We'll all miss Molly

If you have some time to spend today with the Texas Observer's tribute to Molly Ivins's remarkable career, please do so. I can't think of a single person let alone writer who I've admired more. Most of the things I said after the death of Ivins's long time friend Ann Richards apply here.

Molly Ivins will be remembered for a wit that was as sweet and folksy as it was sharp and biting. Ivins's writing stands has a classic example of the power of humor in the face of hypocrisy. Reading her columns often left one feeling outrage at the abuse of power but always with a hopeful motivation to do something about it. This was certainly evident in her final column.

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!”

"Make the ridiculous look ridiculous" and remember Molly Ivins.