You can't ignore politics, no matter how much you'd like to.
Hear the voice of Molly Ivins, sharp of wit and fierce of spirit, who declared: “You can't ignore politics, no matter how much you'd like to.” These words strike like a bell in the stillness of complacency, reminding us that politics is not some distant spectacle, but the very air we breathe and the ground we walk upon. One may wish to look away, to retreat into the comfort of private life, but politics will not release you. For it governs the food upon your table, the schools of your children, the safety of your streets, and the freedom of your soul.
The origin of these words lies in Ivins’s long career as a journalist, one who chronicled the rough-and-tumble of American politics with wit and with fire. She saw with clarity that politics was not only the game of the powerful, but the fate of ordinary people. She spoke for those who had no seat at the table, warning them that silence and apathy only granted more power to those who already held it. Her statement is both truth and challenge: you may tire of politics, but politics will never tire of shaping your life.
Consider the great struggles of the twentieth century. Many citizens wished to remain untouched by the rise of fascism in Europe, preferring to live quietly, far from conflict. Yet the tide of politics swept across the world, dragging nations into war. Those who ignored it did not escape its grasp—they only faced it unprepared. So too in the civil rights era: there were those who wished to remain neutral, untouched by the turmoil of marches and protests. Yet their silence did not shield them; for politics decided whether segregation continued, whether justice was delayed, whether freedom belonged to all or to some.
Ivins’s words are a reminder that politics is woven into daily life. The decision of a government to fund or starve a public service is politics. The choice to wage war or make peace is politics. The laws that protect—or fail to protect—the vulnerable are politics. Even the price of bread in the marketplace is tied to policies of trade and tax. One may despise the noise of debate, the corruption of leaders, the endless quarrels of parties—but one cannot escape their consequences. To ignore politics is to surrender your fate to others.
Her words also contain a warning against the seduction of apathy. For those who believe they are “above” politics or safe in their detachment are the very ones who enable the worst abuses. Tyrants thrive when the people turn their faces away. Injustice flourishes when it is met with silence. To ignore politics is not neutrality—it is consent, the quiet nod that gives power to those who act without your voice.
O seeker, the lesson is clear: you may not love politics, but you must engage with it, for it will find you whether you seek it or not. Freedom demands vigilance, justice demands participation, and fairness demands your voice. Even small actions—the casting of a vote, the speaking of truth in conversation, the support of leaders who honor justice—are the stones that build the foundation of a just society.
And what actions must we take? Do not shrink from the duty of citizenship. Learn, question, and stay vigilant. Vote not only in great elections but in local ones, for they shape the life closest to you. Speak against corruption, even in small places, for silence is its food. Teach the next generation that politics is not only about power—it is about responsibility, about caring for the community of which we are a part.
Thus remember Molly Ivins’s words: “You can’t ignore politics, no matter how much you’d like to.” Take them not as burden but as calling. For to live in community is to live in politics, and to turn away is to abandon your place in the story of your people. Stand, then, with courage. Engage, with wisdom. For politics, when met with justice and truth, is not a curse, but the vessel through which a people shape their destiny.
VCNguyen Viet Cuong
Ivins' words ring true, especially in a time when politics can feel overwhelming and divisive. It’s tempting to just turn it all off and pretend it doesn't affect us, but in reality, politics is ingrained in every aspect of our lives. My concern, though, is how do we make people feel empowered by politics, rather than frustrated by it? Is there a way to encourage participation without the cynicism that often surrounds political discussions?
VTKieu Le Vu Thuy
Molly Ivins’ statement makes me think about how politics often feels like an unavoidable force. Even if you try to ignore it, you're still affected by its outcomes. It’s a powerful reminder that being passive isn't an option, especially when so many policies directly affect our communities. But how can we make politics feel more approachable or relevant to those who find it overwhelming or uninteresting? What’s the best way to spark genuine interest in civic engagement?
CTNguyen Cong Tru
This quote from Molly Ivins resonates with me because it reminds us that politics isn't something we can just tune out. It’s everywhere, and it impacts every part of our lives. The more we disengage, the more we let others shape our reality. But how do we get more people to care about politics in a way that leads to positive change? What are the practical steps to take if you feel overwhelmed by the constant political noise?
TNHieu Tra Ngoc
Molly Ivins’ quote really hits home. It’s easy to feel disconnected from politics, especially when it feels like everything is a mess. But the truth is, ignoring politics doesn’t make it go away. The decisions that politicians make affect everything from our personal freedoms to economic stability. How can we expect meaningful change if we don’t engage, even when it’s uncomfortable? Is it possible to be politically neutral in a world where every issue is political?