Today, when we watch the courageous actions of women who stand for conservative values in this country, we often bring up names like Sarah Palin, Ann Coulter, and Michelle Malkin. These women often gallantly rebuke the feminist fallacies and liberal lies of today in ways that make people proud not just to be men or women, but proud to be Americans.
It is not just their smiles, their wit, their skirts, or their grit that make these women ladies of interest, but the culmination of these tantalizing factors with the all-important center-piece of conservative values that make their thoughts, struggles, and victories interesting to the world and of value to public discourse.
As is the case with men, the women of today who champion conservative values owe a great deal to the stalwarts that precede them. Those that have not only battled the socialistic minions of their times, but have also forged a historic path that leads to defeating enemies of freedom with superior values. Despite my ever-eager desire to highlight Americans in these positions of distinction, when it comes to a contemporary display of leadership through conservative values, much can be gained by remembering the work of England’s Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
Thatcher became the prime minister in the 1980’s during an economic slump and period of national malaise. Her party name, “The Conservative Party,” was a reflection of her values, and she spent her time fighting the trade unions and championing her beliefs in the free market. If you take a stroll among the video archives of the many interviews Thatcher took part in with the liberal mouth pieces of the 1980’s, you see the same classic confrontations as today: apathy vs. innovation, victimization vs. accountability, and pessimism vs. optimism.
Despite being the first female prime minister in the country’s history, there was never a concern of whether or not she could carry the mantle of power in England, and her strong verbal debates during the rambunctious procedures within the House of Commons contributed to her nickname “Iron Lady.” While some in England floundered on the issue of fighting communism, Margaret Thatcher acted with bold clarity on her belief in the dangers of the Red Menace and stood against the Soviet Union for the betterment of her country. Unlike the flaccid nature found within the U.S. administration today, Thatcher refused to embolden the terrorists of her time by showing fear and apathy. Even after narrowly escaping an assassination attempt by IRA terrorist bombers on October 12, 1984, at the Grand Hotel in Brighton, England, Thatcher never flinched in her stance on strong national security.
There is little wonder that a leader of such quality would find an ally such as Ronald Reagan. Reagan, who was also rejuvenating a nation suffering from recession and liberal dysfunction, together with Thatcher, did more than perpetuate a continual relationship between countries that have shared so much history together; they showed the world the economic and social rewards of flowing conservative values.
Thatcher spoke at length about the values of personal responsibility and standing up for what you believe in, and she embodied her beliefs for her terms as prime minister of England. It could be argued that beyond the grit of Winston Churchill, the Union Jack has never flown with such bold grace in modern times as it did under the guidance of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, a truly remarkable woman.
Dr. Paul A. Ibbetson is a former Chief of Police of Cherryvale, Kansas, and member of the Montgomery County Drug Task Force. Paul received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Criminal Justice at Wichita State University, and his PhD. in sociology at Kansas State University. Paul is the author of several books and is also the radio host of the Kansas Broadcasting Association’s 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011 award winning, Conscience of Kansas airing across the state.
