Two former U.S. Presidents and other elected leaders provided statements on the passing of former British Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, who died Monday, April 8.
“Laura and I are saddened by the death of Baroness Margaret Thatcher. She was an inspirational leader who stood on principle and guided her nation with confidence and clarity. Prime Minister Thatcher is a great example of strength and character, and a great ally who strengthened the special relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States. Laura and I join the people of Great Britain in remembering the life and leadership of this strong woman and friend.” -- Former President George W. Bush
"Barbara and I were deeply saddened to learn of Baroness Thatcher's passing, and extend our heartfelt condolences to her children and loved ones. Margaret was, to be sure, one of the 20th Century's fiercest advocates of freedom and free markets -- a leader of rare character who carried high the banner of her convictions, and whose principles in the end helped shape a better, freer world. The personal grief we Bushes feel is compounded by the knowledge that America has lost one of the staunchest allies we have ever known; and yet we have confidence that her sterling record of accomplishment will inspire future generations. May God bless the memory of Margaret Thatcher." -- Former President George H.W. Bush
“The passing of Prime Minister Thatcher marks the end of an era in which bold conservative values faced down tyranny and oppression to open the doors of freedom and democracy for countless people around the world. Prime Minister Thatcher served with grace, dignity and an "iron" will. Her legacy will inspire new generations to embrace the conservative principles that promote political and economic freedom. Please join Anita and me in sending our thoughts and prayers to Prime Minister Thatcher's family.” - Texas Gov. Rick Perry
"Today the world mourns the loss of an extraordinary leader, the great Margaret Thatcher. Utterly fearless, she never once went wobbly. Rejecting the failures of socialism, she won the argument for liberty, and her name is synonymous with the policies that restored peace, prosperity, growth, and stability at a time when it seemed like the United Kingdom had none. It was truly a Providential blessing that she served alongside President Ronald Reagan and Pope John Paul II -- together the three of them stood unshakable, defended humanity, and won the Cold War without firing a shot. Her magnificent intellect and unwavering work ethic helped her become Britain's first and only female prime minister -- an ascent that wasn't a matter of breaking through the glass ceiling, but simply refusing to acknowledge its existence. The world will forever be in her debt; Lady Thatcher was one of kind. Long live the memory of our dearly departed Iron Lady." - U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz
"Margaret Thatcher was one of the great world leaders of the last half of the 20th century," she said. "She loved the US and visited here many times, marveling at our entrepreneurship and free enterprise. The US had no greater ally than Margaret Thatcher." - Former U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison
"Formidable in every respect, Margaret Thatcher was a steadfast defender of liberty, a fierce advocate of freedom, and a great friend to the United States. She never hesitated to remind Americans of our own obligations to the cause of freedom and the need for political courage to do what is right in the face of overwhelming adversity. Today, Americans and all freedom-loving people around the world mourn her passing. We will remember Lady Thatcher not only as the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, but as a transformative figure who revitalized her country and stared down tyranny. She was a loving mother, a devoted wife, and a supporter of liberty. May she rest in peace, and may we honor her memory through an unwavering commitment to freedom and individualism." - Sen. John Cornyn
