Pray for Ms. Iron Lady

Ms. Margaret Thatcher, former British Prime Minister, died today.

The Irish Times: Former British prime minister Margaret Thatcher dies following stroke

Ms. Thatcher was a legendary woman, called Iron Lady. I know her only in a film named “The Iron Lady”, which is a very impressive movie.

I think her death is symbolic for some meanings.

First, she is the first Prime Minister, in England, and rarely successful woman in the world of politics. In the United States, there has not been female President. In Japan, there are few female politicians. Ms. Makiko Tanaka, who is one of the most famous female politicians in Japan I mentioned in a past entry, lost her seat in the last general election.
Ms. Thatcher retired in 1992. After 20 years, political battlefield is still tough for women.

Second, Ms. Thatcher survived a stormy era. She brought a victory for Britain in Falklands War. She allied with USA to perish Soviet Union. I guess these triumphs encouraged British people strongly.
She was the top of the conservative party. But her policy is similar to neo-liberalism. After the success of her policy making, neo-liberalism (or neo-conservatism) was spread all over the world.
However, the world has changed. Some people claim the limitation of neo-liberalism. “Occupy Wall Street” movement in the USA occurred. In France Mr. Nicolas Sarközy, who was a neo-liberalist as past President, had lost in the election against Mr. François Hollande. Mr. Sarközy was accused with doubt of illegal political campaign financing.

Ms. Thatcher was suffering from dementia in her old age. The movie “The Iron Lady” describes her solitude in later age scrupulously. Mr. Ronald Wilson Reagan, former President in USA also contracted Alzheimer’s disease. Vital politicians live long lives, so their later years are not always robust. Younger talents are likely to bear more frequently in the modern age. It is difficult to choose the point of retirement correctly. I pray Ms. Thatcher may rest in peace.


(*sequel)