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Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan remade conservatism and the west Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan remade conservatism and the west
(6 months later)
The passing of Margaret Thatcher marks the end of an era in the development of the western political scene. Together with President Ronald Reagan, she helped to refashion the governmental landscape in the western world during the latter half of the 20th century by rejuvenating the conservative philosophy that each championed so fervently.The passing of Margaret Thatcher marks the end of an era in the development of the western political scene. Together with President Ronald Reagan, she helped to refashion the governmental landscape in the western world during the latter half of the 20th century by rejuvenating the conservative philosophy that each championed so fervently.
Their joint efforts in pursuing an unflinching opposition to the collectivist philosophy, which had gained widespread allegiance in the post-second world war era, and by standing up to Soviet aggression when it counted, the United States and the United Kingdom stood shoulder to shoulder in consistently championing the rule of law, democracy, freedom and human rights.Their joint efforts in pursuing an unflinching opposition to the collectivist philosophy, which had gained widespread allegiance in the post-second world war era, and by standing up to Soviet aggression when it counted, the United States and the United Kingdom stood shoulder to shoulder in consistently championing the rule of law, democracy, freedom and human rights.
Heedless of doctrinaire criticism of their reform efforts at home, both leaders pursued goals of reducing tax burdens and regulatory interference in their respective economic spheres, rationalizing benefit structures through a more equitable safety net for the truly needy and tough "law and order" efforts to contain the ravages of crime in their communities.Heedless of doctrinaire criticism of their reform efforts at home, both leaders pursued goals of reducing tax burdens and regulatory interference in their respective economic spheres, rationalizing benefit structures through a more equitable safety net for the truly needy and tough "law and order" efforts to contain the ravages of crime in their communities.
By their leadership, millions were inspired in the cause of freedom at home and abroad. The end of the cold war would not have come to pass without the steadfast and resolute leadership of the anti-communist nations which was provided by President Reagan and Prime Minister Thatcher. Who will ever forget the admonition "Mr Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" delivered by President Reagan in Berlin on behalf of all freedom-loving people in the world?By their leadership, millions were inspired in the cause of freedom at home and abroad. The end of the cold war would not have come to pass without the steadfast and resolute leadership of the anti-communist nations which was provided by President Reagan and Prime Minister Thatcher. Who will ever forget the admonition "Mr Gorbachev, tear down this wall!" delivered by President Reagan in Berlin on behalf of all freedom-loving people in the world?
It was my privilege as attorney general in President Reagan's cabinet to work closely with Mrs Thatcher's government on issues involving international law enforcement and the growing threat of terrorism during her final term as prime minister. Our cooperation could not have been closer, in particular in the investigation and prosecution of the Libyan terrorists responsible for the PanAm 103 bombing in Lockerbie, Scotland, which took the lives of 259 innocent persons. Similar cooperation was forthcoming in anti-narcotic and money laundering prosecutions during this same period.It was my privilege as attorney general in President Reagan's cabinet to work closely with Mrs Thatcher's government on issues involving international law enforcement and the growing threat of terrorism during her final term as prime minister. Our cooperation could not have been closer, in particular in the investigation and prosecution of the Libyan terrorists responsible for the PanAm 103 bombing in Lockerbie, Scotland, which took the lives of 259 innocent persons. Similar cooperation was forthcoming in anti-narcotic and money laundering prosecutions during this same period.
Born of humble roots, Mrs Thatcher never lost the "common touch", which served as a polestar in her efforts to lead the British nation in the fulfilment of its historic heritage. Never hesitant to do the unconventional or to tweak the "establishment", she left no doubt as to her goals for her nation. Leaders of today, too often attentive to the political winds and public opinion polls to guide their responses, could take a lesson from "the Iron Lady" in these times of tumult. Candor, consistency and courage were the constant hallmarks of this unique leader in the tradition of one of her most distinguished predecessors as prime minister, Winston Churchill.Born of humble roots, Mrs Thatcher never lost the "common touch", which served as a polestar in her efforts to lead the British nation in the fulfilment of its historic heritage. Never hesitant to do the unconventional or to tweak the "establishment", she left no doubt as to her goals for her nation. Leaders of today, too often attentive to the political winds and public opinion polls to guide their responses, could take a lesson from "the Iron Lady" in these times of tumult. Candor, consistency and courage were the constant hallmarks of this unique leader in the tradition of one of her most distinguished predecessors as prime minister, Winston Churchill.
Americans could identify with this plain-spoken leader who contributed to the "special relationship" that has traditionally governed US-UK interaction. Most always, our common allegiance to the rule of law, democracy, freedom and human rights has found our two nations in tandem on key issues of the day. May it ever be so – and will be – so long as those who hold the offices so distinguished by Margaret Thatcher and her American counterparts hew faithfully to their principles and exercise the kinds of political skills that she used so deftly to implement those principles in an increasingly hostile world.Americans could identify with this plain-spoken leader who contributed to the "special relationship" that has traditionally governed US-UK interaction. Most always, our common allegiance to the rule of law, democracy, freedom and human rights has found our two nations in tandem on key issues of the day. May it ever be so – and will be – so long as those who hold the offices so distinguished by Margaret Thatcher and her American counterparts hew faithfully to their principles and exercise the kinds of political skills that she used so deftly to implement those principles in an increasingly hostile world.
Britain's only female prime minister, Mrs Thatcher was not deterred by any "glass ceiling" that might have inhibited those of lesser character. She asked no special privileges because of her gender and received none. Her pre-eminence, she realized, might well have been discounted had she insisted otherwise. Her conduct in office, the principles by which she governed and the worldwide acclaim which she earned were much greater testaments to this remarkable woman and others like her than any preferential treatment that might be sought or tendered on account of gender.Britain's only female prime minister, Mrs Thatcher was not deterred by any "glass ceiling" that might have inhibited those of lesser character. She asked no special privileges because of her gender and received none. Her pre-eminence, she realized, might well have been discounted had she insisted otherwise. Her conduct in office, the principles by which she governed and the worldwide acclaim which she earned were much greater testaments to this remarkable woman and others like her than any preferential treatment that might be sought or tendered on account of gender.
Sir Thomas More has been acclaimed historically as "a man for all seasons". Might we well similarly designate Margaret Thatcher "a woman for all seasons" on the basis of her leadership and devotion to the common good throughout her years of public service? This is a designation that even her sharpest critics would have difficulty in opposing.Sir Thomas More has been acclaimed historically as "a man for all seasons". Might we well similarly designate Margaret Thatcher "a woman for all seasons" on the basis of her leadership and devotion to the common good throughout her years of public service? This is a designation that even her sharpest critics would have difficulty in opposing.
A woman for all seasons, indeed.A woman for all seasons, indeed.
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