Cecile Richards, 1957-2025
Cecile Richards--what a sparkling gem of a human!
It was my joy and good luck to know her from the 1980s, when I was running for Texas Agriculture Commissioner and her mother, Ann, was running for State Treasurer. Young Cecile was Ann's secret weapon, both a passionate surrogate campaigner and a compassionate advocate for workday people who're routinely overlooked by the political system.
We wanted her to run for high office, but she was too busy representing common people and standing for the Common Good to let a political career interfere. And she not only brought her smarts to every effort, but also her genuine, uplifting laughter that made people want to be part of whatever outrage she was battling.
If you're looking for a role model for a worthy life in public service, think Cecile.
It is a great loss for women across the country. It is truly a day of mourning.
Thanks to this I did a search on her. I knew Cecile Richards' name from Planned Parenthood and as a leader for women's reproductive rights, but had no idea she was a Texan and the offspring of Ann Richards. Who can forget Ann's '88 D convention Bush characterization "born with a silver foot in his mouth"? Seems there are Texas families who still pass along a deeply rooted heritage of caring for the common good. Bless y'all!!!