Thank You, Ann
One of my political heros died yesterday. Ann Richards, former governor of Texas, died at age 73 of esophagael cancer.Ann was the perfect Texas democrat--brash, outspoken, witty, and warm. She was a champion of civil and women's rights, working in the 1970s for Texas to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment to the US Constitution. She brought penal reform to Texas, creating an addiction program for inmates. As her 60th birthday present to herself, she got her motorcycle license at age 60. And when she was struck with osteoporosis in the late 1990s, she became a spokesperson for women's health issues, leading by her examples of how to live a more healthy lifestyle.
She is, perhaps, best known for her keynote speech at the 1988 Democratic National Convention. It was a speech that fired up everyone and the crowd erupted when she uttered the unforgettable line regarding vice president George H.W. Bush (Bush I), ""Poor George, he can't help it. He was born with a silver foot in his mouth."
Thank you, Ann. You were an inspiration to me and to so many others.
“I have very strong feelings about how you lead your life. You always look ahead, you never look back.” --Ann Richards
Labels: Celebrity Death, Politics
posted by Kay at
5:13 AM
4 Comments:
Vogue did a really nice piece about Ann and her daughter Cecile not long ago. Cecile is the head of Planned Parenthood.
Digby has more on Ms Richards, with a timely reminder (as if one were needed) of just how long Bush and his handlers have been contemptible scumbags.
http://digbysblog.blogspot.com/2006_09_01_digbysblog_archive.html#115821048274501213
Yeah, isn't that awesome, Jane?
Nigel, I'd recognize you anywhere.
One of the best gifts my mother ever gave me was exposure to strong, smart women in politics.
I have my fingers crossed that my daughter will be able to say the same one day.
Ann was one of my favorites as well.
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