'No state funeral' for Thatcher (She is still alive)

The Scotsman.com ^ | 8-9-2006 | Staff

[Colonel Kangaroo]

'No state funeral' for Thatcher TONY BLAIR has ruled out the possibility of former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher being given a state funeral.

A spokeswoman for Number 10 said: "All that we can confirm is that there are no such plans and it is not appropriate to comment further."

Mr Blair's stance on funeral arrangements for Lady Thatcher, 80, was revealed after a reported protest by Rosie Cooper, MP for Lancashire West, over reports that civil servants in the Cabinet Office were drawing up detailed plans for a state funeral for the ex-Tory leader. Miss Cooper wrote to Number 10 saying that some of her constituents were appalled at the idea.

John McTernan, Mr Blair's political secretary, replied saying that he could confirm that there were no such plans.

Tory MPs have accused Mr Blair of using his stance on Lady Thatcher's funeral arrangements to appease left-wing Labour MPs.

Lady Thatcher, who is reported to be in good health, was prime minister from 1979 to 1990.

This article: http://news.scotsman.com/politics.cfm?id=1156202006

Last updated: 09-Aug-06 12:08 BS

[Howlin]

Of a great woman and human being.

[Colonel Kangaroo]

Thank you for correcting my mistake. I apologize for alarming people. I just was so sore about the contents of the story I didn't think about how the title would look.

[Harmless Teddy Bear]

Is it customary for state funerals to be discussed BEFORE the former head of state passes on?

Yes.

State funerals are very elaborate affairs that take months of planning to do right. Usually the moment a head of state steps into office plans for his funeral are put in place.

Now that would be quick return to reality for the newly elected.

"Congratulations Madam Prime Minister! Now who do you want as your pall bearers? And do you prefer lilies or roses?"

[msnimje]

Does SHE have any say in the matter? Perhaps she does not want a state funeral.

[spectre]

Outrageous!

They are going to regret not giving her a State Funeral, when Dignitaries come from all over this world to pay their respects to one of Britain's greatest...

sw

[Hunble]

You will donate some extra money to Free Republic at the next fundraiser.....

Yikes, you have any idea how much Americans love Lady Thatcher?

[mjolnir]

In reality, all the article says is, "All that we can confirm is that there are no such plans and it is not appropriate to comment further" It's the headline and first sentence that come to the conclusion that there will not be one. Saying that there aren't any plans, doesn't mean they won't or can't plan one after she dies.

Let's hope that's the case.

Regardless, even if the motives of Blair aren't clear yet, the motives of the Left are. What unadulterated viciousness they command.

All I can say is, she deserves the very best. What a great, great woman.

[Irish Rose]

In America, all presidents are granted state funerals by law. A former president or his family may decline - but no politician can ban a president from having a state funeral. As a commander in chief of the armed forces, every president is given a slew of military honors also.

Sheesh, what do the Brits do for their prime ministers when they die?

[nuconvert]

"All I can say is, she deserves the very best. What a great, great woman."

Absolutely

[and thanks for fixing my typo ;~ ) ]

[ashamedtobefromparkridge]

A friend of mine works for the Royal Family.

Plans for the Queen's funeral are in place although the tough old broad has a long way to go.

Side note. When Queen elizabeth goes Bush or whoever is president will attend the funeral. Probably the only royalty member the president will attend the funeral of.

When William marries the President will attend. When Harry marries the first lady will.

[ashamedtobefromparkridge]

If you asked me for my list of most admired women in my lifetime. Lady Thatcher is right up there near or at the top.

[Irish Rose]

Talk about bringing somebody down to earth.

It is morbid, putting funeral plans in place as soon as a man takes office. But then, the whole institution of the vice presidency is based on the same morbid practicality. Now, supposing you die...

[Dianna]

Clinton's was leaked out and it was going to be some lavish celebration with like 72 virgins carrying his casket back to Little Rock or some such nonsense.

Are you certain? I'd almost swear that the story was that Clinton hadn't made any plans at all, which would put the people who had to make arrangements in an awful position.

[Dianna]

Actually, he never did one.

Thanks Howlin for confirming my memory!

[Dianna]

Although I was a soldier in the American Army, I pulled every string possible to be a part of that war.

Would you give me a thumbnail sketch of what this war was about? I honestly don't know a thing about it.

[Dave W]

Well, technically, the Prime Minister is not the head of state, it is the Queen.

So when, the United Kingdom had a state dinner in W's honor several years ago, the invitations were sent out under the Queen's name and she hosted W. Queen Elizabeth is the one who made the toast. Blair was sitting nearby acting interested.

When Bush reciprocates with a state dinner, he will be inviting the Queen and not Blair. Blair can tag along if the Queen wants him to.

[onyx]

Speechless.

[Tall_Texan]

Howlin is always nearby as my fact-checker. LOL

[Chode]

this one's on my Reagan wall...

[Howlin]

He thinks he's immortal, ya know?