This demand for respectful silence in the wake of a public figure’s death is not just misguided but dangerous. That one should not speak ill of the dead is arguably appropriate when a private person dies, but it is wildly inappropriate for the death of a controversial public figure, particularly one who wielded significant influence and political power. “Respecting the grief” of Thatcher family’s members is appropriate if one is friends with them or attends a wake they organize, but the protocols are fundamentally different when it comes to public discourse about the person’s life and political acts.
Tonight’s truth is quick. Mostly because I’m tired and almost stupefied. I’ll do my best…
I’m saddened, disappointed, and disgusted by people who agree with Greenwald as quoted here. His statements imply that public figures are somehow less human than private persons. I realize many do feel that we hold public figures to higher standards than private persons, but really, in my heart of hearts, I don’t think *I* do… and I really wish others didn’t. I realize I’m kind of inviting criticism by saying this, but I like to think — and I try to embody the belief — that ALL humans are equal… private or public, male or female, Christian or Muslim or Buddhist or atheist, gay or straight or somewhere in between, WHATEVER.
So, NO – I do NOT think it’s appropriate to say rude and disrespectful things about Thatcher and her family. I do NOT think it is appropriate to celebrate her death.
I personally feel that many of her political ideologies and actions were reprehensible and even cruel. I can’t say I’ve *ever* been a fan of Thatcher’s. Her polices hurt many people and offended far more. But for crying out loud — she was a HUMAN being and we at least deserve to give her and her family some peace. She was a mother, sister, daughter, and many other things in addition to being a former prime minister. She also had the fortitude and bravery that few other women have had, particularly for the time period. I don’t applaud her beliefs or her politics, but I do applaud her gumption as a strong and willful female leader.
Can we separate the woman from her politics? Can we see her as a person? Is that too much to ask from fellow human beings?
I don’t think it’s *ever* right to celebrate another person’s death, no matter how horrible that person was — yes, even if that person was bin Laden.
