Molly Ivins Can't Say That, Can She?

Oh, I love Molly Ivins's take on Texas politics! I read it first in the late 1980s (I think). I'm a native Texan, although I've lived in Wisconsin since 1968, and I really connected with what she wrote. One of my book clubs chose it in 1998 as a "light read." It was so dated by then, but I still appreciated her biting wit and her writing.

My favorite example of that is when she is describing one Texas state legislator's lack of intelligence: "Having a debate with him was like target practice on a whale tied to a tree."

I wish she were still alive to keep entertaining us so.

I didn't know of Ivins before I caught the documentation Raise Hell: The Life & Times of Molly Ivins. I found the idea of a actively liberal female journalist at work upsetting in Texas with verve and humor engaging. More to the point she made some observation quoted in the doc reflecting, I think, on the Bushes, that elevating Texas politics to the national stage was problematic. I felt that there was insight that I wanted to know more of. This collection of previously printed articles does have much about the Bushes and other national Texas figures like Charlie Wilson, Ann Richards, etc. However, there was no depth of analysis that I hoped for. It was more like Andy Rooney's curmudgeonly output and much of the events and people show more covered hopelessly local and dated. show less

Molly Ivins is a true rarity, a Texan woman who is an unabashed and unapologetic liberal. She is also smart, incisive and funny, and writes a hell of a kick-ass political column. She specializes in Texas politics, but her reach is nation-wide. Her take on the Texas "Lege" is priceless. I am especially indebted to her for her advice to journalists on how to improve their craft: "Concentrate on opening your mind. If you're 55 and straight, read "Rolling Stone". If you're 25 and hip, "Reader's Digest". If you're liberal, read the "National Review"; conservative, read "New Republic"... I'm not joking about any of this. You have got to stretch your mind, further and further. The alternative is letting it congeal, harden and contract." Good show more advice for anybody, and I have tried to take it to heart. show less

Very good, very funny take on (mostly) Texas politics and legislature.

I love Molly Ivins! She came to my college (Washington University in St. Louis) back in the early 90's and gave a great talk. She was very nice at the book signing too. May she rest in peace.

Tall loud mouth... you simply adore.

So very Funny.

Molly Ivins at her best.