At least this thread provides a bit of balance for the unctuous and evasive tributes on the BBC, and undoubtedly in the press

When a person dies at an advanced age someone always says "Don't mourn the death, celebrate the life". With Margaret Thatcher it's the other way round. No point in celebrating her death, every point in mourning the life that preceded it.

She had some impressive qualities. That was what enabled her to do so much harm. She set us on a path that we are still going down today, and "down" is the right word.
She didn't do it on her own, any more than Pinochet or Mussolini did. The real blame lies with the people who cheered her on, and even more with the Blair machine that consolidated her "achievements".

The other thing people say when someone dies is "We shall not look upon their like again". Please God that is true of Margaret Thatcher.