csteele,

I did not state or imply that all was “above board”. It was War. Argentina committed an act of war on the British territories by invading and occupying the Falkland Islands and South Georgia.

War is always full of political and military skullduggery, not to mention lots of killing. The sinking of the General Belgrano was acknowledged by the Argentineans as a “legitimate act of war”. It was and remains a stain on the Argentinean Navy for the acts of incompetence and cowardice inflicted on their own fellow seamen.

The Belgrano was engaged in the constant probing of the 200 mile total exclusion zone, she was told to piss off and was sunk when she failed to desist.

After the attack on the Belgrano the entire Argentinean Navy returned to Port and never re-engaged the British. Job done.

It did leave the Argentinean Navy with the same reputation as the Italian military in WWII though, cowards.

As for the missing HMS Courageous Con Room running log, wouldn’t have a clue, what’s your point? She went to back base in Scotland for refit shortly after, you wouldn’t believe the things that “get lifted” in the dockyard. I’ve seen two ton AR88 radar units disappear!

The contents of the running log are a subset of the Captains Log and the Ships Log, no information was ever lost nor was it ever alleged there was, just a bit of political mileage from the Labor opposition. See what happens when you pick up the wrong end of the stick?

My whole point is that there are so many on OLO prepared to present half a story, distort events or try to create a mystery or conspiracy theory because they are too lazy or too silly to think for themselves.

So if you have a point please make it, I’ll do my best to answer it, otherwise you will naturally slide into the category of conspiracy theorist.

And all this to besmirch a dead Lady who can’t defend herself, gutless cretins.

spindoc,

"...gutless cretins..."

Well, deary me! What happened to this sentiment?

http://forum.onlineopinion.com.au/thread.asp?discussion=5710&page=0#159002

I'm intrigued that you and others are carrying on as if Margaret Thatcher represents nothing more than a frail old lady who has succumbed.

Of course, her deeds and legacy are going to be discussed in the wake of her death. If she'd been a no-one, there wouldn't have been a thread put up

Why shouldn't we have recourse to discuss her policies without being labelled "gutless cretins"?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poll_tax

(Inventing "Total Exclusion Zones" outside the usual provisions of maritime law, and torpedoing a ship outside that "zone" who didn't "piss off" when requested is more the action of gutless cretins, imo....)

The memory of any major
political figure on their death, and in this case, such a
controversial one as Margaret Thatcher, will in most
cases exemplify the arguments of those who insist that
there is no such thing as "objective history."

In discussing her, one camp may glorify her, another,
may prefer to remember her achievements,
whilst others will point out the flaws. The historian can
establish that an act took place on a certain day, but this
by historical standards constitutes only chronology. The moment
that a historian begins to look critically at motivation,
circumstances, context, or any other such considerations,
the product becomes unacceptable for one or another camp
of readers.

Explanations seem tantamount to sympathizing and excusing.
This can often result to a complete breakdown of
communication - especially if people are reluctant to
modify their judgements.

History will judge this controversial lady.
And of course I do not have a problem with anyone expressing
their opinion of her on this thread.

My reason for starting this thread - was simple.
To simply acknowledge the end of an era, and the passing
of one of the most forceful Prime Minister's that the
UK ever had. A politician to be recknoned with, as I stated
in my opening post. Love her or loath her - but ignore her
nobody could.

May she rest in peace.

Belly,

I’ve read all your posts on this thread and have come to a number of conclusions.

<< Those demanding respect for the old bird >>

I disagree; in fact I can’t find anyone on this thread demanding respect for her. What I do find is that many people like me suggesting that whatever you think of Maggie’s record, basic human decency should record her passing with respect. Surely you can be gracious enough to those who loved her and those who respected her?

No one is demanding that you love or respect her but what sort of person launches into ideological vilification because they don’t agree with their politics after they are dead?

Secondly, many on this thread have pointed to the fallacies from the Maggie haters upon which such hatred has been based, most of it as evidenced is simply not true, just imagined. The mantra comes from those who feed out the bile; surely you have a bigger heart than that.

Thirdly, it is obvious that you know little of the person, the politics or the challenges faced by the British people. For three elections, the British were so appalled by what the trade union movement was doing to them and their country, they voted for Maggie in her own right. You can take it or leave it, but the majority of British people disagree with you totally.

Your comments give you away, they are based upon an ideological position that Maggie held the trade unions to account with the majority support of the British people. Maybe you don’t like that but who are you to tell them they were wrong?

I think you have the terrors that this will happen in Australia. A new government coming will have a Royal Commission into the Trade Unions and expose them for what they are. Thomson, Williams, Wilson and Gillard are about to destroy any remaining public confidence in your movement.

You see only your ideological foundations, you are out of ammo and you have become sour, mean, nasty, bitter and lacking grace. How sad

Dear Poirot,

I'm sorry that my thread has caused you to
be attacked simply for stating your opinions.

The only excuse I can offer is that - the death
of a famous figure, is an emotive issue
and can bring out huge passions
in people.

It will pass and you certainly are entitled
to your opinion.

Take care.

one thing the post has demonstrated is that it is impossible from all sides of politics to look at history with no presuppositions. Only God who has already written out the beginning and end of this world is capable of that.