Perspectives from an English Historian who just happens to be Gay, Catholic, and a Democratic Socialist. Now back in the UK after 20 years of living in the United States. The Blog is eclectic in covering all these sides of my Life. Follow on Twitter at PaulBHalsall
Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Mrs. Thatcher's State Funeral
There has been a recent hullabaloo in the UK press about a statement (made in Tony Blair's absence) that Mrs. Thatcher would NOT be accorded a state funeral.
Let's be clear here: there is no clear definition of a state funeral. Since World War II, of non-royalty, only Winston Churchill had an official state funeral. Diana's funeral was not officially a state funeral.
Let's be clear again. Many of us have cause to detest Margaret Thatcher. Whatever renown she has acquired since her forced resignation, many Britons cannot and will not forgive her class war against the British Trade Union movement. Millions suffered: some of us left the country.
But, in historical terms, Thatcher is of indubitable importance in British history.
She should get a state funeral. But people should be allowed to spit at the hearse.
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