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January 31, 2007 4:45 PM Subscribe
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posted by Blazecock Pileon at 4:48 PM on January 31, 2007
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 4:48 PM on January 31, 2007
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posted by It's Raining Florence Henderson at 4:49 PM on January 31, 2007
posted by It's Raining Florence Henderson at 4:49 PM on January 31, 2007
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posted by brundlefly at 4:50 PM on January 31, 2007
posted by brundlefly at 4:50 PM on January 31, 2007
Very sad.
posted by CameraObscura at 4:54 PM on January 31, 2007
posted by CameraObscura at 4:54 PM on January 31, 2007
Grrrr.
posted by furiousthought at 4:56 PM on January 31, 2007
posted by furiousthought at 4:56 PM on January 31, 2007
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posted by awesomebrad at 5:00 PM on January 31, 2007
posted by awesomebrad at 5:00 PM on January 31, 2007
Boo life. Rethink your death policy!
posted by Astro Zombie at 5:03 PM on January 31, 2007
posted by Astro Zombie at 5:03 PM on January 31, 2007
Dammit. A remarkable woman, and a great writer. I wish there were more like her in this world.
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posted by kosher_jenny at 5:04 PM on January 31, 2007
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posted by kosher_jenny at 5:04 PM on January 31, 2007
The planet just got a little more cynical, and a lot less funny.
posted by Emperor SnooKloze at 5:09 PM on January 31, 2007
posted by Emperor SnooKloze at 5:09 PM on January 31, 2007
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posted by putzface_dickman at 5:10 PM on January 31, 2007
posted by putzface_dickman at 5:10 PM on January 31, 2007
She actually did one last column after i had posted my appreciation last month, then went back into the hospital and never came out.
Stand Up Against the Surge-- ...We are the people who run this country. We are the deciders. And every single day, every single one of us needs to step outside and take some action to help stop this war. Raise hell. Think of something to make the ridiculous look ridiculous. Make our troops know we're for them and trying to get them out of there. Hit the streets to protest Bush's proposed surge. If you can, go to the peace march in Washington on Jan. 27. We need people in the streets, banging pots and pans and demanding, "Stop it, now!"
I'll miss her--and we need many many more like her.
posted by amberglow at 5:12 PM on January 31, 2007
Stand Up Against the Surge-- ...We are the people who run this country. We are the deciders. And every single day, every single one of us needs to step outside and take some action to help stop this war. Raise hell. Think of something to make the ridiculous look ridiculous. Make our troops know we're for them and trying to get them out of there. Hit the streets to protest Bush's proposed surge. If you can, go to the peace march in Washington on Jan. 27. We need people in the streets, banging pots and pans and demanding, "Stop it, now!"
I'll miss her--and we need many many more like her.
posted by amberglow at 5:12 PM on January 31, 2007
Earlier today I started a procrastinatory letter to my "representatives" outlining my feelings on foreign adventures and war...Now I will make sure to finish it and print it out and send it off. Viva Molly!
posted by tingting at 5:14 PM on January 31, 2007
posted by tingting at 5:14 PM on January 31, 2007
from the tribute page: "Politics is not a picture on a wall or a television sitcom that you can decide you don't much care for."
posted by amberglow at 5:14 PM on January 31, 2007
posted by amberglow at 5:14 PM on January 31, 2007
What a huge loss. Some links to columns here. Plus a great picture.
posted by goofyfoot at 5:14 PM on January 31, 2007
posted by goofyfoot at 5:14 PM on January 31, 2007
RIP
posted by Senor Cardgage at 5:19 PM on January 31, 2007
posted by Senor Cardgage at 5:19 PM on January 31, 2007
i always liked her ... would that more columnists regard our government with the disgust and disdain she showed
posted by pyramid termite at 5:20 PM on January 31, 2007
posted by pyramid termite at 5:20 PM on January 31, 2007
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posted by longdaysjourney at 5:24 PM on January 31, 2007
posted by longdaysjourney at 5:24 PM on January 31, 2007
A great lady, a great journalist, and a great patriot. Thank you, Molly! I'll miss you.
posted by ottereroticist at 5:28 PM on January 31, 2007
posted by ottereroticist at 5:28 PM on January 31, 2007
She was less than a year older than my mom. Scary and sad. She will be remembered, but damn, she sure did a lot of living while she was alive. That's worth something.
