Wouldn't it be nice if we allowed Baroness Thatcher some dignity?

I'm an old-fashioned soul, I suppose, in that I believe that people have a right to maintain a degree of privacy and dignity. Yes, there are exceptions to that rule, particularly where individuals have sold their soul to the media in pursuit of fame and fortune, but in principle, I believe that people should be treated with respect.

So, I was horrified to see pictures of a fragile looking Margaret Thatcher in the entrance to a private hospital propped up by two people as if to demonstrate that yes, she was still alive. Why was it necessary for there to be cameras outside the hospital anyway?

Lady Thatcher hasn't been a very active Parliamentarian for some time which, given that she's eighty-seven, isn't that unreasonable. And, undoubtedly, her health has been less than perfect for some time - Ros doesn't think that she's seen her in the Chamber since the Queen's Speech.

So, why not leave her in peace? I know that she's a bit of a hate figure for some people, but she's a harmless old woman now, and even she deserves to be left alone to enjoy her final years as much as she is able to.

One day, we'll be old and frail, and worried about retaining our dignity. It would be nice to think that we might be as thoughtful to others...