I made four attempts to write this blog. All failed.
For the past fourteen years, on the week of July 4th, I have abandoned the stated mission of my blog to stay out of politics. But this year everything I attempted to write sounded more like an obituary rather than joy about living in a Democracy. And rather than subject you, valued readers, to my angst and gloom, I have decided to turn this week’s words over to Molly Ivins.
A Texas institution and a brilliant political journalist, Molly used witty satire to lampoon “the self-seeking, the corrupt and the incompetent in positions of public trust.” May her words put a bit of hope, cheer and laughter into this once wonderful holiday.
“The thing is this: You got to have fun while you’re fightin’ for freedom, ’cause you don’t always win.”
“On the whole, I prefer not to be lectured on patriotism by those who keep offshore mailboxes in order to avoid paying taxes.”
“Politics is not a picture on a wall or a television sitcom that you can decide you don’t care much for. “
“Many a time freedom has been rolled back – and always for the same sorry reason: fear.”
“Whenever you hear a politician carry on about what a mess the schools are, be aware that you are looking at the culprit.”
“Americans are not being screwed by the Republican Party. They’re getting screwed by the large corporations that bought and own the Republican Party.”
“It’s all very well saying regulation is bad, get government off our backs, etc. Of course our lives are regulated. When you come to a stop sign, you stop; if you want to go fishing, you get a license; if you want to shoot ducks, you can only shoot three ducks. The alternative is dead bodies at the intersection, no fish and no ducks. O.K.?
“Cheer up, it could always be worse. You could be living in Texas.”
Molly Ivins died in 2007 of breast cancer. Her words continue to be very much alive. And needed.
Here, here.
To Molly!
We need more Mollys.