By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
Early on Monday Morning, famed British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher passed away due to a stroke. Thatcher came to power at a time when the British Empire had unraveled, socialist experiments meant that the British government owned dozens of failing heavy industries, the USSR and its Warsaw Pact allies appeared to be on the verge of achieving military superiority over the West. Under Thatcher’s leadership, Britain divested itself of most of those failed nationalized experiments, embraced free market capitalism, modernized the long neglected British military, saw the USSR collapse, and won an unlikely war with Argentina after the South American nation invaded the Falkland Islands (a territory held by Britain).
Congressman Mo Brooks (R) from Huntsville said in a written statement, ““Margaret Thatcher was a great friend to the United States, and to all free people, everywhere. Throughout the darkest days of the Cold War, she stood alongside President Reagan, fighting unwaveringly for liberty and against the tyranny of communism and economic failures of socialism. The daughter of a grocer who rose to the highest elected office in her country, she knew the value of hard work and free enterprise. Her belief that economic freedom is dependent on personal liberty, and personal responsibility leads to national wealth, was so successful that it became known as ‘Thatcherism.’”
Congresswoman Martha Roby (R) from Montgomery said on Facebook, “Sad to hear of Lady Margaret Thatcher’s passing. Her tenacious, but graceful leadership as Britain’s first female Prime Minister was an inspiration to me and a whole generation of young women. The world needs more “iron” ladies like her.”
Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries John McMillan (R) said on Twitter and Facebook that Thatcher was, “Uncompromising. Resolute. Focused. Market-Driven. A Leader for the Ages.”
State Representative Kerry Rich (R) from Albertville said on Facebook, “I was saddened to hear of the passing of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, who I believe was one of the GREAT world leaders of our time. She spoke her mind, which is rare in politics. Some people didn’t like what she said, in fact many hated what she said and she followed it up with policies that backed up her words. There is no question in my mind to take the stands she took, took great courage. The only disappointment for me was that she wasn’t American where she could have been President of the United States. May God Bless you Mrs. Thatcher and Thank You.”
Alabama Representative Jack Williams (R) from Vestavia wrote, “Margaret “Lady” Thatcher leaves the world she served so effectively. She served with great honor and distinction. Thatcher and Reagan changed the course of the world without ever firing a shot. America salutes you Madam Thatcher. Thank you for you gracious service to England and the world.”
Former President George W. Bush (R) said, “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.”
Congressman Brooks said, “Margaret Thatcher was spot on when she noted that, ‘The trouble with socialism is that eventually you run out of other people’s money.’ America would do well to remember and heed her wisdom. She will long be remembered not only as the United Kingdom’s first female Prime Minister, but as one of its greatest leaders. Martha and I extend our deepest sympathies to Lady Thatcher’s family, and to the people of the United Kingdom.”
