Maggie's Farm ...cont

[caddyman]

I have to say that while I was appalled by the outburst of venom and hatred that followed the death of Mrs T on Monday, I find myself equally appalled by the unbalanced hagiography that is now developing to make her into a latter day saint.

I don't understand why Parliament has ben recalled at great expense today when they would have been back for free on Monday anyway, before the funeral, and could have paid their respects (or otherwise) then.

Equally, it may well be, as Hague states, that the taxpayer can afford to pay £10m towards the funeral costs. But why? 'Can afford' and 'Should afford' are not the same thing.

And the wisdom of paying during a period of austerity, particularly when the subject herself didn't want a State Funeral (the distinction between a State and Ceremonial Funeral is parlous) because, amongst other things, it's a waste of money.

Moderation cuts both ways: I didn't like the one side's venomous celebration and I don't like the other side's obsequious canonisation.

Comments

[glassfinger]

Yes, I've noticed some articles so revisionist as to border on fiction. I can only assume that either the writers were not around when the dragon was in power or they've been paid/threatened. Why else would they be kissing the corpse's kiester?

[mathcathy]

I agree with you. Absolutely and completely.

[keith-london.livejournal.com]

I think it's perfectly appropriate for parliament to pay tribute to one of its best parliamentarians. She didn't choose to die during parliament's recess. And 15p per person for a funeral sounds pretty damn cheap to me. :-)

[pauln.livejournal.com]

Of course it's appropriate for them to pay tribute. No question about that.

Why couldn't they wait until Monday, when they were all going to be back anyway?

[keresaspa.livejournal.com]

Ken Loach said it best - "put it out to competitive tender and accept the lowest bid. It's what she would have wanted."

[keith-london.livejournal.com]

Good question! Alistair Campbell (on Newsnight) thought it could be some sort of Tory conspiracy to try and wrong-foot Labour. I just wondered if it was really more to fit it in during a quiet week, before her funeral.

[jfs.livejournal.com]

I'd rather my 15p went towards something worthwhile, thanks.