enthalpy

Wednesday, January 31, 2007


Molly Ivans can't say that no more.
Molly Ivins, the irreverent nationally syndicated columnist from Texas who rankled conservatives and delighted liberals, died late this afternoon after a seven-year battle with breast cancer. She was 62.

A self-described leftist agitator, she infused her writings with both passion and wit. Her career spanned some 40 years, and in that time she thought nothing of calling President George W. Bush "Billy Bob Forehead," and current Texas Gov. Rick Perry "Governor Goodhair." Her columns drew such attention that her picture once graced billboards in North Texas above the words, 'Molly Ivins Can't Really Say That, Can She?' (That later became the title of one of her best-selling books).
Aside from being freakin' hilarious, Molly Ivans at the same time personified all that was good and shameful in Texas politics. Her voice was from the left, but her message was clearly Texan. I had the good fortune of hearing her speak in Austin when I was young and impressionable, and she spoke just like you'd expect her to: with a drawl that seems to say "these guys are all hat and no cattle."

She will be missed, but you know she's already kicking back with Ann with a drink in her hand. Maybe a cigar, too.



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