Ann Richards (former Gov of Texas) dies at 73

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the life and legacy of Ann W. Richards, the former governor of Texas, following her death at the age of 73. Participants reflect on her political impact, notable speeches, and personal anecdotes, as well as share links to media coverage and images related to her life.

Discussion Character

  • Meta-discussion
  • Historical

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes Ann Richards' significant role in Texas politics and her contributions to civil rights, gay rights, and feminism.
  • Another shares a link to a Democracy Now segment featuring her speech, suggesting it is a valuable resource for understanding her impact.
  • Several participants express personal sentiments about her, with one sharing a memorable image of her and another recalling a striking magazine cover featuring Richards.
  • A humorous remark is made referencing a quote attributed to Richards about George W. Bush, reflecting on her wit and public persona.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express admiration for Ann Richards and share personal memories, but there is no formal consensus on specific aspects of her legacy or political impact.

Contextual Notes

Some references to media and personal anecdotes may depend on individual interpretations of Richards' contributions and public image, which are not universally agreed upon.

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Ann W. Richards, the silver-haired Texas activist who galvanized the 1988 Democratic National Convention with her tart keynote speech and was the state’s 45th governor until upset in 1994 by an underestimated challenger named George W. Bush, died Wednesday at her home in Austin. She was 73.

Ms. Richard died, surrounded by her four children, of complications from the esophageal cancer, the Associated Press reported.

Ms. Richards was the most recent and one of the most effective in a long-line of Lone Star State progressives who vied for control of Texas in the days when it was largely a one-party Democratic enclave, a champion of civil rights, gay rights and feminism. Her defeat by the future president was one of the chief markers of the end of generations of Democratic dominance in Texas.
NY Times, Sept 14, 2006
 
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They had a great piece on Democracy Now of her speaking.

http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=06/09/14/1351236

Forward to about 20:00
 
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Farewell, Ann..
http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/governors/modern/richards-p01.jpg
you were one of a kind.
 
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Wow! How did you know where to find that photo?
 
Actually, I couldn't find the picture I was looking for. Some years back she was on a magazine cover -- I think it may have been Texas Monthly. The caption was "White Hot Mama" and there was a picture of Ann wearing a white leather motorcycle outfit. She looked terrific, and it was an absolutely stunning picture. That's how I always think of her.
 
...uhhhh...then I won't tell you what she admitted to.:rolleyes:
 
"'Poor George.he can't help it - he was born with a silver foot in his mouth.' - Ann...:smile: