Sometime today, take a moment of silence and think of Molly Ivins.

[Cyrano]

She was one of the most brilliant, liberal voices out there. For decades, she spoke truth to power, but in such a way, that we all got to laugh along with her.

I'll never forget her comment about Pat Buchanan's speech at the 2000 Republican Convention. He said, "We are engaged in a culture war." And Molly said, "His remark sounded better in the original German."

She made the words Dubya and Shrub a part of our language.

And whenever the Texas legislature met, she said, "A bunch of Texas towns are missing their idiots." Yep, she was the first to use that line.

I'm not overly sentimental, but the fact that she's no longer with us has caused me to shed a few tears this morning.

So long, Molly. I don't know whether or not there's a heaven, but I smile at the thought of you and Ann Richards tossing down shooters together and outdoing each other with one-liners.

You made a difference. And you will be so missed.

[grilled onions]

1. Time To Check The Bookstores...

..and add to your Molly Ivins collection! She may be gone but she will never be forgotten. Many of her quips and comments got many thinking and we are all the better for it. Thank you Molly!