Ivins: Remembering Ann Richards

[babylonsister]

Cross-posted from GD:

http://www.workingforchange.com/article.cfm?ItemID=21364

Remembering Ann Richards
Personal reflections on wit and generosity of departed Texas governor

AUSTIN, Texas -- She was so generous with her responses to other people. If you told Ann Richards something really funny, she wouldn't just smile or laugh, she would stop and break up completely. She taught us all so much -- she was a great campfire cook. Her wit was a constant delight. One night on the river on a canoe trip, while we all listened to the next rapid, which sounded like certain death, Ann drawled, "It sounds like every whore in El Paso just flushed her john."

She knew how to deal with teenage egos: Instead of pointing out to a kid who was pouring charcoal lighter on a live fire that he was idiot, Ann said, "Honey, if you keep doing that, the fire is going to climb right back up to that can in your hand and explode and give you horrible injuries, and it will just ruin my entire weekend."

more...

[Gman]

1. "I'm Mrs. Miles!"

Typical Ann!

Ann and Bullock were two of a kind we won't see again for a long time, if ever. Bullock was one of the greatest guys I've ever known. We still miss him. I guarantee you one thing. Texas would be a whole lot different if Bullock were still around.

[lastliberalintexas]

4. Bullock was an asshole at the end, though

Bullock had told the story many times of his lonely return from rehab. No wife, family or friends met him at the Austin airport upon his arrival- only Ann Richards, a recovering alcoholic herself. He'd said time and again how much her support had meant to him and how she and others had kept him from falling back off the wagon.

And then the sonofabitch endorsed and campaigned for Bush. (my cousin resigned from his office not long after) Bullock has quite a bit of 'splaining to do.

[acmejack]

2. I will miss the gracious Gov. Richards

She was a gentle lady in every sense of the word.

[sonias]

3. Inclusion and our first chance to participate

The spirit of the crowd that set off from the Congress Avenue Bridge up to the Capitol the day of Ann's inauguration was so full of spirit and joy. I remember watching San Antonio Mayor Henry Cisneros that day with tears running down his cheeks because Chicanos were finally included.

That was our Ann. Equality for all and she meant it.

Sonia

[Ken Burch]

5. I just now heard that Ann Richards had died.

(I was away from news sources for a couple of days).

She was a great governor, possibly could have been the first woman president if her health had held up, and I hope the people of Texas at least feel slightly embarassed over who they replaced her with.

G'bye Ann. Carry on Molly, we need you more than ever now!