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Words from Molly’s Beloveds As the Observer went to press, almost 1,000 comments and remembrances of Molly had been posted to our web site. They came from around the world, from people who knew Molly personally and those who knew her through her writing. It’s not possible to print them all, of course, but here are some of our favorites. You can read them all, and post your own, at www.texasobserver.org . , You GO Girl!! Have a blast and tell Jeannie that I love her, as if she doesn’t know. I know also that she’s waiting for you and has been for a while now. The same breast cancer that claimed you both has left me here almost twenty years to miss her. And now you too. But save me a place at that big beautiful table. My guess is that she’s got a brisket on for you, and a pot of good coffee. The love goes on. Ann Henson Reading about Molly’s death was a paralyzing blow to this ex-pat Texan. In summer 2001, she was keynote speaker at the annual meeting of the Special Libraries Association. She told us about trying to figure out the best way to inspire South Austin “Bubbas” to join a breast cancer fundraiser. Her approach? “Men, we have a serious problem today. We are losing tits.” I think she said it worked, but we were all laughing so hard I couldn’t hear. Jan in Kentucky I was a producer for the dreaded talk radio “right-wing conspiracy” in DallasFort Worth for many years. Molly was always the perfect guest! Not only did she NEVER turn down my interview requests \(even when I knew she was left my hosts speechless, but loving her. She’d always ask me, “What’s a nice girl like you doing booking redneck shows like this??” and I believe it was so I could book smart, brave, funny women like her. I’ll miss you, Molly. AnnMarie Petitto I was a copyboy at the Minneapolis Tribune when she worked there. I did not know her well. In fact, she had so much energy that I was a little bit afraid of her, almost. Years later, Nolan Zavoral, a sports reporter at that time related the following story to my wife: At a regular late night gathering of staffers at one of the editors’ houses, someone asked, “Where’s Molly?” The city editor \(I think it would have been out to interview some Hell’s Angels. First time in my life I’ve ever felt sorry for those bastards.” Paul Anton Chief Economist, Wilder Foundation Saint Paul, Minnesota I never agreed with anything she wrote or said but CANCER SUCKS and I wish she was still here annoying the hell out of my red neck! P. Brian Sexton The most important thing that I can do, as a mother, is make sure that my two daughters grow up knowing, reading and loving Molly. Shelli Wright Molly’s audacious pursuit of a story was illustrated when just-elected Bill Clinton had a luncheon with politicians, movie stars and big contributors in January, 1993 at the famous Austin watering hole, Scholz Garten. The press was excluded and Molly was beside herself as she sat outside the banquet room with those of us who hadn’t been invited. I suggested that she pose as a waitress, never dreaming she would do it. But she did. The proprietor’s daughter, Stacy Bales, provided a Scholz’s tee shirt and a tray of beer and Molly managed an interview with Bill before security escorted her out. \(Not one of the Secret Service’s finer Ron Weddington I don’t mean to sound ungrateful, and never mind the tear in my heart, but frankly, I’m just not quite ready for a world without Molly Ivins. I’m just not. I live in San Diego, a city wholly at peace with its corruption. Republican country. When I noticed corruption at the state court level I wrote and called my federal representative, Randy “Duke” Cunningham; who did not return my calls or answer my letters. Perhaps he was too busy counting his bribe money. So I read Molly, who had the moral compass missing in modern reporters just doing a rote job. Journalists not fighting to cover stories about social justice and their editors who couldn’t possibly care less, either. Molly’s column provided a standard few really aspire to reach. Then tonight, as I was writing this, CBS’s Katie Couric devoted all of twenty or thirty words to Molly’s passing. Oh Katie; is it really too late for you to learn, too? So I’d like to think of the number of people Molly inspired. She inspired me to create a website that shows how the police profit from domestic violence. . I’m not nearly as funny but my Facts are spot on. Molly believed if you just kept writing the truth; it would eventually leak out. So every time I see a blogger breaking a news story, or a website, I like to think Molly’s courage to write right, inspired them. That she was Hilarious was just such a bonus. So, I’m not quite ready for a world 44 THE TEXAS OBSERVER FEBRUARY 9, 2007