posted by mullingitover at 5:29 PM on January 31, 2007
posted by mullingitover at 5:29 PM on January 31, 2007
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posted by John of Michigan at 5:30 PM on January 31, 2007
posted by John of Michigan at 5:30 PM on January 31, 2007
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posted by MasonDixon at 5:33 PM on January 31, 2007
posted by MasonDixon at 5:33 PM on January 31, 2007
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posted by notswedish at 5:33 PM on January 31, 2007
posted by notswedish at 5:33 PM on January 31, 2007
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(pls forgive any typos; eyelids seem to be leaking somewhat)
She came to Richland College in '83 (I think) and spoke to us about, among other things, Texas legislators "so dumb that if they were any dumber, you'd have to water 'em twice a week" and how the race for Governor frequently turned into "a horserace among crook, cretin and Fascist." She (and to a lesser extent, Ronnie Dugger and John Henry Faulk) were refreshing alternatives to the sort of Northeast/California liberalism I'd learned to scoff at, and I'm a richer person for having been privileged to sit in a room for ninety minutes or so and get to chat with her a bit afterward. A grand, gracious, fierce and funny woman.
posted by pax digita at 5:37 PM on January 31, 2007
(pls forgive any typos; eyelids seem to be leaking somewhat)
She came to Richland College in '83 (I think) and spoke to us about, among other things, Texas legislators "so dumb that if they were any dumber, you'd have to water 'em twice a week" and how the race for Governor frequently turned into "a horserace among crook, cretin and Fascist." She (and to a lesser extent, Ronnie Dugger and John Henry Faulk) were refreshing alternatives to the sort of Northeast/California liberalism I'd learned to scoff at, and I'm a richer person for having been privileged to sit in a room for ninety minutes or so and get to chat with her a bit afterward. A grand, gracious, fierce and funny woman.
posted by pax digita at 5:37 PM on January 31, 2007
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posted by tepidmonkey at 5:39 PM on January 31, 2007
posted by tepidmonkey at 5:39 PM on January 31, 2007
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I wish she could have lived at least 720 days longer.
posted by orthogonality at 5:43 PM on January 31, 2007 [2 favorites]
I wish she could have lived at least 720 days longer.
posted by orthogonality at 5:43 PM on January 31, 2007 [2 favorites]
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posted by yertledaturtle at 5:47 PM on January 31, 2007
posted by yertledaturtle at 5:47 PM on January 31, 2007
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posted by muddylemon at 5:49 PM on January 31, 2007
posted by muddylemon at 5:49 PM on January 31, 2007
. Bummer, 62 years old is not very old. If this were a fair world she would have outlived both Bush I and Bush II.
posted by octothorpe at 5:53 PM on January 31, 2007
posted by octothorpe at 5:53 PM on January 31, 2007
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I wish she could have lived at least 720 days longer.
Seconded.
posted by supercrayon at 5:54 PM on January 31, 2007
I wish she could have lived at least 720 days longer.
Seconded.
posted by supercrayon at 5:54 PM on January 31, 2007
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What bullshit for her to die without seeing the end of the Bush presidency.
posted by BaxterG4 at 5:54 PM on January 31, 2007
What bullshit for her to die without seeing the end of the Bush presidency.
posted by BaxterG4 at 5:54 PM on January 31, 2007
Thanks for the laughs.
posted by kuujjuarapik at 5:57 PM on January 31, 2007
posted by kuujjuarapik at 5:57 PM on January 31, 2007
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posted by solistrato at 6:06 PM on January 31, 2007
posted by solistrato at 6:06 PM on January 31, 2007
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posted by Tennison Tarb at 6:22 PM on January 31, 2007
posted by Tennison Tarb at 6:22 PM on January 31, 2007
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Damn fine lady. Damn lousy time to take her to her Most Deserved Rest.
posted by Asim at 6:27 PM on January 31, 2007
Damn fine lady. Damn lousy time to take her to her Most Deserved Rest.
posted by Asim at 6:27 PM on January 31, 2007
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posted by any major dude at 6:35 PM on January 31, 2007
posted by any major dude at 6:35 PM on January 31, 2007
Endure 11 minutes of documented Republican inanity in return for a Molly Ivins one liner
probably nsfw
posted by Flunkie at 6:42 PM on January 31, 2007 [7 favorites]
probably nsfw
posted by Flunkie at 6:42 PM on January 31, 2007 [7 favorites]
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As a liberal in Texas, I feel a bit more alone tonight.
posted by DragonBoy at 6:42 PM on January 31, 2007
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As a liberal in Texas, I feel a bit more alone tonight.
posted by DragonBoy at 6:42 PM on January 31, 2007
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posted by Smedleyman at 6:50 PM on January 31, 2007
posted by Smedleyman at 6:50 PM on January 31, 2007
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Hey God, next time please take Coulter or Buchanan or Malkin or Ailes or Sciaffe or...
posted by DuoJet at 6:54 PM on January 31, 2007
Hey God, next time please take Coulter or Buchanan or Malkin or Ailes or Sciaffe or...
posted by DuoJet at 6:54 PM on January 31, 2007
Endure 11 minutes of documented Republican inanity in return for a Molly Ivins one liner
that's worth watching
posted by pyramid termite at 7:01 PM on January 31, 2007
that's worth watching
posted by pyramid termite at 7:01 PM on January 31, 2007
Shit, Fuck, Piss, Goddam!!!!!!!!!
