Best Wishes for Molly
January 29th, 2007 at 3:43 pm
Harvey Wasserman, a longtime friend of Molly’s, asked us to post this message. We are happy to do so. All readers are welcome to use the comment section of this blog to send in messages.
We Love You Molly
Our beloved sister Molly Ivins is fighting for her life against cancer, and all we can do is try to send her even a fraction of the brillliance, joy and love she has given us for so many incomparable years.
This genuis daughter of Texas turmoil has stood alone for so long as a voice of clarity, wit, common sense and plain-spoken conscience that it’s hard to know even where to start.
Perhaps most important to remember is that she has not been just a writer. From her modest but gracious home in the heart of Austin, she has done anything but sit back and snipe with that unique penetrating wit of hers. She could have done it. She could have just gone to that keyboard every day, blown them all away, and built her national reputation from the sheer genius of an insulated ivory tower.
But Molly has always been a firm believer in hands-on non-violent combat, which in hands like hers is the ultimate weapon. She puts her heart and soul where her convictions are. She’s fought tooth and nail for The Texas Observer and whatever other worthwhile publications there are that can muster an audience in the Lone Star State. She’s worked with the great Jim Hightower in his climb to elected office. She supports candidates. She goes out of her way. She works hard. She makes her presence felt wherever she thinks it’ll do some good, no matter what the personal cost.
All the while being our very premier writer/humorist. If Mark Twain has a female counterpart on today’s political and journalistic scene, it is Molly Ivins. She has that miraculous ability to slice and dice an entire raft of political horse-dung with a single simple sentence, laced with wry, seeded with sweetness, and so often utterly cleansing and clarifying.
We can all be thankful that our lucky stars have placed her—where else but—in Austin. Throughout the entire horrific nightmare of George W. Bush, whom she has somehow known personally for decades, it has been Molly and only Molly who’s been on the spot to say exactly what needs to be said in exactly the right Texas tone with precisely the right down home balance of horror, outrage and utterly human wit. Nobody else could be doing it as she does, from the inside out, from the high ground lifting up the low. Could we ever INVENT anyone better suited, with a sharper wit and better sense of the jugular?
Except with Molly, it’s the spiritual center that’s the bullseye. With that wry, beautiful smile of hers and that insanely musical Texas twang, she never fails to aim for higher ground. When her eyes roll at the latest unbelievable insanity from this ghastly crew, she still manages to twinkle with that huge, heavenly light that’s only Molly’s.
In her personal life Molly has always been every bit as gracious as you can tell she is from her writing. Last time she carted me around Austin, it was in her obligatory pickup. The thing seemed a bit naked without a gun rack. But Molly behind the wheel was armed aplenty, always willing to drive the few extra blocks, even if you are willing to walk. Her southern grace just won’t think of it, no matter how many better things she has to do. And we know there are plenty.
To hear her speak is to be dazzled by the music of a true national treasure. To see her heart is to be warmed by a truly magnificent woman who embodies all this country can and should be. That she has been on the job for so long, with such persistence and valor, is something for which we can all be joyously thankful.
Molly, we are with you, and we need you, and we love you, as we have needed you and loved you now for so many years now. Get well soon!
In Molly’s honor, some of us are sending contributions to the Molly Ivins Fund for Investigative Reporting at the Texas Observer; 307 West Seventh Street; Austin, TX 78701
January 29th, 2007 at 8:36 pm
dearest molly,
you are such an inspiration to all of us who fight for social justice!please know that you are in our prayers each day.
be well!your friend,
craig
January 30th, 2007 at 1:30 am
The news over the weekend was not good. Molly Ivins, everyone’s favorite smart-mouth columnist, was back in the hospital for the third time, dealing with her raging cancer, which started in her breasts but now has spread throughout her body. Last fall, she was in San Francisco on a panel at a conference of journalism educators, and she didn’t look well then, wan, thin, wearing a bold hat to cover up the loss of most of her hair. Her tongue was as sharp as ever, of course, causing a roomful of ordinarily sincere and cautious academics to shriek with laughter before giving her a standing ovation.
Since then she’s continued to write as much as she could, devoting an increasing portion of her limited energy to castigating the fools in Washington (and she’s never suffered fools gladly) for continuing the war in Iraq. A sample pronouncement, early this year: “The president of the United States doesn’t have the sense God gave a duck. So it’s up to us. You and me.” In that column she promised that “This will be a regular feature of mine, like an old-fashioned newspaper campaign. Every column, I’ll write about this war until we find some way to end it…every time, we’ll review some factor we should have gotten right.”
But since then she’s only managed to write one more column. That one ran on Jan. 11 and opposed George Bush’s proposed “surge” escalation of the war.
In it she said:
“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.”
At the Washington peace march on Saturday, which Molly had promoted in her latest column, actor Sean Penn picked up her refrain “We are the deciders” and vamped on it to great effect before an audience of tens of thousands.
And now it really is up to us. While Molly is sick, the rest of us will have to carry her “old-fashioned newspaper campaign” forward.
With that in mind, the Berkeley Daily Planet is hereby launching what we might call the “Molly Ivins Festschrift”. A festschrift is defined by Merriam-Webster as “a volume of writings by different authors presented as a tribute or memorial especially to a scholar.” Academics are wont to create festschrifts on the occasion of a revered colleague’s sixtieth birthday, for example. Molly’s already sixty-two, but no time like the present to catch up with what we should have done two years ago. And we might call it festschrift if we could reliably remember how to spell or pronounce that German word, but let’s just call it the Molly Ivins Tribute Project.
The idea is that her colleagues in the opinionated part of the journalistic world should take over her campaign while she’s sick, creating a deluge of columns about what’s wrong with Bush’s war and what should be done to set things right. It would be nice if a lot of these columns could be funny, since skewering serious subjects with humor is what Molly does best, but that’s not required.
Here at the Berkeley Daily Planet we’ve set up a special mailbox to receive the offerings, tribute@berkeleydailyplanet.com. We’ll publish them as they come in, at least one every day if possible, in our internet edition, berkeleydailyplanet.com. We’d like them to be contributed free of copyright, so that any publication, print or online, can take them off the web and re-circulate them to their own readers. The best ones we’ll also run in our Tuesday and Friday printed papers. A good length would be 600-800 words, which would work for most publications. And of course, columnists under contract should just write pieces to run in their regular outlets.
