Mo's Legacy

And so, thankfully not without warning, former British Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Mo Mowlam passed away this morning. The plaudits from across the political spectrums in Britain and Ireland, almost all positive, offer interesting information on what people value in others.

That seems to be: clarity of expression, respect for people and focus on results.

Mo was unstuffy. She put her feet up on the table, hugged politicians and called a spade a spade (or something similar). More than anything, she didn't let petty arguments detract her from the big picture.

There's a lesson in there for us all. Yesterday I was in a minor debate with someone who just couldn't see my point. You know the sort of thing - when nothing you say will move them, the shutters are down.
The Big Thing in these situations, as I'm sure Mo would attest, is to sow your seeds, be respectful, keep your eyes on the horizon, and hope for tomorrow.

Let's keep Mo's memory alive in how we treat each other.