Margaret Thatcher, R.I.P.?

[Lost Leopard Spot]

Oh dear... looks like I wasn't the only one then.

http://www.bigtop40.com/
Live iTunes Top 10
1 Judy Garland (Et Al.) Ding-Dong! the Witch Is Dead.
2 Duke Dumont Need U (100%) [feat. A*M*E].
3 Nelly Hey Porsche.
4 Pitbull Feel This Moment (feat. Christina Aguilera)
5 P!nk Just Give Me a Reason
6 Justin Timberlake Mirrors
7 Bastille Pompeii
8 The Saturdays What About Us (feat. Sean Paul)
9 Bruno Mars When I Was Your Man
10 Taylor Swift 22

Apparently it's going to be top ten this weekend in the official chart. Having never charted before in it's 70+ years of existence.......

In this crazy capitalist markets driven world, every dog will eventually have it's day I guess!

just debating on the news whether the BBC should play it or not!

Does this mean I'm a trendsetter?
First time ever probably.

[mummywhycantieatcrayons]

pencilbiter, stop it with the first elected female leader of a world power in history. We've had this debate elsewhere, and I remember you lost.

This revised formula is the result of that helpful conversation!

[mummywhycantieatcrayons]

For me, all of this is more interesting than the question of comparing her to Atlee. Though some questions do occur to me there - did Harold Wilson, the Labour PM in 1967 when Atlee died, ask the Queen for any kind of state funeral? Had Atlee himself been asked what he wanted? If so, what was it? What did his family want?

Attlee [sic] was cremated. You don't need a gun carriage for the remains. He did have an impressive Westminster Abbey funeral service. See http://www.britishpathe.com/video/earl- ... e-of-memor" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; .

surely you only put [sic] if you are quoting someone else's mis-spelling - not if you have actually corrected it??

Monty couldn't bring himself to type my misspelling.

I wish I could claim a typo, but I see I did it three times... now I think about it, it did look wrong!

[Lost Leopard Spot]

pencilbiter, stop it with the first elected female leader of a world power in history. We've had this debate elsewhere, and I remember you lost.

This revised formula is the result of that helpful conversation!

Ok, I'll take your word f'rit. (too difficult to check back as I'm ont'phone).

[Montreal Wanderer]

For me, all of this is more interesting than the question of comparing her to Atlee. Though some questions do occur to me there - did Harold Wilson, the Labour PM in 1967 when Atlee died, ask the Queen for any kind of state funeral? Had Atlee himself been asked what he wanted? If so, what was it? What did his family want?

Attlee [sic] was cremated. You don't need a gun carriage for the remains. He did have an impressive Westminster Abbey funeral service. See http://www.britishpathe.com/video/earl- ... e-of-memor" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; .

surely you only put [sic] if you are quoting someone else's mis-spelling - not if you have actually corrected it??

Monty couldn't bring himself to type my misspelling.

I wish I could claim a typo, but I see I did it three times... now I think about it, it did look wrong!

Indeed, the sic was just to giver young Pencilbiter the gears. He'll never get it wrong again now.

[Lord Kangana]

noted rabid leftie and thatcher-hater, Peter Oborne, thinks the in-all-but-name state funeral for Maggie is a mistake...

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/politic ... stake.html

I agree with some of what he says.

If I were advising the Queen, I would advocate a very conservative approach to constitutional matters.

For example, I thought it was a terrible idea for HM to attend a cabinet meeting last year.

I do feel that the Queen's advisers are between a bit of a rock and a hard place on this question, however.

If she hadn't agreed to this, that would have been a statement in itself, to many people, and would have brought opposition of a similar strength to that which has met the decision to grant the ceremonial funeral.

It had occured to me that if Labour had been in power, their Prime Minister could simply have decided not to ask the Queen, as appears to be the protocol http://www.parliament.uk/briefing-papers/SN06600.pdf" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; (of course, a Conservative PM is not free within his own party to decide this), thus letting HM off the hook.

The plot thickens, however, when you discover that it was Tony Blair's Labour government that did indeed ask the Queen's permission in advance, back in 2006. http://www.guardian.co.uk/politics/2013 ... er-funeral" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

What then was the Queen to do? The request for this 'divisive' woman came from the opposing party, for goodness' sake?

For me, all of this is more interesting than the question of comparing her to Atlee. Though some questions do occur to me there - did Harold Wilson, the Labour PM in 1967 when Atlee died, ask the Queen for any kind of state funeral? Had Atlee himself been asked what he wanted? If so, what was it? What did his family want?

I ask these questions despite thinking the comparison is lacking in other ways. State/ceremonial funerals have a strong military element, and Atlee was never involved in any war in which British territory and the protection and self-determination of British citizens was at stake. Likewise, Atlee was not the longest serving PM since 1827, nor was he a major first of the order of 'first and only female PM of the UK' and 'first elected female leader of any major power in history'.

