Classic Spikey! I never thought of replying to my own posts. Good work.

I would never call Margaret Thatcher 'bizarre', or a historical figure (yet). In fact, as well as being alive, she seems to be quite active in helping her daughter defend those golliwog quotes.

The subject of this thread exemplifies the arguments
of those who insist that there is no such thing as
objectivity in online discussions.

The moment anyone begins to look critically at the
posting methods used online it becomes unacceptable for
one or another camp of posters.

The suggestions no matter how well intentioned are seen as
condemnation, and explanations are not acceptable.
People are reluctant to modify their judgements and the
result becomes a complete breakdown in communication.
Which is unfortunate. Because something constructive
could have resulted if people were prepared to listen.
But, I guess that's human nature. We see things subjectively.

As for Maggie Thatcher... she certainly was protective of her
daughter:

"I can't understand the fuss about student grants.
Carol managed to save out of hers. Of course, we
paid for her skiing holidays."

My favourite of Thatcher's quotes is:

"Tact is the ability to tell a man he has an open mind
when he has a hole in his head."

Houellebecq, Wednesday, 4 February 2009 11:46:08 AM

"I think we would all like to hear more about Margaret Thatcher."

Houellebecq, Wednesday, 4 February 2009 12:36:10:

"I would never call Margaret Thatcher 'bizarre', or a historical figure (yet). In fact, as well as being alive, she seems to be quite active in helping her daughter defend those golliwog quotes."

Seems like you learned a great deal about the Iron Maiden in 50 minutes.

Nothing like answering your own posts, eh? Are you sure you're not Col Rouge in drag?

daggett: << ...would you care to join me in the forum discussion "Bush's legacy" at http://forum.onlineopinion.com.au/thread.asp?article=8484#134015 ? >>

James, I have no more intention of dignifying your crackpot conspiracy theories now than I have in the past. Clearly, you're enfuriated because I refuse to feed what I regard as a delusional obsession, and also because I identified your use of sockpuppet accounts with which to subject this forum to more than your share of space in order to rant on about it. The kindest thing I can say that these are your problems, not mine.

As for Col's "dearest Margaret", I've never thought of her as bizarre - more like horrible, dangerous, and nowadays increasingly irrelevant. Sort of like Bronwyn Bishop with a brain. Mind you, I did briefly share quarters in the PNG highlands a couple of decades ago with a crazy Dutchman who reckoned she had nice legs.

Bronwyn - full marks for trying, but I really don't think that poor Meredith is capable of understanding your points. I'd prefer to put it down to a lack of education, rather than intelligence. If she sticks around and tries hard she might eventually understand what you're trying to say.

Sorry examinator, but the thread seems to have already strayed irrevocably from the topic. I have endeavoured to be as polite as possible :)

Dear examinator,

Thank you for starting this thread. I for one
have learned something from it, especially
after having re-read some of our posts and our
various reactions.

I would bet that from now
on, whether we'll admit it or not, we're going
to be a lot more aware of how we post.

And, I think even getting us to discuss the subject
was an achievement in itself. A lot of issues were
aired that needed airing, and you gave us the
opportunity to do that. So, once again - Thanks.

Houellebecq “Col,

I think we would all like to hear more about Margaret Thatcher.”

Houellebecq , I have left a note for you on the
“Terrorism and how it affects everyday life and how to stop the flow of terror” thread

which I see you found….

And yes, she was an extraordinary woman.

As to “socialist/left”, her view was resolute in understanding the dangers

"When all the objectives of government include the achievement of equality - other than equality before the law - that government poses a threat to liberty."

she had an extraordinarily well developed sense of what matters and their priority in the scheme of things re

“Economics are the method; the object is to change the soul.”

In which she basically subordinates the materialistic to below the spiritual.

Foxy claims to a Thatcher Quote

“Tact: Ability to tell a man he's open-minded when he has a hole in his head.”

Nope – F G Kernan

(I thought it was too “brutish” for dearest Margaret…)

Like you misascribed another quote

"Ego, is God's gift to little men.”

not Margaret Thatcher, Harry Truman.

But regarding the socialists / left obsession with pointless collective ownership and meddling in the private lives of the electorate she said

“We want a society where people are free to make choices, to make mistakes, to be generous and compassionate. This is what we mean by a moral society; not a society where the state is responsible for everything, and no one is responsible for the state.”

Baroness Thatcher is astute.

Of woman and men, she saw them as equal contributors to the greater whole of “the individual family”

For instance regarding where women could not compete with men, in the military front line

"Women have plenty of roles in which they can serve with distinction: some of us even run countries. But generally we are better at wielding the handbag than the bayonet."

Houellebecq, I hope this enhances your appreciation of a woman who the likes of Spikey is not fit to stand in the shadow of.