Readers, please take on the job of forwarding this call for contributions to any good columnist you read regularly, and to any publications which might circulate the results.
Just to get started, would-be writers might take a look at Monday’s top story from Iraq, which described a fierce battle in which 200 (or was it 300?) Iraqis were killed. They were variously described, in A.P. reports and by L.A. Times correspondents, as members of a messianic Shiite sect, die-hard survivors of Hussein’s (mostly Sunni or secular) Baath party, tribal fighters dressed in colorful Afghan robes, and more—no one really seems to know who they were or what they were up to. But whoever they were, we seem to have killed a bunch of them—and it’s “we” because though the Iraqi national forces started things off, U.S. helicopters and bombers were called in to finish up when things were not going well. And yes, two or three Americans died too, fighting whoever they were for whatever reason it turned out to be. I’m glad I’m not the person who has to explain to their families why they died.
Becky O’Malley
Executive Editor
Berkeley Daily Planet
January 30th, 2007 at 10:20 am
Dear Molly,
You are a national treasure. My sincere hopes that the ill behaved cells in your body will pack up and move into more deserving quarters in Washington and that your wonderful wit and sense of decency will with us for a very long time.
Eric Christian
January 30th, 2007 at 11:39 am
Molly, Please hang in there.I have always loved and admired your insight.Get well soon and God bless you and yours.Thanks again for all the good articles.Carl Zievers Covington,Washington
January 30th, 2007 at 1:42 pm
Dear Molly,
Please get better quickly.
Lew Shugar
January 30th, 2007 at 2:08 pm
Dear Molly:
I was privileged to be in your presence as you spoke before the California State Bar Association convention some years ago in San Diego. From that day forward, I have become a real fan. Your books have their own shelf in my home library and I have saved all your articles in the “My Favorites” section of my computer. I knew something was wrong when I found so few of your articles as of late. Please know that my prayers for your full recovery are with you. You are a treasure in more ways than I can say, inspiring me to action against this tyrannical regime driving our country into the ground.
God bless you, Molly. You are most beloved!
Your friend,
Marilyn Woodruff
Eureka, CA
January 30th, 2007 at 2:09 pm
Dearest Molly,
Your writing has had me laughing from my stomach to my heart. As one who grew up in the South Bronx and Spanish Harlem your words touch me in ways most words could not. In a world of babel you are a clear light of truth and sweet nectar for an inner city homeboy.
Love to you, sister Molly,
Gilberto
January 30th, 2007 at 2:13 pm
Ms Ivins
Now more than ever your common sense is needed. Please come back to the front lines and save our country.
Edmund OShea
PS Molly sent out an email awhile back asking us to urge Bill Moyers to run for President.
January 30th, 2007 at 2:25 pm
Oh God Molly I am praying for you and sick at heart that your illness has come to this. Get better and get back on your horse so you can go out and slay the bad guys for those of us too old and tired to do it. A long time reader. Craig Clark
January 30th, 2007 at 2:46 pm
When I heard the news of your illness my heart sank. I’ve enjoyed your stinging wit for years and more than once you’ve brought clarity and a sense of sanity to this world gone mad! Please know that there are so many of us out there praying for you to get well. Thank you for all the wonderful energy you bring to our lives.
Your admirer,
Elizabeth Bain
January 30th, 2007 at 2:48 pm
Jill Pressley on the Editor and Publisher comment page said it better than I could:
“Molly Ivins, thank you for all the years you’ve been the gutsy, articulate, voice of intelligence that inspires both thought and action. Never did I read column without feeling re-energized, and somehow smarter…. Thank you for never giving up, for saying what needed to be said, for sharing your energy and brains. Take good care.”
I for one will take up the call and send a column to the Berkeley Planet. Molly, thank you, thank you, thank you.
January 30th, 2007 at 2:48 pm
Thank you for all that you have written in your smart and witty way to get all of us in this country to pay attention and get involved. Get well. We need you.
January 30th, 2007 at 2:52 pm
Feel the warmth of your friends, dear Molly. We are with you. All will be fine.
JJ
January 30th, 2007 at 2:53 pm
I live in old England, and discovered Molly through the Internet. She immediately became one of my “must read” columnists, and a couple of times I’ve heard her delightful speaking voice on the radio over here, too. She has even made this Brit feel mildly envious that we have no institution to rival the Texas State Legislature this side of the Pond! Her life-affirming columns always make me smile, and frequently laugh out loud. I’d wondered why she had become so silent lately, and I’m deeply saddened to now know the reason. Get well, dear Molly.
January 30th, 2007 at 3:02 pm
Dear Mighty Molly,
As a long time devourer of anything you write and as a fellow Texan I’m “gonna’ stick my nose and my foot in it and just say,” Woman, get out of that hospital, go home, get rid of all those chemicals and medicinals, buy and read or have someone read The Miracle of Coconut Oil, eat all the coconut and coconut products you can stand………chase it with a toddy or some coconut rum, get your but in that chair and your fingers on that computer and write us your lovesongs.
We need you and love you and will keep you in our prayers.
mounu
Nashville, TN
January 30th, 2007 at 3:19 pm
Dearest Molly:
Heres hoping that all finds you well and in good spirits.
I’m taking this time from a hectic schedule to return to you a little of what you have given to us, (your readers) and fellow (country persons), being politicaly correct here,a smile or two; and a ray of sunshine that you so readily supplied us with through the dark and foreboding tenure of the Bushite Cabal in the White House.
It has been said that bush is as dense as a lead ball,and as intelligent as one;Unfortunately they were right. Dont get me wrong he has had his moments of brilliance; But!(why is this word so prominent when discussing Bush?)_when you strike a lead ball with a hammer (you and your column comes to mind) a shiny gash will appear,only to dissapear with oxidization (exposure to the truth) your weapon of choice to be sure,and eloquently written for all to see.
I realize of course your fighting your battle with cancer with the fortitude that only Molly Ivins could bring to the battle, I wish to offer my services (as a knight) and a prayer for your success. United in this endeavor we shall overcome as was the case in the Mid-Term elections.
Something that you should be proud of,for your lonley voice among the multitudes of Lap Poodles was clear and convincing as to the Avarice’s,of this Presidency? and its Rag Sock Monkeys adherents.
How many columns have I read that you’ve written; that exposed this farcial methane producing administration for what it is,(blow back from Chenys lack of Intestinal Fortitude).
