Molly Ivins Can't Say That, Can She?

Molly's book is a breath of fresh air in an often stifling political world. A sentence like To call Bush shallow is like calling a dwarf shortbelongs among the most memorable statements of recent times. What if she does repeat it a couple of times? A really good idea is worth reiterating.The only limitation of this book is that it focuses on Texas so much and does not fully represent Molly's trenchant view of the politics of the country as a whole. Her recent columns, printed even in some narrowly conservative local newspapers, remedy that lack.If we didn't have Molly Ivins, we might be reduced to reading William F. Buckley.

Molly Ivins has the unusual talent of being informative and hilarious at the same time. She loves to make laughingstocks of politicians who are stupid and/or crooked, and she does a beautiful job of it. This is a book like the TV show *MASH*: it ages well. You can read Molly's columns again every year or two, and enjoy them anew. I especially love the fib Ann Richards told to the judge from East Texas. That was absolutely beautiful. If you don't remember it, read the book again; you will crack up. Molly Ivins is, indeed, a national treasure. [email protected]

I have been following the commentary of Molly Ivins for several years now, and must say that this book is a must-read for anyone who follows American politics, Texas politics, and the changing social policy environment. Molly doesn't only write thoroughly enjoyable and readable essays, but she also does a consistently thorough job of collecting up data to back her views. This book, and many other writings by Ms. Ivins would also serve political science professors well in bringing a voice and views to discussion that is not only unaffected by the pulls of the corporate press, but unabashedly vocal about corruption and the controls of Big Money on our lives.

How does a liberal political commentator stay alive, much less flourish, in the state of Texas? First, she is a native Texan. Second, she has a rapier wit that slices with such accuracy that her targets are stunned. Third, even if she is talking about you, you are falling down with side-splitting laughter, so it's hard to strike back at Molly Ivins. She is a wonder and a treasure.

You don't have to be an obssessive observer of politics to enjoy this book, but if you are, the book rings too true. If you are but an droll watcher of human foibles, Molly Ivins's humorous take on humanity -- pants up and pants down -- will tickle your fancy and make you jealous that you didn't say that first. Molly Ivins is someone whom you'd like to invite over on a Saturday morning to share a pot of coffee, a dozen doughnuts, and a wheel-barrow-full of mordent chuckles about the human condition. She doesn't degrade humanity: she only wishes that we would take some time out to fulfill our potential. And you have to admit: the only people who receive the full sting of her barbs are the one's who've asked for it.