RIP: Molly Ivins, 62
Molly Ivins, the colorful Texas columnist who achieved a national audience when President Bush went to the White House, has died at age 62 of breast cancer. Her book "Shrub : The Short but Happy Political Life of George W. Bush" (co-authored with Lou Dubose) was published before the November 2000 election; Amazon calls it "a comprehensive examination of Bush's professional and political life that's a lively read."
I feel her departure in a way that I didn't feel Tom Brokaw's or Dan Rather's. I feel her death in a way that I didn't feel Ed Bradley's. She was a writer -- not a TV journalist -- a woman and southerner, to boot. Her writing made me laugh, helped me rethink assumptions, and sometimes caused a pang of homesickness.
Her editor at Creators Syndicate writes:
Molly Ivins is gone, and her words will never grace these pages again -- for this, we will mourn. But Molly wasn't the type of woman who would want us to grieve. More likely, she'd say something like, "Hang in there, keep fightin' for freedom, raise more hell, and don't forget to laugh, too."...
But there was more to Molly Ivins than insightful political commentary packaged in an aw-shucks Southern charm. In the coming days, much will be made of Molly's contributions to the liberal cause, how important she was as an authentic female voice on opinion pages across the country, her passionate and eloquent defense of the poorest and the weakest among us against the corruption of the most powerful, and the joy she took in celebrating the uniqueness of American culture -- and all of this is true. But more than that, Molly Ivins was a woman who loved and cared deeply for the world around her. And her warm and generous spirit was apparent in all her words and deeds
You can learn more about Molly at The Texas Observer, which she co-edited 1970-76:
Despite her failing health, and an impending ice storm, Molly insisted on being driven to the Observer's most recent public event in early January so she could thank our supporters. Observer writers are useful, she explained to the crowd, in much the same way as good hunting dogs. Turn them loose, let them hunt. When they return with their prey, pat them on the head, say a few words of praise, and set them loose to hunt again.
For the time being, The Texas Observer's web site will be dedicated to remembering Molly, her work, her wit, her contributions to the political discourse of a nation. We invite readers to submit their own thoughts and recollections, to say a few words of praise. Then, we will return to the hunt.
What is your favorite Molly Ivins column or witticism? I love the hunting dog analogy above (doh! I included it). Was Molly the person who popularized "that dog don't hunt"?
Over on Newsvine, two columns have been highlighted: Some Kind of 'Manly' (Nov 2005) and Why New Orleans is in Deep Water (Sept 2005).
I was touched by her column about Ann Richards. However, my favorite column always seemed to be "this week's" -- I made sure to read the op-ed section of the Seattle Times on Mondays, because that was the day they ran Molly's column. Not surprisingly, she went out calling for action: Stand Up Against the Surge (11 Jan 2007).
Original timestamp: 8.33 pm Pacific
Comments
Molly was smart and funny–I always laughed out loud when I read her column and I always learned something, too. She will be missed for her humor and honesty and integrity.
Molly Ivins was my she-ro. Brilliant, funny and REAL. She will be missed.
I did not appreciate Molly Ivins. It was not her attack on the Republicans and the President that bothered me. It was her advocacy of every socialist left wing issue that did.
I wish she would have used her talents to advocate liberty instead of every bleeding heart liberal piece of tripe.
Regardless, I hope her God, if she had one, does not lash out at her too harshly. At least not more than he would for all he has determined are 20 cards short of a full deck.
Molly Ivin’s god was herself. Our country is still too new to have such self-haters among us.
It did not occur to me that people would vent at an obit. The headline is “rest in peace,” after all.
Whatever happened to not speaking ill of the dead as a conservative value?
My favorite Molly Ivins term was “Dripping Fangs Liberal.” Ever since I heard her say that many many years ago, I have strived to be the best Dripping Fangs Liberal I could be. Molly was a true American Hero. She possessed great wisdom, great heart, and great sass. The world is a sadder place now that she’s no longer here, but America is a BETTER place because she WAS here. Godspeed, dear lady. I hope you’re giving them hell up in Heaven.
Comment to uspolitics:
This was suppose to be about Molly Ivins, not about how naive you were.
There was no vent, this was not an obit
and in US politics, one does not let a little thing like death interfere with expressing oneself in a comment forum.
I am sure that would be one of the very few things to which Molly and I would agree.
I very much admire Miss Molly. Her “tell it like it is” attitude, very refreshing, in this political bull world of ours. May she rest in peace, knowing she did a great job.
Robert, I was not referencing your comments, but the person who followed you.
she will be missed!
Molly Ivins spoke up when others would be silent and she told the truth. She was brave when others turned their backs and it helped us find the courage to face the front. For women of my generation she helped us laugh at ourselves and our craziness in just trying to get through our days….she was a blessing and we thank her for every word and her ability to share her thoughts and emotions…thank you, thank you, thank you!
I was so saddened to learn of Molly Ivins’ passing at too young an age although I am glad she is no longer suffering from cancer. She was a class act and someone who was intelligent, witty, and caring. With Ann Richards and now Molly Ivins gone, I hope someone follows their lead in Texas and the nation.
I will miss Molly Ivins. Our paper carried her column which I looked forward to reading each week. There is no one to replace her. She used humor where others use vitriol. Give me humor every time.
Molly, you will be missed. The “Dripping Fangs Liberals” will not be silenced. Thank you for your wit and wisdom. May you rest in peace.
It’s December 2007. I miss her more every day. I love it when I meet someone who isn’t familiar with her but shares her politics; what more wonderful gift to give them than Molly’s witty words.
Susan, thank you for that note. I’d wish we had her wit and insight today, re the missing tapes scandal.