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Tony Blair: Labour Party's Greatest Ambassador

In the days following 9/11 I first heard, really heard, the Prime Minister of Britain speak. He was so forthright, so earnestly on the side of good in this world, and such a warming force to the hearts of Americans who were in dire need of a solid friend. It took a while for the full picture of Tony Blair to form for me... My God! This man is a social democrat! He is the first and probably will be the last social democrat that I've ever revered. Tony Blair is a study in how contradictions can sometimes gently fold together into wonderful works of art and wonderful artistic moments in history.

As I catch up on my reading of the Weekly Standard tonight, I was struck by this article by Irwin M. Stelzer: "Labour's Pain... and Blair's Achievement." Here's an excerpt but the entire article is a must read for anyone who admires Prime Minister Blair:

"To students of social democratic history in Europe, this was only one of several striking changes from the days when Labour nationalized the coal, steel, airline, oil, and other industries in an effort to control the commanding heights of the economy. Blair told the delegates that he would continue reforming the public services so that parents can choose from a menu of specialized schools the one best suited to the needs of their children, and would "break down the old monolith" that is the state-operated National Health Service and "bring in new providers, allow patients choice" of doctors and hospitals."

You know, I think PM Blair might just be able to get school vouchers passed if he were in the US Congress. What possible excuses are on the Republican side of the aisle for being unable to do so even with a majority in both houses... Where's OUR Blair?

Comments

Anonymous said…
YOUR "Blair" can't hold a candle to the REAL Blair. I've seen Blair and the Prez talk side-by-side. Bush is a grade-schooler by comparison. Eloquent. Not. Concise. Not. If only Bush could orate like Reagan. I'd have to move to Canada.
10/08/2005 01:54:00 AM
Rena Bernard said…
Sure wish I'd seen Blair in real life! I'm jealous. ;) I think most Conservatives wish for another Reagan. He was such a visionary. But in the meantime, I'll take Bush even though he stumbles around a bit... at least he's earnest and that counts for quite a lot in my book too.
10/10/2005 04:53:00 PM
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