Molly Ivins: Politics for grownups

[Dudley_DUright]

I'm a card-carrying member of The Great Liberal Backlash of 2003, one of the half-dozen or so writers now schlepping around the country promoting books that do not speak kindly of Our Leader's record. As a group, we are making satisfying inroads on the best-seller lists, a merciful switch from the right-wing cow-flops that have appeared there lately.

Our points of view vary, our modes of attack differ -- some of us are funny and some somber -- but it continues to amaze me that there is so little overlap in what we have written. What's wrong with this administration is not a short list.

Nevertheless, we are, one and all, being dismissed by right-wing media, with unmistakable lockstep precision -- that everybody-singing-off-the-same-page that so distinguishes the right -- as "Bush haters." Not a radio call-in show goes by, not a right-wing host fails to mention (even when I try to pre-empt the charge) that I am "just another Bush hater."

If you do not suffer from amnesia, you may recall that this country was cursed with Clinton haters for eight long years. They were a little over the top -- they accused the man of rape, murder, drug-dealing, miscegenation, treason and more. And his wife of worse.

more...

http://www.workingforchange.com/article.cfm?itemid=15822

[Feanorcurufinwe]

1. Kind of like how the terms 'Dean-hater" and "Dean-basher" are used here.

[Skittles]

2. with all due respect to Molly

I *DO* hate the SOB. He STOLE THE ELECTION, TRASHED THE ECONOMY and now SOLDIERS ARE DYING EVERY DAY. If EVER there were reasons to HATE, THOSE ARE THE REASONS.

[Dudley_DUright]

4. I'm with you Skittles

As much as I admire Molly, I think she is wrong about Bush. I don't find him affable at all, and if he had any compassion, he would not approve the policies he does.

[Wetzelbill]

5. although I do have my moments of hatred as well :)

[Wetzelbill]

3. no need to declare my love for Molly, I have done so many times

already.

Ivins is tremendously fair. Always is. She gives the best and fairest accounts of GWB in most professional fashion. Plus, she knows politics in and out, so when she says(writes) something it carries weight. Bush is a pretty affable guy. I think so anyway. He might be a good guy to sit and have a cuppa joe with, but this man should have nothing to do with running the most powerful nation ever. He's personable, but also the most disasterous president ever. Horrible policies and no ingenuity. Fair and true.

[jenm]

14. Like my father used to say

He's an empty suit

[theivoryqueen]

6. opposite of love?

I also treasure Molly Ivins wit and wisdom, but there are times I disagree with her views. Especially this one. I understand that she is trying to smooth over the bumps in Americas' current and disastrously uncivil political discourse. But it won't wash, because there is truth to the claims that liberals hate Bush. As the neocons hated Clinton, and as their chosen mouthpieces (Ann Coulter, etc.) continue to promote hatred of liberals to date. It's the old question - can fighting fire with fire work?? Do daisies shoved into gun barrels really stop violence? Is there any other realistic reaction to severe and callous corruption besides complete loathing?

[realFedUp]

8. She said she doesn't hate Bush...says he's an amiable guy

Dems, Progressives, Liberals, Indies, Greens etc.
work every day to try and right the real wrongs
Bush Inc. is doing to this country...we agree
inserting daisies into gun barrels doesn't work
except as a photo op.

[av8rdave]

9. I don't think the liberals hate Shrub quite the way...

the right wing hates Clinton. He was harrassed with every possible allegation/investigation/accusation they could dredge up, whether there was substance to it or not.

The Shrub makes it a lot easier for us. His lies and misdeeds are right out there for everyone to see. No insinuation or baiting necessary!

Cheers,

av8rdave

[bpilgrim]

10. melt fascist

with humor

http://new.globalfreepress.com/mp3/bomb_brown_people.mp3

:evilgrin:

peace

[Wickerman]

7. Yikes!

I personally hope the photo of me sitting on his (Bush*) lap at a Christmas party with him dressed as Santa has disappeared for all time.

Perhaps her "affable" comments are meant to temper the tone so that people read her book and see what a scumbag we are dealing with there in Mr. Gore's Oval Office.

[Philostopher]

11. My guess is Molly's take on the whole thing

Might be 'you can catch more flies with honey than you can with vinegar.' I'd be curious to see if it works -- one can hope she has some success with it.

[Myra]

12. She clearly doesn't recognize the depth of Bush evil

In Der Thief, and in the family tree.

Odd, I've never thought of Molly as naive before.

[Ms. Clio]

13. I usuallly respect Molly's opinion but think she's wrong about Chimpy

Sociopaths are often affable and charming.