And the song was a particular favorite of my brother, a devotee of labor and Irish nationalism, who, sadly, did not live to see that particular day himself.
So it was natural that I thought of that old song, and posted it here (and on my facebook page too, btw) on Monday.
I did get a little pushback though, particularly from a commenter who labeled herself "Feminist", who suggested that the song and my posting of it was just another example of guys picking on a strong woman. Well, I didn't think of it that way: I sure admire other "strong women", including Mistress. And in the political realm, there's Golda Meir or Hillary to think of, who's grown on me over the last few years.
And I never thought of Maggie as a feminist. There is that quote in which she says "feminism is poison" that comes to mind. It seemed that she saw "equality" as the enemy of "freedom", and was famous for a cabinet where she was the only woman at the table.
Indeed, if there ever was a political "Domme" it would seem to be England's first female prime minister, who seemed to have a sadistic edge, taking particular relish in belittling and humiliating her male opponents and colleagues. When she warned George H. W. Bush that he shouldn't go all "wobbly" on Saddam, wasn't that a a bit of public humiliation, questioning his manhood in an effort to get him to invade Iraq?
But in any event, I stumbled on a video yesterday showing that its not just the guys who have been throwing a little extra dirt on Maggie's grave these last few days. Here is Glenda Jackson, MP's stirring Parliamentary Tribute to the Iron Domme from the debate over a proclamation in her honor. If you can, stick around for the pronouncement from the Speaker that she was not "out of order"
(Here is a link to the video: Glenda Jackson on Margaret Thatcher. )
So now that we've put her to rest, so to speak, let's move onto what is up with Mistress's current quest for a little outside entertainment.
As mentioned here yesterday, she had arranged an after work "date" with a somewhat younger fellow who disclosed in their correspondence that he had attended my alma mater., though 20 years after me. Small world!
I anxiously awaited news from my office on how her date was going, at a bar just down the street. She ultimately texted around 6:30 pm that she was 'on her way". So what was the verdict?
"He was interesting, Slave... must have gone there on a golf scholarship. Had funny stories about golfing with Lou Holtz when he was being recruited." Of course, when I was there Ara Parseghian was the football coach and the game of golf had not yet been invented.
Enough of an impression was left that Mistress has arranged to see this young gentleman next Tuesday evening. And he was texting semi-salacious messages to her last night. So we will see how that develops.
"He's says he's not big on compliments, and is not all that open emotionally, Slave...."
"Yeah, sounds like your typical ND grad....but at least he recognizes his shortcomings."
"I told him no worries.....I am used to the whole Irish Catholic thing...."
In the meantime, there are two other potential suitors in the Q, awaiting that first "meet and greet". Once again this is getting a little crazy.
Stay tuned....
