May 5, 2009
Thirty years ago this week, Margaret Thatcher was elected prime minister of England. Along with Ronald Reagan, who would be elected the following year, and Pope John Paul II, these three were instrumental in bringing down the Soviet communist block. Reagan and Thatcher ushered in an economic recovery many thought impossible.
Thatcher had more strength than most of her male colleagues, which is why they conspired to dump her as party leader in 1990. But for the eleven years she served as Britain’s first and only female prime minister, she brought Britain back from economic and social collapse.
Liberals have worked to undo her successes, but they have only partially succeeded. American liberals are trying to do the same through President Obama. Let’s hope they do not succeed.
Thatcher wasn’t about finding new ideas. She was content with old ideas that proved their worth; after all, there is nothing new under the sun. She deserves every honor and David Cameron, the current party leader, has pledged to follow her example if elected next year. Let’s hope so and let’s hope a leader like Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan emerges in the Republican Party in America.
Cal Thomas is a nationally syndicated columnist based in Washington, D.C.
