Thatcher's Legacy

[...aplomb]

Being one of Thatcher's children, I feel fairly fixed in my contempt for Margaret Thatcher. And perhaps naively, I often assume that this is the general consensus. I'm always surprised when friends and colleagues who I consider to be level headed individuals have positive things to say about her legacy.
My own view is that she fostered a culture of economic individualism which goes against the grain of the basis of humanity which I believe to be co-operation, sharing, and compassion. She pitched us all against each other by declaring that there was 'no such thing as society', merely a collection of individuals. For a person who apparently espoused such fervent conservative ideals as family values and traditional British values, she did more than any other prominent figure to disolve them entirely. Consequently, we live in a society where people have very little regard for their fellow human beings and take very little responsibility for their actions.
I make my stance clear and I'm not ashamed of that; it would be interesting to see what other perspectives people hold on Thatcher's legacy and where it has lead us as a society...

[Albion 69]

Thatchers 'no such thing as society' comment is often quoted but when put in context ....

"I think we've been through a period where too many people have been given to understand that if they have a problem, it's the government's job to cope with it. 'I have a problem, I'll get a grant.' 'I'm homeless, the government must house me.' They're casting their problem on society. And, you know, there is no such thing as society. There are individual men and women, and there are families. And no government can do anything except through people, and people must look to themselves first. It's our duty to look after ourselves and then, also to look after our neighbour. People have got the entitlements too much in mind, without the obligations. There's no such thing as entitlement, unless someone has first met an obligation."

....i think it becomes clear what she was driving at . I would agree with her it is up to each individual to make the most of their abilities , relying on the State to solve all our problems conveniently relieves us of our responsibilities /obligations . The result of this can be seen in the huge numbers of people who now (after 11 years under Labour) live off the state this has now become generational .

[pauli007001]

Thatchers 'no such thing as society' comment is often quoted but when put in context ....

"I think we've been through a period where too many people have been given to understand that if they have a problem, it's the government's job to cope with it. 'I have a problem, I'll get a grant.' 'I'm homeless, the government must house me.' They're casting their problem on society. And, you know, there is no such thing as society. There are individual men and women, and there are families. And no government can do anything except through people, and people must look to themselves first. It's our duty to look after ourselves and then, also to look after our neighbour. People have got the entitlements too much in mind, without the obligations. There's no such thing as entitlement, unless someone has first met an obligation."

....i think it becomes clear what she was driving at . I would agree with her it is up to each individual to make the most of their abilities , relying on the State to solve all our problems conveniently relieves us of our responsibilities /obligations . The result of this can be seen in the huge numbers of people who now (after 11 years under Labour) live off the state this has now become generational .

Well put albion,freedom is responsibility and the ability to strive towards your individual goals without government interference or assistance!We all have the wrong idea of what a government should do.It is sad to see so many leaving school with no idea how to do anything exept complain that the Govt is not doing enough,Well i say they (the individuals)are not doing enough(for themselves)!!!!My son is 18 and his education/career building is going swimmingly,he made contacts followed up asked questions etc etc and has a nice future in Avionics,all done himself no help from the government all paid for by his father.He did it,no one else has any excuse(he is Dyspraxic and has Asbergers)!!!!!!!!!!

[Albion 69]

Well put albion,freedom is responsibility and the ability to strive towards your individual goals without government interference or assistance!We all have the wrong idea of what a government should do.It is sad to see so many leaving school with no idea how to do anything exept complain that the Govt is not doing enough,Well i say they (the individuals)are not doing enough(for themselves)!!!!My son is 18 and his education/career building is going swimmingly,he made contacts followed up asked questions etc etc and has a nice future in Avionics,all done himself no help from the government all paid for by his father.He did it,no one else has any excuse(he is Dyspraxic and has Asbergers)!!!!!!!!!!

The drive and passion to better ones self is sadly lacking in too many people these days . Elements of the Welfare State encourage reliance on others and idleness , rewarding those that contribute least to society.

You must be a very proud father Pauli , the US of A is certainly one place that still rewards and encourages people to do it for themselves fulfilling their potential ... no wonder you moved out there !

[pauli007001]

The drive and passion to better ones self is sadly lacking in too many people these days . Elements of the Welfare State encourage reliance on others and idleness , rewarding those that contribute least to society.

You must be a very proud father Pauli , the US of A is certainly one place that still rewards and encourages people to do it for themselves fulfilling their potential ... no wonder you moved out there !

It is possible in the UK also, my lad lives in the UK and i am proud of him!
The ability to overcome any difficulty lies with the individual,to expect the state to fix all your problems is at the very least lazy!
Thatcher tried to instill a sense of personal pride and responsibility in people,B Liar and NU LAB try to instill a sense of dependance on the government, my son and i prefer to take responsibility for our own actions.Now my Daughter...there is a different matter!!!!!!!!:D

[Citizen Smith]

Being one of Thatcher's children, I feel fairly fixed in my contempt for Margaret Thatcher. And perhaps naively, I often assume that this is the general consensus. I'm always surprised when friends and colleagues who I consider to be level headed individuals have positive things to say about her legacy.
My own view is that she fostered a culture of economic individualism which goes against the grain of the basis of humanity which I believe to be co-operation, sharing, and compassion. She pitched us all against each other by declaring that there was 'no such thing as society', merely a collection of individuals. For a person who apparently espoused such fervent conservative ideals as family values and traditional British values, she did more than any other prominent figure to disolve them entirely. Consequently, we live in a society where people have very little regard for their fellow human beings and take very little responsibility for their actions.
I make my stance clear and I'm not ashamed of that; it would be interesting to see what other perspectives people hold on Thatcher's legacy and where it has lead us as a society...
I don't like Thatcher, but i won't pretend too know much about her time in power. Privatisation and the falklands were bad though ..... in my opinion.

[Albion 69]

the falklands were bad though ..... in my opinion.

In what way were they bad ?