Agggghhhhhhh............
Molly, you will be missed.
RIP and may God's blessing be with you.
ouch, this one hurts
posted by caddis at 7:09 PM on January 31, 2007
Agggghhhhhhh............
Molly, you will be missed.
RIP and may God's blessing be with you.
ouch, this one hurts
posted by caddis at 7:09 PM on January 31, 2007
Endure 11 minutes of documented Republican inanity in return for a Molly Ivins one liner
Holy crap, Flunkie. I've got tears going down my face (and they're tears of joy instead).
posted by ColdChef at 7:12 PM on January 31, 2007
Holy crap, Flunkie. I've got tears going down my face (and they're tears of joy instead).
posted by ColdChef at 7:12 PM on January 31, 2007
The story goes, when Gov. Ann Richards had to have a mastectomy, Molly Ivins sent her a letter that simply said, "What's a tat and did they give you one?"
God bless her.
posted by ColdChef at 7:14 PM on January 31, 2007 [1 favorite]
God bless her.
posted by ColdChef at 7:14 PM on January 31, 2007 [1 favorite]
Aw, fuck. I feared this was coming when I saw the last metafilter thread discussing her illness. It seems too cruel that she didn't get to see Bush out of office...
A great and amazing woman, who is already missed.
posted by Space Kitty at 7:18 PM on January 31, 2007
A great and amazing woman, who is already missed.
posted by Space Kitty at 7:18 PM on January 31, 2007
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posted by Schlimmbesserung at 7:26 PM on January 31, 2007
posted by Schlimmbesserung at 7:26 PM on January 31, 2007
Damn you, breast cancer. Damn you straight to hell. Damn, damn, damn.
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posted by Dreama at 7:29 PM on January 31, 2007
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posted by Dreama at 7:29 PM on January 31, 2007
You may get fired, you may get in trouble. But, have fun, anyway, 'cause, as Willy Nelson sings, if we couldn't laugh, we would all go insane. So, as you all go forth unafraid, to raise hell and rock the boat, you just keep working at getting some laughter and some fun into the whole deal. Thank you.
Henry Pringle Lecture at Columbia by Molly Ivins
(she also debunks the "gang pluck" story)
posted by ColdChef at 7:33 PM on January 31, 2007
Henry Pringle Lecture at Columbia by Molly Ivins
(she also debunks the "gang pluck" story)
posted by ColdChef at 7:33 PM on January 31, 2007
You got to have fun while you're fightin' for freedom, 'cause you don't always win.
posted by ColdChef at 7:36 PM on January 31, 2007
posted by ColdChef at 7:36 PM on January 31, 2007
The president of the United States does not have the sense God gave a duck—so it’s up to us. You and me, Bubba.
posted by ColdChef at 7:39 PM on January 31, 2007
posted by ColdChef at 7:39 PM on January 31, 2007
The first MeFi obit thread to make me cry.
What a sharp and wonderful woman. I'm having a tough time imagining the op-ed pages without her.
Fuuuck. I can't believe this is actually making me cry.
posted by mediareport at 7:42 PM on January 31, 2007
What a sharp and wonderful woman. I'm having a tough time imagining the op-ed pages without her.
Fuuuck. I can't believe this is actually making me cry.
posted by mediareport at 7:42 PM on January 31, 2007
And Molly just wrote a heartfelt column about Ann Richard's death...
posted by kozad at 7:45 PM on January 31, 2007
posted by kozad at 7:45 PM on January 31, 2007
Remembering Molly Ivins
John Nichols, Washington Correspondent, The Nation
posted by ColdChef at 7:46 PM on January 31, 2007
John Nichols, Washington Correspondent, The Nation
posted by ColdChef at 7:46 PM on January 31, 2007
Goodbye, Molly I.
A moving tribute to Molly Ivins, written by her long-time editor Anthony Zurcher.
posted by ColdChef at 7:49 PM on January 31, 2007
A moving tribute to Molly Ivins, written by her long-time editor Anthony Zurcher.
posted by ColdChef at 7:49 PM on January 31, 2007
Molly's page on the Inflammatory Breast Cancer Survivor's Site
Includes her article "Who Needs Breasts, Anyway?"