You do Attlee a massive disservice. Whilst most of the Tory party plotted and intrigued against Our Winston for much of the duration of the war (after all, its was Halifax's turn don't you know old boy), Attlee (along with Herbert Morrisson) stood four-square behind, or indeed shoulder-to-shoulder with Churchill, and provided much of his strength and power base for the duration, putting aside petty political squabbles.

And then, despite standing against the most popular Prime Minister this country has ever known (perhaps one of the most universally "liked" on the planet in all history) and despite the country and its Empire on its knees and falling apart and in extreme penury, he not only won an epic, unheralded landslide, he managed to implement a change for the benefit of absolutely everyone in this country, a change so far-reaching and popular that even the darling of the right, and a woman who self-admittedly didn't agree with consensus, Magaret Thatcher, was afraid of touching. And it still stands to this day, just.

And he didn't have to fight a gimme colonial war 8000 miles away, he was in the thick of it during a proper war that meant something to the future of this country.

Apart from that though, I take your points.

[a1]

Live iTunes Top 10
1 Judy Garland (Et Al.) Ding-Dong! the Witch Is Dead.
2 Duke Dumont Need U (100%) [feat. A*M*E].
3 Nelly Hey Porsche.
4 Pitbull Feel This Moment (feat. Christina Aguilera)
5 P!nk Just Give Me a Reason
6 Justin Timberlake Mirrors
7 Bastille Pompeii
8 The Saturdays What About Us (feat. Sean Paul)
9 Bruno Mars When I Was Your Man
10 Taylor Swift 22

every gayer and non gayer alike knows that "we represent the lollipop guild" is the jam from that film.

for shame , record buying public, for shame..

although maybe that's more suited for when scargill croaks

[Lost Leopard Spot]

Live iTunes Top 10
1 Judy Garland (Et Al.) Ding-Dong! the Witch Is Dead.
2 Duke Dumont Need U (100%) [feat. A*M*E].
3 Nelly Hey Porsche.
4 Pitbull Feel This Moment (feat. Christina Aguilera)
5 P!nk Just Give Me a Reason
6 Justin Timberlake Mirrors
7 Bastille Pompeii
8 The Saturdays What About Us (feat. Sean Paul)
9 Bruno Mars When I Was Your Man
10 Taylor Swift 22

every gayer and non gayer alike knows that "we represent the lollipop guild" is the jam from that film.

for shame , record buying public, for shame..

although maybe that's more suited for when scargill croaks

That would indeed be very appropriate music on the death of Scargill. So much so that I've made a note on my phone in that regard.

[BWFC_Insane]

I see the debate over whether the Beeb should play ding dong in the chart on Sunday or not rages on. It's looking like it will be top 5 at least.



And it is argued here that it shouldn't be played....http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/musi ... ay-it.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Take a look at the photo of the author who argues this, and tell me that having seen said photo you can agree with anything he says? Because I think I was slightly torn (only slightly) but his face has made my mind up.

Play it. And cos it's so short play it thrice. And make Neil listen to it, up fooking loud!

[mrkint]

Isn't it a bit odd to be recalled to Parliament to 'pay tribute'?

[Bruce Rioja]

I see the debate over whether the Beeb should play ding dong in the chart on Sunday or not rages on. It's looking like it will be top 5 at least.



And it is argued here that it shouldn't be played....http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/musi ... ay-it.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Take a look at the photo of the author who argues this, and tell me that having seen said photo you can agree with anything he says? Because I think I was slightly torn (only slightly) but his face has made my mind up.

Play it. And cos it's so short play it thrice. And make Neil listen to it, up fooking loud!

[Worthy4England]

I see the debate over whether the Beeb should play ding dong in the chart on Sunday or not rages on. It's looking like it will be top 5 at least.



And it is argued here that it shouldn't be played....http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/musi ... ay-it.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Take a look at the photo of the author who argues this, and tell me that having seen said photo you can agree with anything he says? Because I think I was slightly torn (only slightly) but his face has made my mind up.

Play it. And cos it's so short play it thrice. And make Neil listen to it, up fooking loud!

To add some balance, the BBC had the guy who's Facebook site supported this on the Telly this morning.

They put him up against that perjuring bankrupt Jonathan Aitken and the pouting shagbandy Edwina Currie.

Both telling the nation how we should react and act.

I'm going to take a moral steer of those two, sure as night is day.

Fcuking classic.

[BWFC_Insane]

I see the debate over whether the Beeb should play ding dong in the chart on Sunday or not rages on. It's looking like it will be top 5 at least.



