One of the benefits of life in the big city is options. Options in entertainment and speakers, such as the Progressive Forum. Last night's speaker was Molly Ivins, and she does not disappoint.
I've long been a fan of Molly Ivins. Yes, she is known for Bush-bashing. Yes, she is a mouthpiece for the left wing. But it's OK — she is unapologetic. and she does what she does well. She is incredibly entertaining in person; even weak with cancer, she can still deliver her trademark acerbic wit in such a manner that you wouldn't be surprised if she let loose with a string of profanities that would put Harry Truman or Lyndon Johnson to shame. Oh wait — she does (!)
She talked at length about Texas politics. She had dozens of anecdotes about her life as a liberal in the conservative world of Texas. She spared no punches when describing her distaste for the way the Republicans have run the state. She was wonderfully funny as she described some of the more humorous aspects of local politics. And she was witty when she described how Texas exports some of its biggest mistakes. It's no surprise that she is no fan of Bush 1 or 2, but she illustrates her point with great examples — syntax mistakes and all. It was a delight to listen to her.
She opened up for an audience Q&A, which gave her the opportunity to veer from her notes and be more spontaneous. Russ Feingold? Maybe. Kinky Friedman? She supports him. Tom DeLay? A shame to see him go.
It was a wonderful evening. I'm so glad we went — I was needing a reason to be here. Al Gore is on the schedule for June; we'll be there. At last, a place I could feel at home in Houston.
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