Maggie/915

Moral outrage or the odd fact does not constitute an argument. Like everyone Margaret Thatcher had her good points however she upset an awful lot of people. Personal viewpoints of people in our community are historical records for the future. Well done to everyone who has been brave enough to post and subject themselves to the one line put down or the moral outrage.

We respect others viewpoints even if we disagree in principle. Sometimes we act hastily. A well argued opinion is valued. Bob Dylan sang 'You are right from your side and I am right from mine. It's just one to many mornings and a thousand miles behind.

Excellent post Cyril.

The Guardian today is worth a look. King Ironsides by Posy Simmonds an exclusive 16 page Grantham fairy tale. Also Thatcher's Britain: the reckoning Number of Miners in England and Wales 1980 230,000 1990 57,000 2004 6,000

Golden Globe Awards! Red Carpet stuff.

That is exactly what Mark Steel said yesterday in the I newspaper! No one wanted to tell any story, it was as if his audience collectively passed a motion that said ' I think you'd best move on to another subject'. One woman later told him how hard life had been. But she said they had been lucky, two close friends had commuted suicide after the steelworks closed. People prefer to forget.

After a week of hero worship in the media, I am left wondering seriously about silence! When something is unfair do we use humour or anger and then is silence a stage beyond. I put this topic in the History section because that is where I think it should go! However on the basis that History is written by the victor, is that what we have now. Anyone who disagrees is made to feel bad because ' we should never speak ill of the dead' Bedlington has a unique position, our mines were closed before others. The 84 struggle and seeing life change has affected us all. My memory is of a government saying it made sense to make miners redundant because we did not need the coal. Then they opened opencast mines. We all know people who never worked again and claimed whatever they needed to. Ok they could have got on their bikes but that is not easy without help. In seeing that there are always two sides to any argument, I have very very mixed feelings. Where did society learn to mistrust? Who gains! For a mining community your life depended on your Marra! One person cannot be blamed. The life we remember was one where most of your neighbours would help!

The next generation historians. Well done Malcolm and others. The filming looks fun and I think I even recognise a Ridge Terrace wall! Take care when filming the road.

Maybe this idea could be used in Bedlington. Sadly there are not that many shops left.

I would buy a copy of your book Orloff. People voted the conservatives into power, and your views on The Blair government are relevant. Does Power corrupt? Another point to discuss. Keith you have some amazing life experiences. Maggie Thatcher in death as in life has the power to divide us all.

Sadly it is the I today! Pity would have enjoyed the Guardian, but have not read Sat yet!. No time, three little horrors to look after. Going to see the Pitmen Painters with them tonight. Maggie Thatcher quote 'I am extraordinarily patient, provided I get my own way in the end' Tony Benn has some good thoughts. Have not seen or heard Billy Bragg yet.

Enjoyed listening to your interview with Paul Mann. It is very long!

These are great examples of our shared humour. Sometimes they get us into trouble. Basically no offence intended.

On Twitter Kathryn Tickell has an article that is a personal viewpoint on Margaret Thatcher and her policies, I have tried and failed to post it on here. Tim Chipping is the author The NE jokers have said that Thatcher was only in Hell for a few hours and already she had closed down three furnaces. Once again humour used in a way that could inflame controversy but if you lost out during her reign you may find it helps

The vicarage is a lovely old house.

In the House of Commons our MPs disagree and then go and have a drink together. Perhaps we should do the same. Slogans like 'Coal not Dole' add simplicity to the argument. Questions like 'Did she start a class war' would divide us all. Strong government with a dark side! An MP once said to me the solution is always difficult, you clean up the river for the fish and the factory closes and people are out of a job. So what is the answer? Some people are just waiting to be offended, they read the news and see clearly what is wrong, but what is the answer. As I said at the start this Lady created a Marmite effect. Love, hate, respect! The question of humour occurs on almost every forum of this site. There is a lot that could offend but we all accept the sincerely held viewpoints of others.

The issues are important and serious. I agree with her being afforded every respect but she did upset an awful lot of people. People often use humour to help them when they feel helpless. In politics everyone is under the microscope, sadly all to often they fail to live up to a high ideal. Contrast our industrial base with Germany. I would welcome comments about her that are positive, I am sure lots of people have lots to say. That is our democracy

Beat you by five minutes Symptoms. Just as we'll we all have a sense of humour!

Brilliant Shappi Khorsandi says sniff but she gave us alternative comedy. I keep thinking of Spitting Image ' and what are the vegetables having' Reply 'they will have the same as me'

Sarah Millican says that the miners can dance today! Ross Noble is moaning that in rural Austrailia he is going to miss the street parties. Brian Appleton says Maggie Maggie Maggie Out Out Out.

History topic Maggie Thatcher died today A very controversial figure. She attracted hate and respect in possibly equal measure! Her policies changed our lives forever!

Maybe of interest if you cannot get to visit the new lady in our midst. I think this summer and after we are going to find rather a lot of visitors in the area. We may even have to complain about Bloody Tourists.

And you tell the kids these days and they just don't believe you! Apologies to the four Yorkshire men and Monty Python.

And we have just beaten Fulham.

Best wishes and remember