Editorial: Margaret Thatcher a controversial but respected figure

Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, who died following a stroke on Monday at age 87, is known for being an often-controversial political figure who brought about extreme change in Britain’s economy and military.

Thatcher took office in 1979, at a time when high inflation, budget deficits and economic stagnation plagued Great Britain. In only one decade, the country had experienced a bailout by the International Monetary Fund, rising inflation and the “winter of discontent” — a season of widespread trade-union strikes and a worsening economy, including the weakening of the English pound.

The newly inaugurated prime minister swiftly designed economic policies intended to control inflation and reduce the power of unions. Thatcher shut down unionized coal mines that were losing money — which was perhaps a sensible financial decision, but it was also a choice that earned the fury of miners and led to massive strikes. She also reworked the struggling, post-war British welfare state.

Critics said that “Thatcherism,” which emphasized the conservative belief that hard work and personal responsibility are the keys to national success, was too harsh on the working classes and the poor. However, she privatized many government industries — including the telephone industry, which had been a complex and inefficient state-owned monopoly — ultimately launching Britain into modernity and competitiveness.

Despite the valid criticism of actions taken during her terms, Thatcher remains admirable for being a strong, effective leader who rarely compromised. She famously said, “I am not a consensus politician. I am a conviction politician.” And, while some degree of flexibility is often admirable in politicians, taking a firm stance leads to change and progress.

Current politicians, including President Barack Obama, could learn from Thatcher’s decisiveness and ability to generate sweeping change. She lead her country at the same time as equally strong-willed U.S. President Ronald Reagan, with whom she forged a transatlantic alliance. The two differed in their leadership styles, but both wanted to institute reform. Thatcher was effective at creating real policy changes.

In addition, Thatcher utilized the power of the British prime minister to its utmost potential. She caused radical, modernizing change in a country that had been bogged down by a sour economy and inefficiency, and her influence is still visible in Britain today.

And although Thatcher was vocally opposed to the feminist movement, she opened the door for other women worldwide to go into politics by insisting that she be judged on her own merits, not how she wore pearls. More and more women are realizing that they can enter politics and be judged according to the policies they enact. There are currently 79 women in the U.S. House of Representatives. While women are considered underrepresented in most areas of American government, and we certainly have a long way to go until we reach equality of gender, leaders like Thatcher — who was the first and so far only woman to serve as a British prime minister — will hopefully inspire more women to go into politics.

Although Thatcher was, and continues to be, controversial, hopefully the memory of her leadership and record of positive changes and accomplishments will inspire current and future politicians to adhere reasonably to their convictions and pursue meaningful change.