One Of Us?
The never ending media coverage about Margaret Thatcher reminded me of an old joke I heard at a trade union event many years ago. As I recall, it went something like this:
"A lifelong socialist and die-hard member of the Labour Party was on his deathbed, after a long struggle with ill-health.
The family gather round to pay the chap their last respects and the mood is solemn and subdued, until the old boy suddenly perks up and says:
"I've got an announcement to make. Last week I decided to tear up my Labour Party card and went out and joined the Tory Party!"
The eldest son, in a state of shock and feeling completelly betrayed asks:
"Dad, why in the world would you do something like that - you've been a member of the Labour Party all your life?"
"Because I'd rather one of them dies, than one of us" - answers his Dad.
Dumb, I know - completely stupid, childish as well - but it seemed funny at at the time, perhaps because it was not personal or directed at anyone in particular.
So all these people who are planning to dance on Margaret Thatcher's grave - and hold parties when her funeral takes place later today - are making themselves look completely ridiculous.
Because bitterness and hatred are such self-destructive emotions.
