Britain’s first female prime minister, Margaret Thatcher, was honored in a ceremonial funeral service at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. Thatcher died of a stroke on April 8, aged 87.
Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip were among the more than 2,000 mourners who attended the service.
At least 170 countries were represented among them.
President Obama sent … nobody.
Many viewed the snub as evidence of Obama’s disregard not only for the Iron Lady, but also for the Special Relationship that, until Obama took office, had flourished between the US and the UK. I am among them.
Daniel Hannan, who represents England in the European Parliament tweeted a thanks to Canada’s Prime Minister Stephen Harper for attending the funeral in person.
Others retweeted and added their own sentiments:
- Apologies, sir.
- RIP Dear Lady.
- We hope you know the sadness of US @ loss. Not all are as insensitive as some DC politicians.
- Many Americans were there in spirit.
- We are ashamed of our President’s lack of respect for Prime Minister Thatcher.
- He couldn’t even send Biden, or Michelle, or even Kerry.
- Way to “restore America’s standing in the world”, Mr. Obama. (2008 campaign promise)
- “Words are easy, like the wind; Faithful friends are hard to find.” – William Shakespeare
There were some Americans at the funeral:
Former Vice-President Dick Cheney, former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and former U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich. Former First Lady Nancy Reagan was unable to attend in person, but sent a representative.
Source: