]

Anyway.......I'm off for dinner.

If there was as much effort put in to rebuilding Britain as there has been to vilifying Margaret Thatcher our country would be truly great again in no time.

Margaret's time has past, it's up to us to pull together and rebuild our country.

Yes do you remember how she quoted St. Francis of Assisi when she first arrived in Downing Street, "Where there is discord, may we bring harmony. Where there is error, may we bring truth. Where there is doubt, may we bring faith. And where there is despair, may we bring hope." After listening to that and what she eventually did you have to admit at least she had a sense of humour, at least I think she meant it as a joke..

[awayego]

Agreed, we do know how to do these things well.

Very well done. A spectacle worth seeing.

Nobody does pomp and circumstance quite like the British.

It's about the only bloody thing we do well. Such a pity half as much attention and energy couldn't be directed to actually running the country effectively.

She certainly showed the way for subsequent PM's to foul up the economy and life in general for the majority. What an example she was! Can't wait for the same nauseating absolution of Tony Blair. Next step beatification? Sickening and insulting to those on the wrong side of the social divide that she so exacerbated. Some legacy!

[wigantojapan]

Anyway.......I'm off for dinner.

If there was as much effort put in to rebuilding Britain as there has been to vilifying Margaret Thatcher our country would be truly great again in no time.

Margaret's time has past, it's up to us to pull together and rebuild our country.

what country are you taking about

[geriatrickid]

Despite the hand wringing and concern over the possible obnoxious and violent displays from some, the inherent decency of the people shone bright and clear;

Political commentator and former Sunday Times editor Andrew Neil says the most moving aspect happened outside St Paul's - the congregation inside was moved to tears by the sound of the cheers from the crowd on the streets.

Gerry Holt BBC News

One protester with a megaphone is speaking to the crowd, although it is hard to hear what he has to say as he is drowned out by booing. An impromptu sing-song of Land of Hope and Glory receives a cheer, as does the raising of a banner saying: "Margaret Thatcher. She put the Great back into Great Britain." The pro-Thatcher contingent appears to be ruling the roost here.

The UK did itself proud by taking the high road and giving a public servant a proper send off. My faith in the people has been buttressed as they treated the grand old dame as they would want to be treated, with respect and politeness. The Golden Rule still lives in the UK. There will be lots of time to review and critique the former PM's legacy, but the funeral was not the appropriate time to do so. Well done UK,

Edited April 17, 2013 by geriatrickid