Ivins memorialized in Austin

AUSTIN, Texas, Feb. 5 (UPI) -- Friends and family of Molly Ivins gathered in Austin, Texas, to remember the late liberal columnist by throwing a party, the Austin American Statesman said.

Ivins, known for using satire and humor to deliver strong opinions in her syndicated column, died Wednesday in Austin of breast cancer at 62.

Hundreds gathered Sunday at First United Methodist Church in Austin for the memorial.

Her friend Linda Lewis got a huge reaction, the newspaper said, when she read from one of Ivins' columns: "The next time I tell you someone from Texas should not be president of the United States, please pay attention."

In her last column, Ivins urged readers to oppose President George W. Bush's plans to send more troops to Baghdad.

"We are the people who run this country. We are the deciders," Ivins wrote. "And every single day, every single one of us needs to step outside and take some action to help stop this war."

Lou Dubose, who worked with Ivins on two books, said Ivins "didn't have readers; she had a constituency."

"She was such a sucker for the little guy who stood up against the bullies and the bastards," he said.