Satire is traditionally the weapon of the powerless against the powerful. I only aim at the powerful. When satire is aimed at the powerless, it is not only cruel -- it's vulgar. Molly Ivins More Quotes by Molly Ivins More Quotes From Molly Ivins On Bill Clinton: "If left to my own devices, I'd spend all my time pointing out that he's weaker than bus-station chili. But the man is so constantly subjected to such hideous and unfair abuse that I wind up standing up for him on the general principle that some fairness should be applied. Besides, no one but a fool or a Republican ever took him for a liberal. Molly Ivins abuse wind men How the American right managed to convince itself that the programs to alleviate poverty are responsible for the consequences of poverty will someday be studied as a notorious mass illusion. Molly Ivins political party government It's hard to argue against cynics - they always sound smarter than optimists because they have so much evidence on their side. Molly Ivins sound sides arguing Any nation that can survive what we have lately in the way of government, is on the high road to permanent glory. Molly Ivins politics political government We've had trickle down economics in the country for ten years now, and most of us aren't even damp yet. Molly Ivins economics country years I believe all Southern liberals come from the same starting point--race. Once you figure out they are lying to you about race, you start to question everything. Molly Ivins race believe lying The trouble with blaming powerless people is that although it's not nearly as scary as blaming the powerful, it does miss the point. Poor people do not shut down factories... Poor people didn't decide to use 'contract employees' because they cost less and don't get any benefits. Molly Ivins scary powerful people Either we figure out how to keep corporate cash out of the political system or we lose the democracy. Molly Ivins cash democracy political Every two years, one of the most hotly contested elections in Texas is the poll taken among members of the capitol press corps to determine who are actually the ten stupidest members of the Legislature. Two years ago, there were thirty-seven official nominees and several write-ins. Molly Ivins taken writing years Although a life-long fashion dropout, I have absorbed enough by reading Harper's Bazaar while waiting at the dentist's to have grasped that the purpose of fashion is to make A Statement. My own modest Statement, discerned by true cognoscenti, is, "Woman Who Wears Clothes So She Won't Be Naked. Molly Ivins clothes fashion reading Personally, I think government is a tool, like a hammer. You can use a hammer to build or you can use a hammer to destroy; there is nothing intrinsically good or evil about the hammer itself. It is the purposes to which it is put and the skill with which it is used that determine whether the hammer's work is good or bad. Molly Ivins government skills thinking Good thing we've still got politics in Texas - finest form of free entertainment ever invented. Molly Ivins texas politics political Whenever you hear a politician carry on about what a mess the schools are, be aware that you are looking at the culprit. Molly Ivins politician teaching school Bad policies, stupid policies, gutless policies have real consequences. Molly Ivins political real stupid Anyone who thinks humans are not capable of so fouling their own nest that the land and the waters can no longer be productive just hasn't been paying attention. Molly Ivins land water thinking He was so narrow minded he could see through a keyhole with both eyes. Molly Ivins keyholes sarcastic eye In Texas, we do not hold high expectations for the [governor's] office; it's mostly been occupied by crooks, dorks and the comatose. Molly Ivins texas office expectations There is no inverse relationship between freedom and security. Less of one does not lead to more of the other. People with no rights are not safe from terrorist attack. Molly Ivins rights doe people Age has given me what I was looking for my entire life - it gave me me. It provided me the time and experience and failures and triumphs and friends who helped me step into the shape that had been waiting for me all my life. Molly Ivins triumph age waiting Nice is a pallid virtue. Not like honesty or courage or perseverance. On the other hand, in a nation notably lacking in civility, there is much to be said for nice. Molly Ivins perseverance honesty nice
