Molly Ivins is a best-selling author and widely read politicalcolumnist who has won many journalism awards. She is known for her senseof humor, and unlike many people, thinks that politics are entertaining.She went to Smith, an all-female college, and writes about women's issuesin addition to media and political issues.
Although Ivins has been exposed to things that would make manypeople feel hostile, like sexism among her co-workers, and unjust lawsbeing passed by politicians, she thinks the key is to laugh about it. Shesays that by getting people to laugh when they read her columns, she canprovoke them to think about issues and hopefully work to change them. Herunique writing style is known for its feistiness, and sometimes herchoice of words offends people. She is definitely an independent spirit,and loves humorously attacking politicians in her columns.
Ivins writes for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram in Texas, because she loves Texas politics. She thinks Texas has the funniest politicians and the best topics to write about. Although she has worked for other papers such as the New York Times, she prefers working in Texas, and her spicy writing style reflects that culture.
Ivins wants readers to become involved in politics, since each person can play a role in democracy. She says information is power, and people need to know what's going on around them. She wants to show people how legislation affects them directly.
Learn about what your local government is doing. Oftentimes your local government is working on issues that affect young people, such as who pays for school textbooks, safety regulations, and bussing students to school. Talk to adults to find out more about these topics. Talk to your teacher about organizing a field trip to the Statehouse or Legislature or another nearby government branch, and see if your senator or representative can meet with your class and talk to you about what laws they're working on that might affect you.