Having breast cancer is massive amounts of no fun. First they mutilate you; then they poison you; then they burn you. I have been on blind dates better than that.
posted by ColdChef at 7:52 PM on January 31, 2007
Includes her article "Who Needs Breasts, Anyway?"
Having breast cancer is massive amounts of no fun. First they mutilate you; then they poison you; then they burn you. I have been on blind dates better than that.
posted by ColdChef at 7:52 PM on January 31, 2007
Oh this just breaks my heart - Molly, we will miss your wit and wisdom, and your strong, funky, funny self. The world's indeed a less colorful, wonderful place without you in it.
posted by madamjujujive at 7:53 PM on January 31, 2007
posted by madamjujujive at 7:53 PM on January 31, 2007
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Dammit. I'm an artificial Texan (for 11 years now), and I thought she was getting *over* her cancer.
posted by mrbill at 7:57 PM on January 31, 2007
Dammit. I'm an artificial Texan (for 11 years now), and I thought she was getting *over* her cancer.
posted by mrbill at 7:57 PM on January 31, 2007
Thanks to everyone for all the great links, but damn, I wish there'd been a happier reason to post them.
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posted by maryh at 7:57 PM on January 31, 2007
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posted by maryh at 7:57 PM on January 31, 2007
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posted by fleetmouse at 7:59 PM on January 31, 2007
posted by fleetmouse at 7:59 PM on January 31, 2007
Between the loss of Molly Ivins and Ann Richards, Texas has lost its two sharpest and wittiest liberals. Interesting they're both women.
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posted by adamrice at 8:02 PM on January 31, 2007
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posted by adamrice at 8:02 PM on January 31, 2007
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posted by the Real Dan at 8:08 PM on January 31, 2007
posted by the Real Dan at 8:08 PM on January 31, 2007
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posted by fuse theorem at 8:08 PM on January 31, 2007
posted by fuse theorem at 8:08 PM on January 31, 2007
Damn it.
posted by dilettante at 8:12 PM on January 31, 2007
posted by dilettante at 8:12 PM on January 31, 2007
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posted by hifiparasol at 8:13 PM on January 31, 2007
posted by hifiparasol at 8:13 PM on January 31, 2007
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posted by Rancid Badger at 8:14 PM on January 31, 2007
posted by Rancid Badger at 8:14 PM on January 31, 2007
Oh dear, how I loved Molly.
posted by longsleeves at 8:18 PM on January 31, 2007
posted by longsleeves at 8:18 PM on January 31, 2007
Austin will never be quite the same without you, Molly... thanks for reminding me to laugh at it all -- most especially in (these) times of despair.
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posted by skyboy at 8:19 PM on January 31, 2007
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posted by skyboy at 8:19 PM on January 31, 2007
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posted by localroger at 8:24 PM on January 31, 2007
posted by localroger at 8:24 PM on January 31, 2007
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posted by Baby_Balrog at 8:46 PM on January 31, 2007
posted by Baby_Balrog at 8:46 PM on January 31, 2007
Unlike the crap that passes for political commentators today, she could write.
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posted by dw at 9:09 PM on January 31, 2007
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posted by dw at 9:09 PM on January 31, 2007
Well, fuck.
posted by milquetoast at 9:10 PM on January 31, 2007
posted by milquetoast at 9:10 PM on January 31, 2007
Molly Ivins was a hero of mine (geez it's hard to type that in the past-tense)... Someone who spoke the truth, and did so in such a humorous and engaging way... She will be sorely missed.
posted by amyms at 9:23 PM on January 31, 2007
posted by amyms at 9:23 PM on January 31, 2007
Tears are welling up like I was a snot nosed baby, and now I gotta blow my stupid nose, but I'm gonna smile anyway. She wouldn't want us ...damn.
*blows nose*
This is one time I can't do a damn period and leave it at that. She wouldn't want your damned periods. She'd say she had enough of those before she hit menopause.
Only she'd have said it funnier, with a folksy spin.
"If there was one thing Molly wanted us to understand, it's that the world of politics is absurd. Since we can't cry, we might as well laugh. And in case we ever forgot, Molly would remind us, several times a week, in her own unique style."
Have we forgotten already?
LAUGH dammit or I'll give ya somethin' to laugh about!
She wouldn't want us bein' respectful. She'd want us slappin' each other on the back and tellin' stories and crackin' jokes. She wouldn't want us to cry. She'd want us to laugh. She wouldn't want us to mourn. She'd want us to party. Even you conservative folks. Heck, not many things she enjoyed more in life than arguing with conservatives. Next time you're at a bar, have a drink in her honor. Don't drink? Fine. Eat a brisket or something.
Growing up in Texas as a liberal sometimes was downright heartbreaking and lonely. Reading her words let me know I wasn't the only sane one in this state - somebody else could see the emperor without any clothes on too.
Celebrate her life. Don't mourn it. So no more periods on this one please. I say we leave smilies. It's corny. It's silly. It's brilliant. Just like she was. Heck! IS! She STILL is brilliant. I usually use the equal sign when I make a smiley. This time I'll make an exception.
Thank you Molly. Thank you for being the first to coin the term "Shrub" in regards to GW. It still makes me laugh. You still make me laugh.
Tell Anne we said hi.
: )
posted by ZachsMind at 9:28 PM on January 31, 2007 [5 favorites]
*blows nose*
This is one time I can't do a damn period and leave it at that. She wouldn't want your damned periods. She'd say she had enough of those before she hit menopause.
Only she'd have said it funnier, with a folksy spin.
"If there was one thing Molly wanted us to understand, it's that the world of politics is absurd. Since we can't cry, we might as well laugh. And in case we ever forgot, Molly would remind us, several times a week, in her own unique style."
Have we forgotten already?
LAUGH dammit or I'll give ya somethin' to laugh about!
She wouldn't want us bein' respectful. She'd want us slappin' each other on the back and tellin' stories and crackin' jokes. She wouldn't want us to cry. She'd want us to laugh. She wouldn't want us to mourn. She'd want us to party. Even you conservative folks. Heck, not many things she enjoyed more in life than arguing with conservatives. Next time you're at a bar, have a drink in her honor. Don't drink? Fine. Eat a brisket or something.
Growing up in Texas as a liberal sometimes was downright heartbreaking and lonely. Reading her words let me know I wasn't the only sane one in this state - somebody else could see the emperor without any clothes on too.
Celebrate her life. Don't mourn it. So no more periods on this one please. I say we leave smilies. It's corny. It's silly. It's brilliant. Just like she was. Heck! IS! She STILL is brilliant. I usually use the equal sign when I make a smiley. This time I'll make an exception.
Thank you Molly. Thank you for being the first to coin the term "Shrub" in regards to GW. It still makes me laugh. You still make me laugh.
Tell Anne we said hi.
: )
posted by ZachsMind at 9:28 PM on January 31, 2007 [5 favorites]
This is one time I can't do a damn period and leave it at that. She wouldn't want your damned periods. She'd say she had enough of those before she hit menopause.
Brilliant. Thanks, ZachsMind.
posted by ColdChef at 9:36 PM on January 31, 2007
Brilliant. Thanks, ZachsMind.
posted by ColdChef at 9:36 PM on January 31, 2007
damn.
I've told the story before, but I grew up living in Houston until I was fifteen, the son of conservatives, living off oil company money. When I was a teenager, I decided that - now that I'd thought about it - I was actually more of a liberal. Not as a rebelious phase, thank god, but just as the first time I'd thought about it. One by one over the next couple years, the rest of my family switched sides behind me (and really on their own, most likely) but the person who started it all: Molly Ivins.
Smart as a whip and funny as hell, and both scathing and relentlessly optimistic until the end, Molly was, and will remain, the voice of the best that liberalism has to offer. SHe will be missed.
As my father, who has lived his entire life as a Texan, said, "Wow... the last sane voice in Texas..."
posted by Navelgazer at 9:45 PM on January 31, 2007
I've told the story before, but I grew up living in Houston until I was fifteen, the son of conservatives, living off oil company money. When I was a teenager, I decided that - now that I'd thought about it - I was actually more of a liberal. Not as a rebelious phase, thank god, but just as the first time I'd thought about it. One by one over the next couple years, the rest of my family switched sides behind me (and really on their own, most likely) but the person who started it all: Molly Ivins.
Smart as a whip and funny as hell, and both scathing and relentlessly optimistic until the end, Molly was, and will remain, the voice of the best that liberalism has to offer. SHe will be missed.
As my father, who has lived his entire life as a Texan, said, "Wow... the last sane voice in Texas..."
posted by Navelgazer at 9:45 PM on January 31, 2007
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posted by rapid dissent at 9:47 PM on January 31, 2007
posted by rapid dissent at 9:47 PM on January 31, 2007
This news has hit me like a sledgehammer. Shock and dismay is all I feel. Molly was a real broad and inspired me all thru college and continued thru my adult life. Thanks, Mol, for all you gave me and free, progressive thinkers everywhere.
Hey, while you're up there, you think you can sway His point of view around like you did so many down here?
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posted by WhipSmart at 9:54 PM on January 31, 2007
Hey, while you're up there, you think you can sway His point of view around like you did so many down here?
