Remembering Ann Richards
Posted by on September 14, 2006 at 11:18 AM
Governor Dean:
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Richards family as we mourn the loss of a true trailblazer and beloved member of the Democratic Party.
Governor Richards may be best known for her quick wit and sense of humor, but people in Texas know she created the most diverse government in the state's history at the time, fought for public schools and advocated for people struggling with substance abuse problems.
Today, we celebrate the life of a woman whose commitment to public service and the people of Texas was as big as her spirit. The country will remember her with fondness and admiration.
Since hearing the news last night I have been receiving e-mails filled with people's fond memories and stories about Governor Richards.
In the office this morning there were more stories to be shared about Governor Richards - from tales of her exploits in Texas to ancedotes about traveling with her during the 2004 Presidential election.
From Burnt Orange Report:
The current chairman of the Texas Democratic Party, Boyd Richie, added, “we lost a true Texas hero in Ann Richards. Ann knew the real meaning of public service, and her dedication to empowering others was evident throughout her entire political career. Ann was a trailblazer and a real treasure, and I know people of all political persuasions are saddened by her passing”
Governor Richards leaves a lasting legacy behind. Ann once said,"I did not want my tombstone to read, 'She kept a really clean house.' I think I'd like them to remember me by saying, 'She opened government to everyone.'"
From AP:
The silver-haired, silver-tongued Ms. Richards said she entered politics to help others, especially women and minorities who were often ignored by Texas' male-dominated establishment...
Ms. Richards grabbed the national spotlight with her keynote address at the 1988 Democratic National Convention, when she was the Texas state treasurer. She won cheers when she reminded delegates that Ginger Rogers did everything Fred Astaire did, "only backwards and in high heels."
Ms. Richards sealed her partisan reputation with a blast at George H.W. Bush, a fellow Texan who was vice president at the time: "Poor George, he can't help it. He was born with a silver foot in his mouth."
From the Austin-American Statesman:
Richards often told young girls not to try her path diverting from obedient know-no-alternative housewifery to a late discovery of personal potential.
"The only standard that truly matters is the one you set for yourself," she said at Girls State in 1993. "And you cannot count on Prince Charming to make you feel better about yourself and take care of you, like some funhouse mirror that reflects you at twice your real size.
"Because Prince Charming may be driving a Honda and telling you that you have no equal . . . but that won't do you much good when you've got kids and a mortgage . . . and he has a beer gut and a wandering eye."
On embarking on her 12-year stint as a statewide official, Richards said: "Naturally, I want it to be easier for women to get involved in politics. I want them to think of politics and public service as a good place for them, as something honorable and something worthwhile for them to pursue. And the way they are going to do that is to say, 'If she can do it, I can do it.' "
Comments (21) «
The Lone Star State lost its brightest star yesterday.
We lost a hero in Texas and it would be a tremendous gester for the State Democratic Party to orgainze a march down Congress Ave to honor our beloved Governor. She march down Congress when elected to show the antion that Texas was open to all, and that door has been closed. I'm sure Governor Richards would welcome seeing thousands of Texans in Austin showing our unity and willingness to take away our state government from those alligned with George W. Bush and his failed policies.
We lost a hero in Texas and it would be a tremendous gester for the State Democratic Party to orgainze a march down Congress Ave to honor our beloved Governor. She march down Congress when elected to show the antion that Texas was open to all, and that door has been closed. I'm sure Governor Richards would welcome seeing thousands of Texans in Austin showing our unity and willingness to take away our state government from those alligned with George W. Bush and his failed policies.
what if...
what if she was not slandered by W and rove
what if she became the first woman President of the United States of America
oh, well
may she rest in peace
Rest in peace, Governor. We shall carry on the fight for rightousness adn justice.
Remembering My Hero
Last night one of my heroes and an icon in Democratic politics passed away from cancer. I had the pleasure of meeting Governor Richards in 2004 at the DNC Convention in Boston, for me it was the highlight of the entire convention. The Governor was an advocate of many of the issues that are most important to me and to many of us, including voter rights, women's rights, gay rights and the right to a fair public education. In short, she knew the right battles to fight and over her career as a politician and advocate she fought without compromise.
One thing the Governor will be remembered for is her quick wit and southern humor. I thought today I would share with you some of my favorite remarks by Governor Richards. Below are two quotes and an audio link to the Governor's 1988 DNC Convention speech.