And it is argued here that it shouldn't be played....http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/musi ... ay-it.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Take a look at the photo of the author who argues this, and tell me that having seen said photo you can agree with anything he says? Because I think I was slightly torn (only slightly) but his face has made my mind up.

Play it. And cos it's so short play it thrice. And make Neil listen to it, up fooking loud!

To add some balance, the BBC had the guy who's Facebook site supported this on the Telly this morning.

They put him up against that perjuring bankrupt Jonathan Aitken and the pouting shagbandy Edwina Currie.

Both telling the nation how we should react and act.

I'm going to take a moral steer of those two, sure as night is day.

Fcuking classic.

I saw a bit of Question Time last night. It reaffirmed my faith in Ken Clarke. I'm not a Tory (shocking I know) and I didn't agree with everything Clarke said.

But god how I wished he'd come to power at some point. I might, just might have voted for him!

[Worthy4England]

I see the debate over whether the Beeb should play ding dong in the chart on Sunday or not rages on. It's looking like it will be top 5 at least.



And it is argued here that it shouldn't be played....http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/musi ... ay-it.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Take a look at the photo of the author who argues this, and tell me that having seen said photo you can agree with anything he says? Because I think I was slightly torn (only slightly) but his face has made my mind up.

Play it. And cos it's so short play it thrice. And make Neil listen to it, up fooking loud!

To add some balance, the BBC had the guy who's Facebook site supported this on the Telly this morning.

They put him up against that perjuring bankrupt Jonathan Aitken and the pouting shagbandy Edwina Currie.

Both telling the nation how we should react and act.

I'm going to take a moral steer of those two, sure as night is day.

Fcuking classic.

I saw a bit of Question Time last night. It reaffirmed my faith in Ken Clarke. I'm not a Tory (shocking I know) and I didn't agree with everything Clarke said.

But god how I wished he'd come to power at some point. I might, just might have voted for him!

I have no major problems with Clarke either (shock number 2)

[Gary the Enfield]

I see the debate over whether the Beeb should play ding dong in the chart on Sunday or not rages on. It's looking like it will be top 5 at least.



And it is argued here that it shouldn't be played....http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/musi ... ay-it.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Take a look at the photo of the author who argues this, and tell me that having seen said photo you can agree with anything he says? Because I think I was slightly torn (only slightly) but his face has made my mind up.

Play it. And cos it's so short play it thrice. And make Neil listen to it, up fooking loud!

To add some balance, the BBC had the guy who's Facebook site supported this on the Telly this morning.

They put him up against that perjuring bankrupt Jonathan Aitken and the pouting shagbandy Edwina Currie.

Both telling the nation how we should react and act.

I'm going to take a moral steer of those two, sure as night is day.

Fcuking classic.

I saw a bit of Question Time last night. It reaffirmed my faith in Ken Clarke. I'm not a Tory (shocking I know) and I didn't agree with everything Clarke said.

But god how I wished he'd come to power at some point. I might, just might have voted for him!

I have no major problems with Clarke either (shock number 2)

He was second only in his stout defence of Maggie to....... Ming Campbell!!!!

Don't usually bother with Question Time, to be fair but last night was pretty good.

[BWFC_Insane]

He was second only in his stout defence of Maggie to....... Ming Campbell!!!!

Don't usually bother with Question Time, to be fair but last night was pretty good.

Clarke's defence of Thatcher was slightly apologetic though at least they avoided the stereotypical raving right wing media nutjob they usually manage to find from somewhere last night.

[Gary the Enfield]

He was second only in his stout defence of Maggie to....... Ming Campbell!!!!

Don't usually bother with Question Time, to be fair but last night was pretty good.

Clarke's defence of Thatcher was slightly apologetic though at least they avoided the stereotypical raving right wing media nutjob they usually manage to find from somewhere last night.

Did you miss her official biographer then? Chap on the end, foaming at the mouth? Not Blunkett.

[BWFC_Insane]

He was second only in his stout defence of Maggie to....... Ming Campbell!!!!

Don't usually bother with Question Time, to be fair but last night was pretty good.

Clarke's defence of Thatcher was slightly apologetic though at least they avoided the stereotypical raving right wing media nutjob they usually manage to find from somewhere last night.

Did you miss her official biographer then? Chap on the end, foaming at the mouth? Not Blunkett.

He was relatively calm I thought. And not some raving nut job. Though I only caught the first half. For once it was nice to have just a little balance.

[mummywhycantieatcrayons]

Which biographer did they have on? Was it John Campbell (who had a very pronounced stutter the one time I met him)?

[BWFC_Insane]

Which biographer did they have on? Was it John Campbell (who had a very pronounced stutter the one time I met him)?

Charles Moore.