(Ann W. Richards, the 45th governor of Texas, was born on September 1, 1933. Her birthdate would have made her 88 on this day. I reported on her throughout her entire political career from county commissioner to state treasurer and governor. This reminiscence of her is subjective, but drawn from the experience of more than a quarter century as a journalist in her near daily orbit).
I first met her when she was Sarah Weddington’s campaign manager (1972) and I was an officer in UTYD’s and the Student Action Coalition (SAC-PAC). I knew plenty of tough Texas women, like my dad’s childhood friend Dorothy Richter, but she was in a category previously unknown to me and at first I didn’t know how to interpret what was happening! I still marvel at her energy and her foresight—she would understand exactly how we tumbled into the dark rabbit hole of abject government failure under Abbott, and could get us back out. How I miss her! Please expand your vivid recollections and write a book of these colorful stories about her. It would be very welcome right now.
I first met her when she was Sarah Weddington’s campaign manager (1972) and I was an officer in UTYD’s and the Student Action Coalition (SAC-PAC). I knew plenty of tough Texas women, like my dad’s childhood friend Dorothy Richter, but she was in a category previously unknown to me and at first I didn’t know how to interpret what was happening! I still marvel at her energy and her foresight—she would understand exactly how we tumbled into the dark rabbit hole of abject government failure under Abbott, and could get us back out. How I miss her! Please expand your vivid recollections and write a book of these colorful stories about her. It would be very welcome right now.
Tears. I loved her so. And love you too.
Beautiful.
A proper homage to one of the most transformative places on earth.
Well, that's a wonderful essay. Thank you.