Whatever Happened to Molly?

Whatever Happened to Molly?

I know I shouldn’t, and it’s probably just a nasty coincidence, but I’m feeling somewhat guilty about the disappearance from the Sioux City Journal of the one political columnist whose work I most admired: Molly Ivins. You’ve probably noticed, as I have, that Ivins’ column has mysteriously gone AWOL. I say “mysteriously” as no warning or explanation has been forthcoming from the esteemed Journal. Even worse, Ivins has been replaced by such right-wing political troglodytes as Bill O’Reilly and Charles Krauthammer.

And why do I blame myself? Well, you may recall the following Letter to the Editor of 11/6/05 critiquing former Journal publisher (and current cranky old fart) Dean Krenz after he unfairly and irrationally took potshots at Ivins. In case you didn’t clip the piece, I’ll reprint it here in all its glory:

[“Kudos to Sunday’s letter writer for a pointed critique of last Friday’s Dean Krenz column. I’d like to add my own observations.

Apparently, having been a publisher entitles one to think one’s disjointed ramblings are worth seeing in print. I use the term “ramblings” advisedly, as Krenz flits from topic to topic, giving voice to his “feelings” while rarely pausing to develop a cogent argument backed by factual evidence.

Krenz’ latest column “bashing” Molly Ivins typifies this approach. In his narcissistic style, Krenz on Friday informed us that he “really, deeply” hates columnist Molly Ivins. Why we readers need to know this is not clear. Nor is the reason for his hatred, innuendo, and petty name-calling, other than Krenz’ unsubstantiated dismissal of Ivins as a veteran Bush basher. “I hate you,” though, is the cry of a petulant child, not the mark of a mature, reasoned argument. Hatred is ultimately irrational, and hence unanswerable. Better Krenz should treat us like adults and argue the merits of Ivins’ critiques of Bush and administration policies, rather than simply giving vent to his emotions.

Ivins, to her credit, does usually develop an argument and provide supporting evidence. That cannot be said of a great number of today’s so-called political pundits who, like Krenz, think the world amiss if it doesn’t conform to their personal prejudices. Instead, I welcome any columnist of any political stripe who follows the traditional and accepted rules of argumentation, and I hope the Journal would do the same.”]

Krenz dodged the specific charges against him (big surprise!), and instead responded shortly thereafter with the following sarcastic defense: “My column writing style is conversational rather than that used in legal briefs by learned barristers” (Journal 12/2/05). Gosh, Mr. Krenz, in desiring to “[stir] up the kettle, “as you so quaintly put it, could you perhaps also bring yourself ONCE IN A WHILE to compose a logical argument backed up with factual evidence? Apparently not, judging by Krenz’ more recent columns suggesting that protecting endangered wildlife species in the U.S. sends the wrong “touchy-feely” message to would-be anti-American terrorists, or the oddly inconsequential list of “Seven Things that Tick Me Off” of February 17, in which Krenz (at his undisciplined best) hides behind ambiguous pronouns and gross stereotypes without ever citing a specific example of someone actually committing the offenses he decries. Really, how do we bridge that great disjunction between the world according to Dean Krenz, and the world as it actually is?

Anyway, as the saying goes, “you can’t fight City Hall” (though Lord knows I’ve tried!). Apparently, you also can’t take on a local hack ex-publisher, whose columns haven’t improved in quality one whit since the abovementioned rant against Ivins. Now Ivins is gone, yet Krenz remains…

But hey, writing well is hard work! And by adding additional intellectual light-weights like Bill O’Reilly to the Journal’s Opinion Page, Krenz’ own frequently pointless musings can’t help but look better by comparison.

Honestly, I do not mind a conservative political columnist … so long as they write responsibly and well.

Anybody out there interested in organizing a petition to bring back Ivins?

Peace!
Historian