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posted by WhipSmart at 9:54 PM on January 31, 2007
We loved you Molly. xoxoxo.
posted by freshwater_pr0n at 11:32 PM on January 31, 2007
posted by freshwater_pr0n at 11:32 PM on January 31, 2007
But, we still need her ...
posted by RavinDave at 1:03 AM on February 1, 2007 [1 favorite]
posted by RavinDave at 1:03 AM on February 1, 2007 [1 favorite]
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posted by mdeatherage at 2:17 AM on February 1, 2007
posted by mdeatherage at 2:17 AM on February 1, 2007
"If you have six or more, you're considered a felon, but if you have only five, you're a hobbyist."
I'll be smirking all day over that one.
posted by pax digita at 4:45 AM on February 1, 2007
I'll be smirking all day over that one.
posted by pax digita at 4:45 AM on February 1, 2007
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posted by hydropsyche at 5:11 AM on February 1, 2007
posted by hydropsyche at 5:11 AM on February 1, 2007
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posted by unknowncommand at 5:25 AM on February 1, 2007
posted by unknowncommand at 5:25 AM on February 1, 2007
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posted by Smart Dalek at 5:35 AM on February 1, 2007
posted by Smart Dalek at 5:35 AM on February 1, 2007
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Crap. I was hoping she'd at least outlive the Bush Administration.
posted by The Card Cheat at 5:53 AM on February 1, 2007
Crap. I was hoping she'd at least outlive the Bush Administration.
posted by The Card Cheat at 5:53 AM on February 1, 2007
Goddamn it. I'm just devastated by this. I wouldn't expect to be, I mean, we knew it was coming...but jebus onna stick, I'm sitting here in tears. Angry tears. It's not fair. I want my Molly back!
I first met her when I was a student, taking a journalism class where she was a guest lecturer. After I started working as a writer, I ran into her off and on, as Austin is a pretty incestuous little town, really.
She always remembered my name, and never failed to ask after my "mom-an-'em". During my divorce, when I decided to leave Austin, I ran into her. Someone had told her that I was shutting down my publishing company, and heading off to the bright lights of a bigger city. She sat down next to me and told me "Running from something...well, that ain't what we do. But running *to* something, well hell girl, saddle up them ponies and do us proud. Always run *to*, never run *away*. "
It's advice that has stood me well for almost fifteen years.
I will miss her. Flibbety Boo, Molly. Flibbety Boo.
posted by dejah420 at 7:48 AM on February 1, 2007 [4 favorites]
I first met her when I was a student, taking a journalism class where she was a guest lecturer. After I started working as a writer, I ran into her off and on, as Austin is a pretty incestuous little town, really.
She always remembered my name, and never failed to ask after my "mom-an-'em". During my divorce, when I decided to leave Austin, I ran into her. Someone had told her that I was shutting down my publishing company, and heading off to the bright lights of a bigger city. She sat down next to me and told me "Running from something...well, that ain't what we do. But running *to* something, well hell girl, saddle up them ponies and do us proud. Always run *to*, never run *away*. "
It's advice that has stood me well for almost fifteen years.
I will miss her. Flibbety Boo, Molly. Flibbety Boo.
posted by dejah420 at 7:48 AM on February 1, 2007 [4 favorites]
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Damn, between losing her and Ann Richards, its now even tougher to be a progressive in Texas.
posted by thewittyname at 8:02 AM on February 1, 2007
Damn, between losing her and Ann Richards, its now even tougher to be a progressive in Texas.
posted by thewittyname at 8:02 AM on February 1, 2007
I hope she is somewhere fun with Ann Richards, arguing, laughing and carrying on.
The Texas Observer is up and down, but has lots and lots of wonderful Molly information, columns, pics and rememberances.
Only Smithie I ever respected...
posted by QIbHom at 8:22 AM on February 1, 2007
The Texas Observer is up and down, but has lots and lots of wonderful Molly information, columns, pics and rememberances.
Only Smithie I ever respected...
posted by QIbHom at 8:22 AM on February 1, 2007
Funny. Sensible, damn it! Smart as fuck. Hard working. And Funny: lovely, lovely funny. She was like a champion swordswoman; so exciting and entertaining to watch while she effortlessly pierced the target.
We were all blessed that she chose to wrote.
posted by Secret Life of Gravy at 8:24 AM on February 1, 2007
We were all blessed that she chose to wrote.
posted by Secret Life of Gravy at 8:24 AM on February 1, 2007
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posted by jeditanuki at 9:11 AM on February 1, 2007
posted by jeditanuki at 9:11 AM on February 1, 2007
My father, who liked to describe his political orientation as "just to the right of Atilla the Hun", died from cancer last May.
Despite disagreeing with probably 90% of everything she wrote, he loved reading Molly Ivins. In part, because she wrote so provocatively and he got a charge from being provoked, but mostly because he appreciated the art of tough political writing, and in that regard she was second to none. He also thought she was one damn funny lady.
I miss my father. And now, in missing you, Molly, I miss him even more.
Thanks for sharing your gift with us through the years.
posted by gigawhat? at 9:34 AM on February 1, 2007 [1 favorite]
Despite disagreeing with probably 90% of everything she wrote, he loved reading Molly Ivins. In part, because she wrote so provocatively and he got a charge from being provoked, but mostly because he appreciated the art of tough political writing, and in that regard she was second to none. He also thought she was one damn funny lady.
I miss my father. And now, in missing you, Molly, I miss him even more.
Thanks for sharing your gift with us through the years.
posted by gigawhat? at 9:34 AM on February 1, 2007 [1 favorite]
My absolute favorite quote of hers: "Many people did not care for Pat Buchanan's speech; it probably sounded better in the original German." (about his "culture war" speech at the 92 GOP Convention)
posted by amberglow at 12:01 PM on February 1, 2007
posted by amberglow at 12:01 PM on February 1, 2007
.
Seeing the headline flatly shocked me. I knew she was ill, but I didn't know she was that ill.
Damn.
posted by ancientgower at 12:15 PM on February 1, 2007
Seeing the headline flatly shocked me. I knew she was ill, but I didn't know she was that ill.
Damn.
posted by ancientgower at 12:15 PM on February 1, 2007
.
My favorite Molly Ivins comment was when she reported on two Texas legislators high-fiving each other after passing an anti-sodomy law. I'm paraphrasing, but she said something like, "That's exactly the contact between a prick and an asshole that this legislation was designed to prevent."
posted by jonp72 at 1:38 PM on February 1, 2007
My favorite Molly Ivins comment was when she reported on two Texas legislators high-fiving each other after passing an anti-sodomy law. I'm paraphrasing, but she said something like, "That's exactly the contact between a prick and an asshole that this legislation was designed to prevent."
posted by jonp72 at 1:38 PM on February 1, 2007
I just saw this. I don't think I've ever posted a comment on an obit post, but I am truly sad that the world has lost Molly Ivins. That woman had a way with words that will never be matched. I'm just bummed.
posted by SteveInMaine at 2:07 PM on February 1, 2007
posted by SteveInMaine at 2:07 PM on February 1, 2007
.
posted by Mental Wimp at 2:16 PM on February 1, 2007
posted by Mental Wimp at 2:16 PM on February 1, 2007
"If God keeps hanging out with politicians, it's gonna hurt his reputation."
posted by amberglow at 2:16 PM on February 1, 2007
posted by amberglow at 2:16 PM on February 1, 2007
She deserves so much more than a period. If you want more than a paraphrase for "That's exactly the contact between a prick and an asshole that this legislation was designed to prevent." Watch the 11 minute YouTube video linked above.
I remember being stranded in George H W Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston and having "Molly Ivins Can't Say That, Can She?" as my reading material. It was the best layover ever.
posted by whatever at 3:37 PM on February 1, 2007
I remember being stranded in George H W Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston and having "Molly Ivins Can't Say That, Can She?" as my reading material. It was the best layover ever.
posted by whatever at 3:37 PM on February 1, 2007
and who now are Texans to be proud of?
Last I checked, Jim Hightower was alive and kicking ass.
posted by lekvar at 5:32 PM on February 1, 2007
Last I checked, Jim Hightower was alive and kicking ass.
posted by lekvar at 5:32 PM on February 1, 2007
.
Full disclosure up front: I work at Texas Monthly. But thought I'd contribute some links I know about; our editor did an interview with her recently that we printed in our November 06 issue; you can get to it here.
The first thing they talk about is the recent death of Ann Richards, and she also talks about her cancer. The photograph for the story was great; you can see a thumbnail there.
Second, KUT, the local public radio station, has this page with links to the NPR "rembrance," among other things.
posted by rleamon at 5:46 PM on February 1, 2007
Full disclosure up front: I work at Texas Monthly. But thought I'd contribute some links I know about; our editor did an interview with her recently that we printed in our November 06 issue; you can get to it here.
The first thing they talk about is the recent death of Ann Richards, and she also talks about her cancer. The photograph for the story was great; you can see a thumbnail there.
