Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher passed away Monday at the age of 87. The iconic conservative led her country by embracing free markets and individual liberties. She held office for 11 years — longer than any other British leader in the 20th century; in the opinion of a strong and vocal many, Margaret Thatcher undoubtedly led her country well.
As I pondered her passing this day, part of me wondered about her potential, initial heavenly encounter with the most likeminded leader of her time. Imagine greeting Ronald Reagan at the gates. I have little doubt it would be uniquely warm and reflective…
“The race is over, Maggie. We’re done down there. So welcome! It’s absolutely great here,” says the former president with that squinted-eyed smile.
“But Ronnie, there is so much more to do.”
“The question is not whether or not there’s more to do, Margaret; the question is whether or not you used your time well. Have you used your time on Earth well? It’s limited, you know.”
At that point perhaps Reagan would remind his British counterpart of her many wise words and her impact beyond liberty in London…
“Being powerful is like being a lady. If you have to tell people you are, you aren’t.”
“Pennies don’t fall from heaven — they have to be earned here on Earth.”
The two would undoubtedly pause and mutually ‘amen,’ as they then methodically recollect Thatcher’s comments on socialism — especially noting how more and more persons in the 21st century are naively dismissive of socialism’s persistent, lasting perils. Why has socialism become so attractive to some?
Said Thatcher…
“To cure the British disease with socialism was like trying to cure leukemia with leeches.”
… or…
“The problem with socialism is that eventually you run out of other people’s money.”
Ronnie and the infamous Iron Lady would then acknowledge some of Thatcher’s comments which were funnier for what they didn’t say, as opposed to what they did…
“You and I come by road or rail, but economists travel on infrastructure.”
“To wear your heart on your sleeve isn’t a very good plan; you should wear it inside, where it functions best.”
“Any woman who understands the problems of running a home will be nearer to understanding the problems of running a country.”
Most of all, no less, my sense is that Ronnie and Maggie would note Thatcher’s poignant sharing of truth…
“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.”
“My policies are based not on some economics theory, but on things I and millions like me were brought up with: an honest day’s work for an honest day’s pay, live within your means, put by a nest egg for a rainy day, pay your bills on time, support the police.”
And yet, my sense is that their focus on any Earthly efforts would very quickly fade…
“You know, Maggie, people just don’t get it down there. They’re so focused on self… what they can accomplish… how they are significant… how they must pursue their own path to happiness. They just don’t get it. Here, we don’t focus on self so much. And it’s amazing how freeing it is… how peaceful… how incredibly, incredibly beautiful.”
“Speak it, Ronnie. Speak it.”
“Love your faith, Margaret. Welcome. I’m so glad you’re here.”
Respectfully… always…
AR