Does the UK Have Smarter Politicians?
Fredösphere ·
Jul 27, 2011 at 8:27am
Yes, she gave this speech in the freedom of retirement. Yes, it's before an educated, and friendly, audience. Yes, it's Thatcher giving the speech. But still, I ask you: could--would--a major politician in the US deliver a speech like Margaret Thatcher's 1996 Nicholas Ridley Memorial Lecture, loaded with learned allusions and clever--nay, brilliant--images?
- "It is, of course, flattering to learn that we are all Thatcherites now. In fact, the Road to Damascus has never been more congested."
- "Yet would "Labour ruin it"? Apparently not, if you believe some people. If you'll forgive the medley of metaphors, the light has dawned, the ground has shifted and whole lexicons of indigestible words–like socialism, equality and public ownership–have been eaten."
- "Those who once warned of the dire consequences of daring to stand up to the Soviets can now be found explaining that the Kremlin was never in any case more than a zoo for paper tigers."
- "In fact, only the Czechs practised this process of lustration against senior Party members; and perhaps it is significant that the Czechs have since gone furthest in creating the structures of liberty."
- "Three choices–but all adding up to one choice–the age-old choice–between the rugged grandeur of liberty and the ignoble ease of dependence. And, yes, that is a moral choice."
Who in the US speechifies at this level?
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Comments :
Nov '10
Re: Does the UK Have Smarter Politicians?
Who in the UK speechifies (love this word) like this today? Margret Thatcher was one of a kind.
Mar '11
Re: Does the UK Have Smarter Politicians?
Although he is too Liberal for my taste, David Cameron in the UK gives excellent speeches, usually without a teleprompter, sometimes without notes, or even extemporaneously. Also Tony Blair.
Other politicians in the UK who speak well - William Hague (Foreign Secretary) and Michael Gove (Education Secretary).
In the US, err, nobody comes to mind. The articulate ones are in talk radio.
So, yes, the UK does have smarter politicians - or, at least, more articulate. The education system has a lot to do with it - Oxford and Cambridge, debating societies, and such. Plus, real debates in Parliament, as opposed to the fiascoes in the US House and Senate, and a President who only does 3 fake TV debates before an election.
Btw, keep an eye on Louise Mensch as a potential future Mrs Thatcher, and currently in dispute with Piers Morgan over the UK phone hacking scandal.
Edited on Jul 27, 2011 at 1:46amSep '10
Re: Does the UK Have Smarter Politicians?
Flip to the Lord of the Rings DVD -- the Extended Editions and watch the interviews with the cast. All the American actors have the "ums" "likes" "yeahs" "ya knows" and other gesticulations of the youngest generation. They don't sound articulate or impressive when not reading a script.
Then, watch the interviews with Cate Blanchett. The difference is remarkable, and I believe she's originally from Australia. David Williamson gets it exactly right.
And, without giving away any trade secrets, some of us are using it to business advantage every single day.
Sep '10
Re: Does the UK Have Smarter Politicians?
Alas, I cannot think of any US politician remotely like Thatcher, either in speech or in thought, since Reagan. It reminds me of one of our debates about Sarah Palin a few months ago: while she has her virtues, she is simply not in this league. Neither is Bachmann.
Aug '10
Re: Does the UK Have Smarter Politicians?
Lovely words, but to what end ?
Jun '10
Re: Does the UK Have Smarter Politicians?
True. There isn't much liberty or freedom in the UK as there was in Ms. Thatcher's day. I'd rather have freedom than nice words about freedom.
Nov '10
Re: Does the UK Have Smarter Politicians?
It isn't just the intellectual sophistication of the speech that impresses, but the purity of vision that backs it.
It shames me to admit that, many moons ago, floating about in my left-wing bubble, I thoughtlessly accepted the leftist caricature of Thatcher; that is, I dismissed her as an eccentric harpy.
Now I read her electrically-charged words, and marvel at how often I find myself in perfect agreement with her.
I also fear, looking at Britian today, that the following has been prophetic:
"And the reefs of interventionism are no less dangerous, and the sirens of financial profligacy no less alluring, than they were in the past [...] And to understand–and explain–why that is so we have to appreciate the fact that socialism is not dead; it is not even asleep; it is visibly stirring. In fact, we may well be fast approaching one of those rare occasions in our affairs when a small deviation to right or left brings huge rewards or the gravest dangers."
Jan '11
Re: Does the UK Have Smarter Politicians?
Lady Thatcher is a giant! It is worth studying her monumental contribution to Great Britain starting in 1979 following their "winter of discontent" and their 30+ years of Socialism at the end imprisoned by trade union power among many economic ills. Her speeches are great and her quick come-backs in Parliament during PM's Question Time are great entertainment. (To what end? Communication, education, inspiration.) Tony Blair's speech to the joint session of Congress (July 17, 2003) was not too shabby either. Contemplate Lady Thatcher, Sir Winston Churchill and our own Ronald Reagan. This is/was true greatness! Who today stands half as tall?
Aug '10
Re: Does the UK Have Smarter Politicians?
I was born conservative but the Baroness always gave me the creeps.Still does a little. I prefer Blair.