How to assess the passing of Lady Thatcher?
By any means of measure this is an incalculable loss -- a loss to western civilization; to democracy; to Anglo-American common sense; to all the values, customs and traditions that we hold dear.
Perhaps it's best to begin by quoting the sentiments expressed by President George H. W. Bush:
"Barbara and I were deeply saddened to learn of Baroness Thatcher's passing, and extend our heartfelt condolences to her children and loved ones. Margaret was, to be sure, one of the 20th Century's fiercest advocates of freedom and free markets -- a leader of rare character who carried high the banner of her convictions, and whose principles in the end helped shape a better, freer world. The personal grief we Bushes feel is compounded by the knowledge that America has lost one of the staunchest allies we have ever known; and yet we have confidence that her sterling record of accomplishment will inspire future generations. May God bless the memory of Margaret Thatcher."
And from George W. Bush:
" Laura and I are saddened by the death of Baroness Margaret Thatcher.
"She was an inspirational leader who stood on principle and guided her nation with confidence and clarity.
"Prime Minister Thatcher is a great example of strength and character, and a great ally who strengthened the special relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States.
"Laura and I join the people of Great Britain in remembering the life and leadership of this strong woman and friend."
And from Benjamin Netanyahu:
"Today I mourn the passing of Prime Minister Baroness Margaret Thatcher. She was truly a great leader, a woman of principle, of determination, of conviction, of strength; a woman of greatness. She was a staunch friend of Israel and the Jewish people. She inspired a generation of political leaders. I send my most sincere condolences to her family and to the government and people of Great Britain."
And from current conservative British Prime Minister David Cameron:
"Today is a truly sad day for our country. We've lost a great prime minister, a great leader, a great Briton. As our first woman prime minister, Margaret Thatcher succeeded against all the odds. And the real thing about Margaret Thatcher is she did not just lead our country, she saved our country. And I believe she will go down as the greatest British peacetime prime minister.
"Today is obviously a day we should most of all think of her family. We've lost someone great in public life, but they've lost a much-loved mother and grandmother and we should think of them today."
Indeed, reactions are pouring in from around the world.
Margaret Thatcher stands as a towering figure -- a woman who set a example worthy of emulation as a leader; as a warrior for democracy, capitalism and the free enterprise system: as a human being; as a woman and as a proud daughter of Great Britain and citizen of the free world.
Lady Thatcher was keenly aware of the lessons that history teaches. As Britain's longest-serving Prime Minister she learned those lessons well and she did not hesitate to apply what she learned over and over again. But more importantly, she was a great teacher of those lessons. She was a extraordinary communicator -- a woman who knew how to reach, teach and inspire ordinary people. She was able to do this because she never forgot who she was: a grocer's daughter who understood struggle and rejection but who always, always retained a sense of self-worth, common decency and determination that allowed her to triumph over all. And as she triumphed she unleashed a capitalist revolution that brought so many others along with her.
She remains one of the genuinely great figures of the 20th Century. And those of us who lived through her rise and her reign are truly blessed.
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