Blair wants history to judge him, but the police are first in line

[struggle4progress]

Simon Jenkins

In such cases I always recommend defenestration. The public loves it. Wrestle the victim up the Downing Street stairs, open the sash, a quick push, a scream and splat. History dusts its suit, straightens its tie and goes back to work.

The killing of Thatcher in 1990 rescued the Conservatives and brought them the biggest popular vote in history. The dropping of Churchill, Eden and Kinnock revitalised their respective parties. The failure to “window” John Major in 1995 was a disaster for the Tories. British politics is far too kind. As a certain Tony Blair keeps saying, we lack the courage to face change.

Last week Blair lost the one thing no leader should ever lose: the initiative. The highest office in the land is at the mercy of a policeman ...

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/columnists/simon_jenkins/article1323813.ece

[necso]

1. Although the root of

defenestration is fenestra (Latin for "window"), defenestration has an additional (and distinct) meaning of falling (jumping; being pushed/thrown) from a height (especially a height adequate to kill).

Therefore, I would argue that falling (jumping; being pushed/thrown) from any (adequate) height is also an appropriate usage. And the roof of a building being (by definition, if not by as-can-be-easily-accessed) the highest point, there is a greater height involved -- and therefore more time to enjoy the spectacle.

[rwenos]

2. Separated by a Common Language

Gee, can't you guys just throw him under the bus? Do you have to make defenestration jokes?

(I dunno. Is this a Brit thing?)

[MasonJar]

3. Oh, history will judge him and his pal, Georgie Porgie, but it will

not be kind.

[Demeter]

4. I Was Dreaming About the Real Thing There

You had me going...