When will Labour learn that you cannot build Jerusalem in Brussels.
Margaret ThatcherRead
I think our support for the EEC has been very half-hearted. You really cannot join any group of nations and spend all your time criticising it. The EEC is free Europe getting together. Had we had some vision like that after the first world war , we might never had the second ... my son does not have to go and fight as his father had to fight. Surely that is the most valuable thing of all, the reason for keeping Europe together.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Margaret Thatcher emphasizes the importance of unity among European nations to prevent conflicts and ensure peace.
In this quote, Margaret Thatcher reflects on the necessity of a cohesive European community, suggesting that half-hearted support for such alliances undermines their purpose. She draws a historical parallel to the aftermath of World War I, implying that if there had been a vision for unity at that time, the subsequent war might have been avoided. The peace and security that come from this unity are portrayed as invaluable, particularly in the context of her son's ability to live without the fear of war.
Themes
UnityPeaceEuropeVisionHistory
In practice
Example use cases
In a speech about European integration, one might use this quote to highlight the importance of commitment to unity.
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