In those articles you managed to do what oly a few good kickers could do in the NFL,(I know your a Dallas Cowboy fan)so please excuese the following analogy, Josh Brown of the Seattle Seahawks kicked a 55 yarder to win the last game the was played by the two teams.
Honey!your just like Josh Brown; with your columns,Ya never miss putting this Rag Sock Monkey through the uprights;arms and legs flailing away from sixty yards out,with a full head wind a blowing,alibet (Arie Fliesher,Tony Snow,Charles Krapenhammer,Ann Cloture,Bill O-lie-ly,and other right wing gas bags).
Thanks for the many serious thought provoking columns and the accompanying laughs that you invoked writing about this annoited administration.
With much love and admiration for a national jewel.
Michael H Dittamore
P.S should’nt you be getting a medal for being so brave and unselfish for the rest of us? I’ll call for ya if ya want to see if chenys up to the Task..
January 30th, 2007 at 4:05 pm
That’s all I want to say
January 30th, 2007 at 4:07 pm
Whoops, my earlier message didn’t seem to have the heading I wrote in. Here it is:
We Love You Molly!!
Please get well soon.
January 30th, 2007 at 4:34 pm
Dear Molly,
I was just quoting your Boots Cooper and the chicken snake story to my Bible study class last night (don’t ask). Next week I’ll be sure to get them praying for you; I’ll begin my petitions toute suite.
I bought an “Intro to Biochemistry” textbook a few weeks ago as part of my midlife crisis. I’m thinking the medical community just needs a common sense bookkeeper like myself to see the forest for the trees and cure cancer. I’m on page 5.
I’ve got 5 year-old triplets, one of which is named in your honor. You can be sure she’ll grow up knowing who she’s named after. She’s a fighter, too.
Thanks for caring about this crazy country. See you on the flip flop. Julie Diane Knudsen
January 30th, 2007 at 4:54 pm
Molly:
You and Jim Hightower are the two best things in Texas.
If it weren’t for you two, we would have severed the borders and pushed the state down the Rio Grande into the Gulf.
Hang in there, Molly, and keep giving Dubya the truth, which, as Harry Truman said, he only thinks is hell.
We luv ya.
January 30th, 2007 at 5:37 pm
Molly:
You’ve always been able to stick it to the Bushies without losing your sense of humor. You’re the greatest and I hope and pray you’re back at at soon.
Gordon
January 30th, 2007 at 5:40 pm
Molly,
You are such a treasure!!! When the rest of us are rendered speechless by the shenanigans of the dimwits who have perverted our beloved democracy, you go right to the source of the problem with your wit and spunk.
We send our love to give you strength in your fight against this awful illness!
From a fellow Texan living in exile in Colorado.
January 30th, 2007 at 6:00 pm
Get well, Molly. We need you more than ever!
January 30th, 2007 at 6:08 pm
Get well soon Molly. We need your Brilliance.
January 30th, 2007 at 6:22 pm
Molly!
You speak the truth with wit! Thank you for all your work! You have always been a favorite voice. My wife and I just had our first child, a baby daughter (her name is Molly Luna!). We have high hopes for her, but she won’t be able to even begin to fill your shoes for another 20-30 years (when we’ll need someone to stick it to the Bush girls and other troublesome spawn). So hang in there! Best wishes for a speedy recovery.
Mickey S. Huff (Meg, and Molly Luna, too, in Berkeley)
Co-Director, http://www.retropoll.org
January 30th, 2007 at 6:36 pm
Dear Molly,
Just when I begin to wish that Texas had indeed been allowed to secede from the Union, I read one of your columns and rejoice that we live in the same country. Even though we’ve never emt, I’ve loved you for many years.
January 30th, 2007 at 6:47 pm
Molly,
I love your writing. I love your wit. I love your concern for our country. Get well soon.
Paul
January 30th, 2007 at 7:03 pm
Dear Molly,
Your witty intelligence shines as a beacon for all.
Bill Chappel
January 30th, 2007 at 7:10 pm
Thank you, Molly
I’ve been enjoying your columns for years - you have inspired me and your writing has gladdened my spirit when I saw it published as an Op-Ed piece in the Seattle PI or the Seattle Times.
Keep up the fight, and know that many people are wishing you well.
We’re all keeping up the fight from our multiple angles as well. Sooner or later all these Bushies will just cave in. And oh what a sight that will be to behold!
All the best,
Peter (whom you’ve never met)
January 30th, 2007 at 7:41 pm
Dearest Molly,
As my #1 personal favorite for the unofficial office of National Treasure, I’ve long admired how your pen has raised work(wo)manlike journalism to a high art form. Only you could have metamorphosed razorwit, the sweetest ladylike drawl and real investigative research into laugh out loud reading that at the same time sends the politcal ponificating potentates scurrying for cover. Many thanks too for your fine work as referee of the infamous O’Reilly-Franken bout in LA!
Hang in there, Girl!
Love and Light,
Ernie
January 30th, 2007 at 8:40 pm
“Molly Ivins Can’t Say That, Can She?!! She can and she does, and this question/statement has become my mantra when I am tempted to play “nicey-nice” with bigots, racists and presidents without the brains of a duck, rather than going for the jugular…with intelligence, with compassion and with a kicker juxtoposition of truth and hypocrisy — leaving a smile, if not belly laughter in its wake. I don’t pretend to have the powers of persuasion of Molly Ivins, but following her example, I try.
As a writer and feminist who believes that Social Justice is not just campaign rhetoric, I admire you Molly. You are one of my few true heroes. And as a breast cancer survivor (mastectomy and chemo), I know where you’ve been and have a pretty realistic idea of where you are at now. You are in my thoughts and my prayers, and I am mulling over my contribution to your Tribute. Yes, the show must and will go on, inspired by straight-talking, big-hearted Americans like yourself! Thank you Molly, for your huge contribution to public discourse in not only the U.S., but the world.
Godspeed. Cynthia, Vancouver BC
January 30th, 2007 at 8:58 pm
Molly,
There has been something missing the last few weeks and I realized the other day that it was YOU!I was wondering just yesterday, where the hell did Molly Ivins, the wittiest, sassiest, no bs writer I’ve come across, go? I am sorry to hear that you are ill and you have all my best wishes to get better and keep telling us the unmitigated truth.
January 30th, 2007 at 8:58 pm
dear molly;
when i was dying of third stage breast cancer back in 1991, a friend sent me some of your columns by an old compuserve link;and i have this to say; dying can take a while to do; sometimes one can stretch it out but it still sticks to you like glue;
you have lit up so many lives in your time, that whatever is now and is coming, i can only say this:: when you re in a hole, stop digging, and
dying is a hole; so then, all i can say, is that like many others who have not met you, i love you for what you do. and whatever you do,
this too shall pass. you go, girl.
val.
January 30th, 2007 at 9:04 pm
Dear Molly:
Thank you to everything you’ve contributed to the public discourse. You’ve been a huge inspiration to me both as an activist and agitator. I’m sending lots of love your way - get well soon!
January 30th, 2007 at 9:22 pm
Suddenly, I’m tongue-tied about saying that Miz Molly is one of the most important writers in my little world. She just has that ability to pin down the sumbitch. Get back in the ring, honey.
January 30th, 2007 at 9:39 pm
Molly, I used to feel that we should allow Texas to go its own way, as in “Who needs Texas?” But with you there explaining all things to us I cherish it and you. Hang in there. We are praying for you.
Martha
January 30th, 2007 at 9:46 pm
Molly
You take care of yourself. You visualize a healthy and strong Molly, like I will. Let’s make it so.
Love, peace and miraculous healing powers to our bravest, smartest and strongest Texas woman journalist. We still need your voice on our side, Molly.
Sonia
January 30th, 2007 at 9:52 pm
Molly,
You’ve made me laugh on some rather dark days. You’ve told stories that reveal humanity’s best and worst. You’ve fought hard, but always with a smile and a wit unequaled in our times. You’re one of my heroes. Take heart in the knowledge that there are so many pulling for and with you in your current fight. We’re with you, Molly, we’re with you.
Brad
January 30th, 2007 at 10:16 pm
[…] Read More Molly […]
January 30th, 2007 at 10:24 pm
Dear Molly,
I cannot tell you how many times your clear, honest voice has given me hope in these trying political times. I have read “Bushwhacked” many times and marvel at your knack for mixing irony, humor and great wisdom. Please know that I’m thinking of you and I’m sending you all my fondest thoughts.
Jennifer
January 30th, 2007 at 10:26 pm
Thank you, Molly, for all the times you’ve made me smile with your humor that aims barbs where they need to go. Texas truly does have a bright star in you.
From California — wishing you the best.
January 30th, 2007 at 10:29 pm
A truer, better, AMERICAN can not be found today…
Thank you Molly - for you. We are better for knowing you. With tears in my eyes, but very warm thoughts …be well.
January 30th, 2007 at 10:38 pm
Rest easy, Molly. Thank you for all you have done to make sense of the mess that is Texas.
I will always remember your laugh, and your wonderful wit.
January 30th, 2007 at 10:39 pm
Dear Molly,
I offer you my sincerest prayers: Nam-Myoho-Renge-Kyo, to open and reveal all the power within and make a strong recovery!
Your writing has always spoken to my heart and filled me with joy.
Josh
January 30th, 2007 at 10:42 pm
what a very sad day.as a recsnt reader of mollys articles .through the common dreams site.i realy do wish her what ever it takes,for her ,to be back.for being a australian.you give me a belief that there are some sane people in your country.
January 30th, 2007 at 10:43 pm
Molly, I like what Wasserman has written about you, a female Mark Twain, and I have loved what I have read of yours, effectively washing out G Bush’s mouth with soap. Thanks, Molly for giving us hope for this world, and now I offer you mine.
January 30th, 2007 at 10:53 pm
Molly–You know our thoughts and prayers are with you, just as you’ve been with us every step of the way for years and years and years, speaking truth to power and bringing us all a little closer to the clarity so often missing from the words we read and share with each other. You have always been a beacon of hope and humor in a world that suggests too little of either. Your light will shine brightly far beyond your earthly toils. We love you and we are with you in spirit. TOM
January 30th, 2007 at 11:22 pm
Molly,
I was so sad to hear of your being in the hospital again. I want you for president so get well soon. 2008 is just around the corner and we need someone who knows what the hell is going on. You are very impressive with your wit. I love the way you handle the Bush mess. You tell it like it is and have helped uninformed people like me see just what makes him tick and explain the greed to all. I have bought all your books too and am waiting for your next book, the shrubetts in trouble again!! What a sham.
My prayers start with your name Molly on the please bless list.
a fan in Florida
Connie
January 30th, 2007 at 11:38 pm
Molly, your wit, your brains and your rock-solid sense of justice are a source of wonder and inspiration to the rest of us, who walk around striking our foreheads, saying “Why didn’t I think of writing that?” You are a treasure, and we love you.
January 30th, 2007 at 11:39 pm
Dear Molly,
I send you love and light to sustain you through this temporary setback. We love you, and so enjoy your wit and wisdom! Please choose to stay here and see us through these Bush years! There is only GOOD on the other side of them for us and for you! I am inspired and encouraged by every word you write. Call Dr . Bruce Lipton, and read his book “The Bioilogy of Belief.” It is within your power to choose good health for yourself! Miracles happen every day, and I am praying that you have yours.
Much love,
Helen
January 31st, 2007 at 12:28 am
Molly you have been and continue to be an inspiration. Thank you for helping me raise my voice and say “I am an American, proud of our form of goverment ashamed of our leaders”. Your voice is needed now more than ever, your spirt irreplaceable. Be well Molly your are loved and are making a diffrence. The fight for the soul of our country needs you.
January 31st, 2007 at 12:34 am
Dear, dear Molly,
Reading you gave me smiles and laughter at the undressed truth that someone was walkin’ ’round real naked. Meeting you in person made me a bit braver in all ways. Thank you for always being real and always really honest. The wonderful thing is, what else would you have been? Here’s wishing you all the best.
January 31st, 2007 at 4:00 am
Use your energy to get well, Molly. We’ll fight this war against war in your name.
Bless you and thank you.
January 31st, 2007 at 5:11 am
I’m so grateful to have found this-I’ve been looking for a way to send you, Molly, a message since I saw the post on Common Dreams.
Whatever love, strength and support I can convey through the invisible pathways between us I send to you. I have been stimulated to laughter, thought, and sometimes sputtering anger by your writing over the years, and always had the sense that it was coming from a large soul and heart.
For those who might be reading this over your shoulder I will recall what I think is my favorite story from you, which I think is particularly appropriate because it also recalls your friend Ann Richards, another large-hearted Texas woman hell-raiser. You recounted an occasion early in Ann’s political life when (I think) you, Ann, Ann’s boss (?) and his assistant, a black man, were at a ‘do’ when, in your own delicious terms, the group of you ‘got the tired feet’ and went to lean against the bar. Shortly a notoriously racist judge came over to schmooze, and Ann’s boss introduced you, then his (black) assistant (I will name him as Mr. Jones), whose hand the judge barely touched in a gesture at a handshake. At that the judge turned to beam at the young and attractive Ann and asked: ‘Who might you be young lady?’ At that you said Ann turned her most dazzling smile on the judge and said: “I’m Mrs. Jones.’
There are those who claim that prayer can have a positive effect regardless of the belief of the pray-er or pray-ee. I sincerely hope it’s true-I’m praying for you now.
Blessings on you.
Dave B
January 31st, 2007 at 6:17 am
Ms. Ivins, your work has meant so much to so many for so long. Long after you have gone from us, your work will instruct, make us think.
The problem for us now is we need your sharp mind more than ever.
I send this with my heartfelt wishes to you for a recovery and a quality of life to your choosing.
Most sincerely.
January 31st, 2007 at 6:22 am
We love you Molly!
January 31st, 2007 at 7:17 am
Sending heartfelt wishes for your recovery…I wanted you to know that we in the Midwest have loved and appreciated the honesty and humor in your writing and thank you for recognizing and reporting on the dangers that lurk in our government.
January 31st, 2007 at 7:46 am
Molly, there’s not much I can add to what everyone else is saying. You are one of our favorites. A couple of your quotes landed select spots in a tiny book about democracy my partner and I hand-made for friends after Bush’s last “election.” I love the one about democracy being messy. We love you. Thank you so much for being our inspiration.
January 31st, 2007 at 7:57 am
Dear Molly–I have never felt so sad about someone I don’t even know, which should tell you something about the affect your wit and wisdom has had on me. You’re such a fighter, Molly–don’t give up on this most personal fight. Hope you are feeling all the love.
January 31st, 2007 at 7:59 am
Dear Molly, I just wanted you to know, that my favorite thing about you is that you never made yourself accountable to anyone, which gave you the freedom to always do the right thing. I admire that so much, and have tried to emulate that in my life and activism as well. You have the brains for politics, law, anything you wanted to do; instead, you have choosen to be the voice for many, many Americans. Thank you for keeping us informed, for holding others accountable to what’s right, and for maintaining a sense of dedication to your craft. God bless you.
January 31st, 2007 at 8:02 am
Molly,
It is your world we just live in it.
Tom
January 31st, 2007 at 8:40 am
Dear Molly,
Your words were a bridge for two women friends over 3,000 miles and a 20 year period. This past year I lost my dear friend Lois Roberts. She and I delighted in sharing your latest with each other. You were our inspiration. We loved laughing out loud at your precious choice of words.
You are the voice of reason with a high dose of humor. Thank you for being you.
With fond memories and healing thoughts, Renee
January 31st, 2007 at 8:42 am
Dear Molly,
Your wit and humot amisdt the Bush administration’s horror in Iraq, unresponsiveness to the dire needs of the people dispossessed by Katrina, calculated attempts to destroy our Constitution (among many other impeachable offenses), have helped me stay sane. And I daresay you have had this important effect on countless others. We will keep up the struggle. We are the deciders.
You are a role model for girls and young women looking for inspiration, and you are a beacon of light for all of us.
Best wishes!
Denise
January 31st, 2007 at 8:45 am
In a past job, I had the distinct pleasure of publishing some of Molly’s articles. I also received the gift of experiencing a series of lectures she gave at Chautauqua Institution more than a decade ago. I simply wanted to add to the heartfelt observations posted above that, to me, there is no better of example of a “self-actualized” woman than Molly Ivins. She, more than any woman in my lifetime, seems to embody Abraham Maslov’s principles of self-actualization. For years, Molly Ivin’s writings have cajoled me, inspired me, and moved me to action. Her example will stay with me for the rest of my life. May she go gently, and in a Molly sort of way, into the light.
January 31st, 2007 at 8:53 am
I have appreciated your brave and balanced viewpoints so much over the years. The absence of your regular columns here in Lansing leaves a hollowness in our appetite for truth that no one else can fill.
Thanks for all you have given us so far and stay brave forever.
January 31st, 2007 at 9:07 am
Dear Ms. Ivins,
Thank you, thank you, thank you for the strength you have given us.
You are in our prayers.
January 31st, 2007 at 9:26 am
Molly you are a bright shining star. Thank you for your truthful words. You go girl! Humor & wisdom, what a gift to share.
In gratitude,
Penelope Tarasuk, PhD Jungian Psychoanalyst
South Deerfield, MA
January 31st, 2007 at 10:01 am
Molly - thank you for all of your efforts to expose the hypocrisy in government, all the while bringing a smile to so many faces.
January 31st, 2007 at 10:34 am
A reader from Chicago sends you his heart felt wishes for recovery and his thanks for your wonderful voice of reason. Chicago loves you!
January 31st, 2007 at 10:42 am
Reminiscing on some Molly-isms:
http://womenshistory.about.com/od/quotes/a/molly_ivins.htm
Thanks for the Hope in democracy and humanity, Ms. M.
PLUR, Deb
“I still believe in Hope - mostly because there’s no such place as Fingers Crossed, Arkansas.” -Molly
January 31st, 2007 at 10:49 am
Mol,
C’mon girl, we need you….Shrub doesn’t seem to be listening DESPITE the midterm elections. There are too many columns for you to write. I hope that your dear friends at the Observer are passing on these well wishes. I want you to know that one of the highlights for me living in Austin over a decade ago was the occasional Molly spotting, especially when I saw you and that beautiful dog of yours (Athena?) at the dog park or walking around Town Lake. I’ve been lucky enough to see you speak multiple times, most recently last year at the tribute for Barbara Jordan for KUT, and I carry your booming laugh and twang with me when I read your columns here in California. Like someone else said above, when I’m tongue-tied and sputtering at the latest Shrub outrage de jour, your columns are a blast of fresh air cutting through the B.S.
Your sass, your wit, your willingness to stand up for your uncompromising principles are an inspiration to me. It’s not easy growing up a feminist in Texas, and when I was fighting the tide of being told what “little ladies” should do in Texas (read: be prettily seen and not heard) I counted on folks like you, Ann, B.J., Sarah Weddington, Lady Bird, and Liz Carpenter to shine the path for my generation. We just lost Ann, we’re still aching over it, and we can’t lose you now. Please get well soon and fight this god-d**n cancer…hugs from the west coast
January 31st, 2007 at 11:09 am
Molly,
We thank you deeply for giving of your energy, your insight, and your matchless wit, for so many years, to help make this a better world for all.
We love you and are holding you in our hearts!
Arden and Betsy Buck
Nederland, CO 80466
January 31st, 2007 at 11:12 am
From M. D. Anderson Cancer Center with love…
Molly, I have been a loyal reader of your books & columns since moving back to Houston in 1991, been privileged to hear you in person a couple of times, sweated through your previous battles with the Big C. You are bigger than any C out there. Go, fight, win!
January 31st, 2007 at 11:28 am
Molly…
You have provided much joy, laughter, light, and hope in this world as our long national nightmare continues.
You are simply the best. May your brave spirit shine on.
Be well.
Loren
January 31st, 2007 at 12:05 pm
Molly
As a recent returnee to the smallest state in the union I was hoping to see your columns in the papers here. Unfortunately, the great “left-leaning liberal” local press has a different tilt. Then just when I found a good internet source for your work, I get this depressing news about your health.
Complete Bummer! Just when we need your eagle eye and unique slant on an administration totally out of control, we learn that your health priorities now govern your life and your sorely needed wit and wisdom will be subdued. I’m not a religious person, but for the first time in 60 years, I’ll be saying a prayer, just for you.
Hang in there. We need you!
January 31st, 2007 at 12:23 pm
Molly–
You don’t know me from Adam (or is it Eve?), but when I read your work, it’s as if you are speaking to me directly.
I count you among my friends. Keep fighting.
January 31st, 2007 at 12:29 pm
Visualize whirled peas. No, wait, that’s the wrong one. See our Molly strong, healthy, and vibrant once more. We need you, girl. Your presence and writings have been our mitigating factor for the Shrub we sent to DC. On top of that; I have yet to shake your hand and say Thank You.
I’ve lit my PEACE candle, whichever way you choose to move, but know that I am yet another that treasures you and sends her best.
Jamie Lewis
January 31st, 2007 at 12:34 pm
Dear Molly,
You are a treasure and an inspiration to so many of us. For years I have looked forward to every column with your byline. You never fail to get right to the heart of whatever important issue of the day that you take on. Your columns are always informative, they inspire others to get active, and they always do so with great wit.
I’m sending my agnostic’s prayers to the goddess for you. Thank you for being the wonderful person you are. I hope you’re feeling the love of your many admirers.
Dotty Carpenter
Lake Tapps, WA
January 31st, 2007 at 1:22 pm
As a daughter of Texas, strong women are my pride and legacy. My mother, Ann Richards, Barbara Jordan and you Molly Ivins… have added your fiery brilliance, humor, love, wisdom and compassion to the sum of this world. God Bless You, each and all!
I’ve seen many messages urging you to recover quickly. I, too, would like you to become well and remain with us a while longer — but that may be a selfish wish. More than physical well being, I wish you peace (Peace!), which you have fought for so tenaciously on behalf of the whole world. May Peace be in your heart and inhabit your soul as you transition from this life and into the next — whether that transition is now, or many years away.
When the time does come, take a moment between incarnations (but not too long, please) for a little rest and to catch your breath. You’re going to need it to keep speaking the whole, for-crying-out-loud Truth the next time around. I’m grateful to share the planet (and Texas) with such a magnificent being.
January 31st, 2007 at 1:28 pm
Lord, give Molly yet another day to shed light into these dark times. Her wit and whimsy is sorely needed.
Lord, give Molly yet another day. She’s carried our hope for a better world, standing for all of us in the face of challenging times .. please carry her forward through the challenge she is now facing, giving her the strength she needs to stand up once again.
Lord, give Molly yet another day. And when it is time for her to leave us, please send your best angel to guide her home.
But for now, Lord, give Molly yet another day.
January 31st, 2007 at 2:55 pm
My Dear Molly,
Not a day goes by when I don’t open my SF Chronicle to the OpEd page, hoping to see you there. I’ve been disappointed a lot lately, but every miss gives me the moment wherein I can pause, think of you and wish you a full recovery. I consider you one of my guides. I wish you well in the process and hope that it may lead to fredom from pain.
January 31st, 2007 at 3:12 pm
Dear Molly,
I regret to say that I only discovered you eight or ten years ago, but proud to say that you’ve been my all-time favorite ever since. I will pray that YOUR will be done.
Cheryl Case
Raleigh, NC
January 31st, 2007 at 3:16 pm
Don’t leave. Your wit is a global asset. But if you do show up in heaven, say hi to my brother Tom–another great spirit.
January 31st, 2007 at 4:03 pm
Dearest Molly,
I’ve been married almost 15 years and around the 2000 election, my wonderful wife began to get a whiff of what I already knew - that something was wrong with our republic. Now ever since, she’s quoting the NY Times back to me, emailing CommonDreams articles to me, and she has become a huge fan of yours. I’ve been your long-time pal you never knew you had.
We love you, Molly. We wish you healing and peace. You have a standing invitation to come and have some supper with us. My wife makes a mean lemon cake dessert too.
May God richly bless you because I know you made Him laugh.
Tony Bonilla
January 31st, 2007 at 4:06 pm
Molly,
I can only echo what each person has said. You are the one person I mention as a rebuttal when out-of-state friends ask me what the hell is wrong with Texas. If the state can produce women like you, it must be doing something right.
I have always admired your wit, your charm, and your guts. Keep fighting. We need you.
January 31st, 2007 at 4:56 pm
Molly:
I have looked forward to reading your wit and wisdom now for more than a decade, and your books provided the inspiration for me to start my own political blog.
After I’m dead, the most personally rewarding thing anyone could say about me would be “she wanted to be as good as Molly Ivins, and she almost got there…”
Please know that you have touched your readers beyond measure, and there are millions of us out here praying for your recovery. And if that isn’t in the cards, I hope you take comfort in the knowledge that you will have inspired other “ordinary” Americans to try and follow your example.
You make me proud to be an American and an uppity woman.
January 31st, 2007 at 6:07 pm
Dear Molly,
Your intellectual gifts and the painless, hilarious way that you share them are truly priceless. There is no defense against your razor-sharp insight! You chose to be born in this place and time to enlighten us and help us save our country and our planet.
I am affirming your miraculous recovery - if you must leave I know you will have fulfilled your mission.
Love and blessings, Shannon
January 31st, 2007 at 6:18 pm
Molly — You are my hero.
January 31st, 2007 at 6:28 pm
God bless you, darling. Drinks are on the house.
January 31st, 2007 at 6:28 pm
Dear Molly,
I pray for strength in your struggle,
I hope for peaceful moments of rest,
I wish for all the laughter
and hope and love of life you have shared
To shine back at you now and fill you with
the power to grow healthy
While we’re waiting, we’ll stand guard
Knowing we need you here to fight the good fight
Love,
Mary Ann Ford
January 31st, 2007 at 6:39 pm
I just heard Molly’s death announced on my local news station, and tears came to my eyes. I came late to appreciating Molly - about the time of the 2000 campaign, and immediately began referring, as she did, to Dubya. I have cherished her humor, her wit, and her sharp insight into the political process, and howled with laughter when she skewered some of my favorite targets with a down-homeism that was a perfect fit. She will be missed, by me and tens of thousands. There was no one like her - God bless and keep her.
January 31st, 2007 at 7:45 pm
Molly,
I regret that I didn’t discover you until about ten years ago, and proud to state that you’ve been my all-time favorite ever since. Fight, or not, as you wish. Let YOUR will be done.
Cheryl Case
Raleigh, NC
January 31st, 2007 at 8:07 pm
Goodby Molly, you will be missed!
January 31st, 2007 at 8:25 pm
Just saw the news from the NY Times. Molly Ivins is gone. (I didn’t even know she was leaving.) I always appreciated those little doses of sanity you managed to inject into what sometimes seems like the ever-deepening chaos of our times. Farewell to one of the brightest sparks in our current darkness. We miss you already, Molly. But don’t worry - we shall keep the faith. I’m just sorry you won’t be with us to see the coming dawn.
January 31st, 2007 at 9:19 pm
Although I didn’t agree with many of her opinions I always made it a point to read them so I could get a chuckle and some insight about the other side of the political spectrum. She is one of the last “hardcore” liberals out there and cannot be replaced. For for the former, Molly will be missed by many.
January 31st, 2007 at 10:29 pm
Its a cold night in Texas.
But, as Molly said:
“I still believe in Hope - mostly because there’s no such place as Fingers Crossed, Arkansas.”
-Molly Ivins (1944-2007)
“Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone,
Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone,
Silence the pianos and with muffled drum
Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come.
…
The stars are not wanted now: put out every one;
Pack up the moon and dismantle the sun;
Pour away the ocean and sweep up the woods.
For nothing now can ever come to any good.
-W.H. Auden
January 31st, 2007 at 10:33 pm
Dear Molly, Your articles always give me hope. In Florida Democrats are an endangered speices. Your writing inspires me to speak my mind in republican robot zones. It’s beautiful to watch people wakeup from the Fox news half sleep. I can’t possibly express my gratitude in words. Thanks
January 31st, 2007 at 10:53 pm
What a joy it is to see all this love you are receiving now from your global family, all these folks who have read your words and been lifted by your truth and humor.
Blessings, Molly,
January 31st, 2007 at 11:20 pm
We have lost a great leader, but we will never lose your inspiration. We must all try harder now that Molly isn’t here to prod us.
January 31st, 2007 at 11:29 pm
Goodbye, Molly. Here’s hoping a million of the folks you inspired show up at your funeral, to take up the pots and pans and your loving cause, to restore democracy and peace to our country.
My memorial to you is here. And I promise to carry on and win your fight.
January 31st, 2007 at 11:38 pm
Molly,
You have touched so many, many lives. Thank you.
May you rest in peace.
January 31st, 2007 at 11:43 pm
Oh Molly! We miss you badly and will do our best to pick up where you left off.
There’s a storm brewing–like a WesTexas duststorm–and we’re going to see the will of the people sandblast the crap that’s passing for government now. We’re gonna give ‘em hell, Molly!
Please know that you were heard, and your words changed lives forever.
We love you, Molly!
February 1st, 2007 at 10:06 am
Hasta luego, querida Molly. As a freelance writer and a human being, I’ve looked up to you. For your wit, your courage and your guts I love and respect you. Vaya con Buddha, my darling…
February 1st, 2007 at 10:08 am
Goodbye and Thank you Molly - I live in the buckle of the bible belt and your weekly article was the only thing that has helped me keep my sanity during the W reign.
Love You
February 1st, 2007 at 11:36 am
Molly to Earth: Calling all midnight riders. Yee-Haw!
Earth to Molly: Darlin’, thanks for donatin’ these old boots, but six of us couldn’t fill a one. Rest easy and take in the big view, sister. We’re hounds on the heels of the sumbitches. Look! A lil’ lightnin’ storm over D.C.! Must be Molly’s idea of a subtle hint.
Bless you, dear friend. Godspeed.
Dawn, PA
February 1st, 2007 at 12:45 pm
Here’s a college professor and Southern Baptist from east Texas who’ll be praying for everyone who’s mourning for Molly today. Molly brought a lot of sunshine and laughter into my life.
February 1st, 2007 at 2:59 pm
I used to look at the photo of the lone student in front of the tank at Tiannenman Square and wonder where that kind of courage came from. Now I’m starting to get it and it scares the hell out of me.
Thank you Molly for showing me the meaning of courage in the way you lived and the way you died.
February 1st, 2007 at 3:15 pm
What a needed asset you were to this old world. You kept us all laughing while informing and prodding us to do more. You surely are going to be missed!
February 1st, 2007 at 4:17 pm
Molly,
Thanks for asking the tough questions and urging us to think and calling us to a higher place. Will miss you. Rest in Peace.
February 1st, 2007 at 4:35 pm
The heavens just got a good bit lighter and brighter. But their gain is most certainly our sharp loss.
Peace be on your journey, Ms. Molly Ivins. Your shining voice will be sorely missed.
February 1st, 2007 at 8:26 pm
I am just devasted and in tears over my PC to hear of your too-soon death, Molly. I have no personal, intimate stories to tell of knowing you, seeing you, hearing you - sadly - but I sure did read you and laughed and loved what you wrote and loved you for your bravery, your creativity, your funny-ness, your knowledge. How can we ever go on without you? Rest in Peace - you have fought the best ever fight and given us all laughs and pleasure while doing it. Somehow I’ll have to read the next issue of The Nation and not see your column. Love and Peace
Ruth E. Ross, Maplewood, NJ
Psychoanalystic Psychotherapist; Clinical Social Worker; Mother, grandmother.
February 2nd, 2007 at 2:29 am
Now what do I read first in “The Nation?” Just won’t be the same. Who can fill those Texas steppers? Thanks for all the thought provocation…wish we’d had it forever.
February 2nd, 2007 at 8:45 am
I ask myself, why am I sitting here on a cold New England morning weeping over the death of someone in Texas I’ve never met. Is it because I share with her leftward political leanings, a history of breast cancer, and a love of words used well? No, it is more than that.
It is Molly, the person, I mourn. Her unflinching honesty, her willingness to say what no one else would say, her wild and pointed sense of humor, but most of all her passionate love affair with life, all the while admitting her own failures and acknowledging life’s many perils.
Where do I go now to find all that now?
February 2nd, 2007 at 1:00 pm
As morning broke in California, even though the news was not at the top of my AP or Reuter’s feed, an email from a musician friend (Freebo) the subject line read ”Tomorrow (Friday) Simi Valley, Molly Ivins” caught my attention at once. Before I opened the email, I know what the news was going to be. I was hoping for a shock, a surprise, a miracle or a populist uprising on earth. I know that the road was not leading that way. The post was about two oxymorons, a “progressive” event in Simi Valley California and a progressive voice of reason in Texas.
Today there is a new heart, a new smile, and a new voice of reason in heaven. If the spiritual world is what I believe as opposited to what the Religious Right believes, the new voice stepping into heaven today will be welcomed, embraced, and be syndicated for eternity.
Molly we will miss you. People of reason will miss you. And the world is a little less safe from greed, self-interest and stupidity today than it was yesterday. For years I have shared with friends my idea of the most surprising thing about the “foreign land” we know as Texas. It is not that it has sent us the stupidest president in history. It is that Molly Ivins and Jim Hightower lived in the same town. It helps me know there is a God. God bless you Molly.
February 2nd, 2007 at 1:11 pm
Molly and I were great friends. No, I never met her, and she was never even aware that I existed, but we were friends nevertheless, and she sent me the nicest letters, published in the best newspapers in the world. I am clinging to my grief now, since that’s all I have left, but that will pass, and my vigor for freedom and democracy will grow in its place. Perhaps someday America will be free enough that people will hate us again for our freedom. Currently, they can only laugh at our lunacy, and shiver in dread at what passes for leadership these days.
February 2nd, 2007 at 3:28 pm
No one can replace the irreplaceable.
All we can do is thank the good Lord that she was there for us until the end is in sight– In just under two years Shrub will be gone, and until that time we’ve got chaperones in Congress. And last year’s victory, without a doubt, came as a result of people finally waking up to what this administration was all about– and for that Molly Ivins deserves a large portion of the credit.
February 2nd, 2007 at 4:16 pm
In Oregon, many hearts are saddened. We will miss you, Molly. You helped us have courage to not give up. The Dems took back the state legislature here, because you and others like you refused to be quiet. Now, your voice and energy are part of the ever changing universe. Say “hello” to Paul Wellstone, I’m going upstairs to get out the pots and pans!
With love and heartfelt thanks,
Charlotte
Gresham, OR
February 2nd, 2007 at 5:18 pm
Oh my, Molly.
The news hit us (two nerdy college professors) hard when NPR reported on Molly’s passing. Our grand dame hero is gone. What a role model. You may be gone, but your influence will last as long as those ripples of witty wisdom shine in our minds, our conversations, our readings and our writings. Godspeed.
February 3rd, 2007 at 11:47 am
Ya know, as an Oklahoma girl, I really didn’t have much use for Texans growing up. More than once, I posited on the beneficial effects of just loading up the Red River with a bunch of explosives and blowing the whole state into its own island.
And then..I discovered Molly.
I’ve been a faithful reader for many years, and can’t count the times I’ve pushed your books into well-meaning but misguided friends and said “Read this. If you still don’t get it, we may as well just shoot you and get it over with”. You passion for the passed over - the Latinos, the African-Americans, the bright women who couldn’t be heard over the cocks crowing in The Lege - has been an inspiration. It makes one wonder how Texans could continue to elect such dumb-as-barrels-of-hair men.
For now, Miss Molly - we weep with tears for the loss of a true patriot, a woman who could bring such clarity and laughter to the world around her. Then we’re gonna splash some water on our face, dry our tears, put on our pointiest boots and start kicking some ass and raising some hell.
It’s our only way to say thank you, Molly.
God Bless you.
February 3rd, 2007 at 8:04 pm
She was a Texan’s Texan but to this Ohioan she was a national treasure. The tears that I’ve shed over the last 3 days are the kind reserved for a dear, dear friend and you were that, Molly, even though I never met you. You’ll be missed more than even you could have ever imagined.
Rest in peace … God knows you’ve earned it.
February 4th, 2007 at 10:30 am
Dear Molly,
William Wayne Justice is my Godfather (funny!) and uncle. He has been a big influence on my life - religiously and politically. Uncle Wayne and my husband, turned me on to your wit and politics almost 20 years ago and I’ve enjoyed you ever since. Uncle Wayne & Aunt Sue are attending your memorial service today (in a church!) and I wish I could be there with them. I live near Boone, North Carolina and you have quite a few fans in these mountains. I promise to continue your populist battles in this “neck of the woods”. You will be missed and remembered!
With Love and Peace,
February 4th, 2007 at 11:32 pm
Molly,
Wednesday meant it was time to read Molly Ivins. It didn’t matter if it was pouring down rain or the moon wasn’t out and the early morning darkness was all that was out there, I would stop the car at the bottom of the driveway and scamper across the road and get the paper, cause Molly was there. When he got selected again, it was okay because Molly would be the voice of reason and hope, and it would just have to be more possible to cope with the impossible happening again. Molly Ivins was one of the great writers, and she leaves behind so many admirers. I am but one.
February 7th, 2007 at 1:14 pm
Molly, thank you, for everything. May we live up to your highest hopes for us and restore America to wholeness and sanity.