“Poor George, he can’t help it… he was born with a silver foot in his mouth!”
Governor Ann Richards, speaking about the senior Bush, not George W.
Governor Richards jeers gubernatorial candidate George W. Bush after Bush shot a federal protect bird during a campaign photo op.
"You can't get dressed up in a hunting jacket .... borrow somebody's shot gun… higher yourself a guide, and go out to someone's pastor…. and fake it...!" - Governor Ann Richards
http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/annrichards1988dnc.htm
The speech is about 10 to 15 minutes long. With the familiar themes of the War on Terrorism, a corrupt Republican administration, and the outsourcing of American jobs you might just think this speech was from 2006 and not 1988.
What a woman! What a politician!
Yes, we lost a great Democratic. And when we kept losing great Democrats we will not have any left. So we can look forward for many, many years of republicans. Unless people wake up and we can get more Democrats like a Kennedy or a Ann Richards
Austin City Limits starts tomorrow and there will be a lot of musical remembrance. Ann Richards was a feminist. She empowered people of color and those who had been discriminated against because of their sexual orientation. She was hilarious, and she was honest.
It was my privelege to hear her speak at the Democratic National Convention in 1984. She stood out as a leader and the people of Texas recognized that years later when they elected her their governor.
She brought tolerance and understanding to Austin. She belonged on the national stage. Her comment about the silver foot was one of the best ever delivered, and it cost her the seat.
Don't piss off the bushies. And Bob Perry has donated another 5 million for the latest Swiftboat 527. How long do we have to take this?
As a Texan our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Governor Ann Richards. There is another great Democrat running this year for Governor, his name is Chris Bell. And I believe that Ann Richards one of the greatest Democrats of all time in Texas politics would encourage all of us to vote for our party and vote for Chris Bell for governor of the great state of Texas!
It was obvious to me when she gave the The Democratic Parties keynote address that life was in this lady.I`ve deeply admired people like her that spoke from their core.You didn`t have to decipher what Ann Richards was thinking you just needed to listen.God Bless
Another of my heros gone! Rest in Peace, Ann Richards. Let's have faith that someone will come forward to carry the standard.
I was too young to really have been effected by Mrs. Ann Richards ,but everything I have seen and heard all day about her makes me regret I never had the chance to hear more about her.She was an awesome lady and seemed like she would be totally cool to talk to.
May she rest in peace and I hope there are others out there like her.We can really use ladies like that in this day and age.I'm surprised someone so smart, sassy and cool could come from the state of Texas.I guess I should'nt generalize all people from the south like I do.She seemed like a real cool and down to earth lady.
I was living in Dallas, Texas at the time Ann Richards was first elected Governor and had the distinct pleasure of casting my vote for her. But because of the size of Texas, I never had the chance to meet her in person and speak with her until she came to New Hampshire in January 2004 to speak for Governor Howard Dean during his Presidential Campaign. Then I had another chance to talk to her briefly in June 2005 in Austin, Texas at the DNC sponsored Women's Leadership Forum. She was a great lady and a great Democrat. We have lost a true and honest friend.
I lived in Dallas when she spoke at the Democratic Convention in 1988, I knew of her because I was a 'newsjunkie' but never really got to meet her in person. I was a very big supporter. I remember waiting up late to see her acceptance speech after she won, and I was furious when she lost to Bush of whom I might add had never worked a 'real' job before in his life.
I will miss her, and I will remember her as a 'role model' I will also use her colorful metaphors when describing decendants of the Bush family. God Bless Ann Richards!
Yall are a sad lot when you can't just say "it's sad that Governor Richards died. We wish her remaining family well. She was a great politician." You have to bring in negative attacks against both Bushes. Shame on you all. What the hell have you become?
Ann Richards wasn't just Texas' loss, but a loss to all of us. She was a real stand up and be counted Democrat and she could do it with class and a great sense of humor. She will be missed.
RIP, Ann Richards. You will be remembered...and missed.
Thank you for being my friend. Texas and the world is a better place because of you. My thoughts and prayers are with the Richards family I will miss you, dear friend. You were the best.
Thank you for being my friend. Texas and the world is a better place because of you. My thoughts and prayers are with the Richards family I will miss you, dear friend. You were the best.
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