Raise More Hell! Ann Richards’ Excellent Legacy
Thu, September 14, 2006
This morning, over the paper and a bagel, I bawled. I bawled with sadness and rage when I heard about Ann Richards’ death. She was a diva if ever there was one—fighting for women and minority representation in the white boy halls of Texas government; tackling her booze demons both privately and publicly, with head held high, and becoming a role model for all of us. Her humor, smarts and take-no-crap platform was a breath of fresh air in politics.
My rage was not so much at the grim reaper, but rather, rage at the quiet, giant injustice that Ann Richards spent the last week suffering from cancer and dying and George Bush—who unseated her as Governor—spent the last week riding his mountain bike, having tea, and continuing to trample the world with his imperial policies.
Her suffering; him thriving—or at least carrying on. It’s enough to make a girl soak her bagel.
Apples and oranges, I know. But that’s rage for you.
When asked what she’d have done differently if she’d known she was to be a one-term governor: “I’d have raised more hell.”
So here’s to Governor Richards—and to raising more hell.
Much will be written to honor her fine life; read on for NPR.
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Soggy breakfast indeed!
I was also a big fan of Richards. One of my favorite quotes is from her… which more or less goes as below…
Ginger Rogers could do everything Fred Astaire did - but backwards, and in heels.
As a native Texan who grew up watching Texas politics shift from Ann Richards to George Bush, I have long been rather obsessed with Ann Richards and had my own “bawling over breakfast” episode when I learned about her death. Not only was she a sharp, savvy politician who brought major and much-needed reforms to Texas’s education, economy, social services, and social setting, but she did it all with unparalleled sass. She had a quick wit and she wasn’t afraid to use it, whether it was to charm, to chide or to convince. She showed the world not only that liberal, female Texans do exist (a cause which I’ve long championed), but that they are smart, tough, effective and hilariously fun.
Being from Wisconsin I “don’t know much ‘bout Ann Richard’s gubenatorial reign” (read to the rhythm of the Garfunkel tune), but I hear about her wit and bravado as a leader and I read your ruminations only to wonder why?
You use your space to express rage over the current political scene instead of using the space to more appropriately memorialize Richards—I think she may have been disappointed in the effort. I realize she past away, but remember, she lived!
{Does this mean her impact on you and the “world” is less than your apparent distaste for GW. Actually, the qualities that you cite as admirable and honorable for Richards are practiced by GW, as well.}
I admire and respect women (and, truely, people in general) who achieve their goals, fight for their beliefs, and champion their causes—your inability to surpress your rage and memorialize Richards is a bit disappointing. Good thing there were some comments.
I caught the ending of your Glob Trekkers show on the local PBS and wanting to know more I found this site. I am hoping that as I check out your work (the mentions of your books spark an interest that I may have to explore) I find inspiration to return.