Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher passed away Monday at the age of 87.\u00a0 The iconic conservative led her country by embracing free markets and individual liberties.\u00a0 She held office for 11 years \u2014 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.<\/p>\n
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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.\u00a0 Imagine greeting Ronald Reagan at the gates.\u00a0 I have little doubt it would be uniquely warm and reflective…<\/p>\n
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\u201cThe race is over, Maggie.\u00a0 We\u2019re done down there.\u00a0 So welcome!\u00a0 It\u2019s absolutely great here,\u201d <\/em>says the former president with that squinted-eyed smile.<\/p>\n \u201cBut Ronnie, there is so much more to do.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cThe question is not whether or not there\u2019s more to do, Margaret; the question is whether or not you used your time well.\u00a0 Have you used your time on Earth well?\u00a0 It\u2019s limited, you know.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n At that point perhaps Reagan would remind his British counterpart of her many wise words and her impact beyond liberty in London…<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cBeing powerful is like being a lady.\u00a0 If you have to tell people you are, you aren’t.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n “Pennies don\u2019t fall from heaven \u2014 they have to be earned here on Earth.”<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The two would undoubtedly pause and mutually \u2018amen,\u2019 as they then methodically recollect Thatcher\u2019s comments on socialism \u2014 especially noting how more and more persons in the 21st century are naively dismissive of socialism\u2019s persistent, lasting perils.\u00a0 Why has socialism become so attractive to some?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Said Thatcher…<\/p>\n \u201cTo cure the British disease with socialism was like trying to cure leukemia with leeches.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n … or…<\/p>\n “The problem with socialism is that eventually you run out of other people’s money.”<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Ronnie and the infamous Iron Lady would then acknowledge some of Thatcher\u2019s comments which were funnier for what they didn\u2019t say, as opposed to what they did…<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou and I come by road or rail, but economists travel on infrastructure.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cTo wear your heart on your sleeve isn’t a very good plan; you should wear it inside, where it functions best.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cAny woman who understands the problems of running a home will be nearer to understanding the problems of running a country.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Most of all, no less, my sense is that Ronnie and Maggie would note Thatcher\u2019s poignant sharing of truth…<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWhere there is discord, may we bring harmony.\u00a0 Where there is error, may we bring truth.\u00a0 Where there is doubt, may we bring faith.\u00a0 And where there is despair, may we bring hope.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n “My policies are based not on some economics theory, but on things I and millions like me were brought up with:\u00a0 an honest day\u2019s work for an honest day\u2019s pay, live within your means, put by a nest egg for a rainy day, pay your bills on time, support the police.”<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n And yet, my sense is that their focus on any Earthly efforts would very quickly fade…<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cYou know, Maggie, people just don\u2019t get it down there.\u00a0 They\u2019re so focused on self… what they can accomplish… how they are significant… how they must pursue their own path to happiness.\u00a0 They just don\u2019t get it.\u00a0 Here, we don\u2019t focus on self so much.\u00a0 And it\u2019s amazing how freeing it is… how peaceful… how incredibly, incredibly beautiful.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cSpeak it, Ronnie.\u00a0 Speak it.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cLove your faith, Margaret.\u00a0 Welcome.\u00a0 I\u2019m so glad you\u2019re here.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Respectfully… always…<\/p>\n AR<\/p>\n Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher passed away Monday at the age of 87.\u00a0 The iconic conservative led her country by embracing free markets and individual liberties.\u00a0 She held office for 11 years \u2014 longer than any other British leader in the 20th century; in the opinion of a strong and vocal many, Margaret Thatcher … <\/p>\n