Second, KUT, the local public radio station, has this page with links to the NPR "rembrance," among other things.
posted by rleamon at 5:46 PM on February 1, 2007
I'm back a day later and you yankees still insist on the periods. This is Molly Ivins we're talkin' about! Not Bob Hope or Saddam Hussein or (insert your second favorite dead person here). I told ya if you didn't cut it out and start laughin' I'd give ya somethin' to laugh about.
"We can sell things that look like penises so long as they don't vibrate, and we can sell things that vibrate, so long as they don't look like penises."
So let me get this straight. These penises... They vibrate? NO! If'n they did you'd be a felon in Texas. So you gotta grab your own personaljesus massager or an educational model and go to town on each other. Just not call it what it is just in case you-know-who is watchin' (I think maybe Santy Claws). Not only was the emperor wearing no clothes, he had a strap on educational model and was doing the watusi. And there's more where that came from.
yobananaboy asked: "and who now are Texans to be proud of?"
We're still proud of Molly. Well, those of us who ain't completely educational modelled in the head.
=) hint hint hint!
posted by ZachsMind at 6:31 PM on February 1, 2007
"We can sell things that look like penises so long as they don't vibrate, and we can sell things that vibrate, so long as they don't look like penises."
So let me get this straight. These penises... They vibrate? NO! If'n they did you'd be a felon in Texas. So you gotta grab your own personal
yobananaboy asked: "and who now are Texans to be proud of?"
We're still proud of Molly. Well, those of us who ain't completely educational modelled in the head.
=) hint hint hint!
posted by ZachsMind at 6:31 PM on February 1, 2007
...oops. sorry. Force of habit. I meant to do the more conventional kinda smiley.
: )
posted by ZachsMind at 6:32 PM on February 1, 2007
: )
posted by ZachsMind at 6:32 PM on February 1, 2007
!
posted by Superfrankenstein at 12:22 AM on February 2, 2007
posted by Superfrankenstein at 12:22 AM on February 2, 2007
yobananaboy asked: "and who now are Texans to be proud of?"
ZachsMind Answered: "We're still proud of Molly. Well, those of us who ain't completely educational modelled in the head.
That, and Texas still has Kinky and Lyle to keep things (kinda) sane.
Thanks for that, ZachsMind. Lucky for us, Molly's legacy lives on as long as there are places to read her work. I wonder how far she got with her last book?
posted by SteveInMaine at 5:54 AM on February 2, 2007
ZachsMind Answered: "We're still proud of Molly. Well, those of us who ain't completely educational modelled in the head.
That, and Texas still has Kinky and Lyle to keep things (kinda) sane.
Thanks for that, ZachsMind. Lucky for us, Molly's legacy lives on as long as there are places to read her work. I wonder how far she got with her last book?
posted by SteveInMaine at 5:54 AM on February 2, 2007
fabulous tribute to her at Altercation/Media Matters: ... believed too strongly and too genuinely in too many things for an era in which we've spent two goddamn weeks talking about a caesura in a remark Hillary Clinton made in Iowa a flat year before anyone votes there. ... The worst thing you can do at the Kool Kids table is be either sincere or serious. Sorry, you pack of smug, insufferable bastards -- a war's gone bad and the country's a mess, and you never were funny, anyway, not like Molly was. So go and take your little slambooks and wreck some other profession for a while. The grown-ups have work to do....
posted by amberglow at 6:13 PM on February 2, 2007
posted by amberglow at 6:13 PM on February 2, 2007
and rudepundit's: ...She was goddamned smart, so smart she didn't have to flaunt it. So smart that she could use the down to earth side to say what she meant so all of us could understand it. She didn't suffer bullies. She loved Texas like a parent loves her child even after that child has gone on a three-state killing spree. She was unfailingly polite. And she could eviscerate anyone who was failing all of us with just an image or two. Those guttings will be desperately missed. That sense and celebration of the decency of the average American will be missed even more.
We've lost one of our defenders.
posted by amberglow at 6:17 PM on February 2, 2007
We've lost one of our defenders.
posted by amberglow at 6:17 PM on February 2, 2007
Molly mocks Camille Paglia, from 91: I Am the Cosmos
: >
posted by amberglow at 7:03 PM on February 2, 2007
: >
posted by amberglow at 7:03 PM on February 2, 2007
AN AUGUST 8TH CALL TO WORDS! A Worthy Tribute to Molly--I beseech writers and websites all over the world to make August 8th, Molly Ivin's birthday, a day of satire. A day where they drop their on-the-money reflections and replace them with cleverly-worded, insightful - and inciting - columns and blogs that give readers credit for being able to think past the words. ...
posted by amberglow at 10:09 PM on February 3, 2007
posted by amberglow at 10:09 PM on February 3, 2007
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posted by matteo at 4:47 PM on January 31, 2007